Preceptor Program Decisions

[khdz2014]

I just began my senior year of nursing school and I need to decide whether or not I want to do my preceptorship in med-surg or in a specialty unit. I really like OB and think I would like to pursue it as a career. However, I tend to bounce around different areas in life and probaly would not stay in one field for decades, more like years. I dislike med-surg a lot, however I think it would give me the skills I may need later in life if I decide to switch specialties later. Any advice on what would be the better path?

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I am in the ICU this semester and am LOVING it!! I have developed more skills in my 3 days there than I have in the rest of my program. I think L and D would be a disservice (we aren't allowed to precept there) because you are only with one patient. I know a girl who precepted jn L&D and hated it because she said she didn't feel like she really learned anything.

[smf0903]

I agree spring chick! I am in MICU for my preceptorship and holy cow I am learning so much!! I am the same in that I have done/seen more in a couple of days than I have in my last three semesters combined (at least it feels that way!). I am loving the "putting together the whole picture" and the fact that these patients have a LOT going on is helping me see how things affect each other. I love, love, LOVE it!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

either choice depends on what you put in to the experience. Both can be challenging. For one thing, medical units teach you how to do good assessments, deal with families, and manage your time.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

I can only hope that I get into a critical care unit for my preceptorship.