Perspective on precepting

Specialties NICU

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Specializes in NICU.

I am currently precepting in a level III NICU and I love it. My preceptor is very knowledgable and am confident I will learn so much from her over the next couple of months. However, there is something that I a stressing about (just a little). I am considering working for that hospital, however I am also looking at another hospital as well. I just recently got called for an interview (to the other hospital) which I will go to in the next few weeks. These two hospitals are located in the same city and the staff that work at each are very loyal to their workplace. I am worried that if I would decide to go with the other hospital that my preceptor would feel like she wasted her time. I HAVE NOT yet made up my mind, but I am a little concerned about this. Any ideas on what to do? Do I have loyalty to the hospital that I am precepting in? She know I am interested in working at her hospital, I am not sure if I have made it known I am not positive. How do I do this tactfully?:rolleyes:

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Specializes in NICU.

Do you mean that you're precepting in school? I did one of those right before graduation - is that what you're talking about?

If so, don't worry. Just because you have your preceptorship at a hospital doesn't mean that they will hire you, or that you have to work there. It's still part of school. You have no obligations to each other. Even if you decided to work there, you would STILL have to go through a full new grad orientation when you start working. So the time spent during the preceptorship doesn't mean anything but that it would be an easier orientation. They're still required to start from scratch when you start working, you know what I mean? So you're not wasting their time. And any unit that would shave a huge amount of time off a new grad's orientation just because they did their preceptorship there should be avoided. I mean, a couple of weeks maybe. But if the typical new grad gets a 3-4 month orientation and they're going to only give you 1-2 months because they "already precepted" you...not a good thing, in my opinion.

Do use this time to see if you "fit in" at this hospital. NICUs may look great on paper, but it's the staff that really makes or breaks the unit. If you don't like who you're working with, nothing else matters.

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Specializes in NICU.
Do you mean that you're precepting in school? I did one of those right before graduation - is that what you're talking about?

If so, don't worry. Just because you have your preceptorship at a hospital doesn't mean that they will hire you, or that you have to work there. It's still part of school. You have no obligations to each other. Even if you decided to work there, you would STILL have to go through a full new grad orientation when you start working. So the time spent during the preceptorship doesn't mean anything but that it would be an easier orientation. They're still required to start from scratch when you start working, you know what I mean? So you're not wasting their time. And any unit that would shave a huge amount of time off a new grad's orientation just because they did their preceptorship there should be avoided. I mean, a couple of weeks maybe. But if the typical new grad gets a 3-4 month orientation and they're going to only give you 1-2 months because they "already precepted" you...not a good thing, in my opinion.

Do use this time to see if you "fit in" at this hospital. NICUs may look great on paper, but it's the staff that really makes or breaks the unit. If you don't like who you're working with, nothing else matters.

Yes, I am in my last semester of school. My preceptor makes comments like, "when you work here..." . Also, the other day I asked the question, "tell me why I should work here and not at blank hospital" I was interested in her perspective.

That is why I was afraid that IF I decided the other hospital was better for me, she would be a little offended. I DID indicate that I was/am interested in working there, it is a great hospital. However, I want to make sure I thoroughly check out my options. I just did not know how to do this without it seeming like I lead them on. Do I tell her I was called in for an interview, or just say nothing?

Ideas??

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

At some point in time, you will have to choose one or the other. Once you do, stay there for @ least a year, 2 would be better. Then you can change if you want. But it's not fair to the unit to invest in a new grad (and it is expensive) only to have him/her leave and go to the competition. That is assuming you are not placed in an untenable position--unreasonable assignments, insufficient support, hostile work environment, etc.

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Specializes in NICU.
At some point in time, you will have to choose one or the other. Once you do, stay there for @ least a year, 2 would be better. Then you can change if you want. But it's not fair to the unit to invest in a new grad (and it is expensive) only to have him/her leave and go to the competition. That is assuming you are not placed in an untenable position--unreasonable assignments, insufficient support, hostile work environment, etc.

I absolutely agree. That is one of the reasons I take finding my first job so seriously. I want to make sure it is a good fit because I plan on staying.

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Specializes in NICU.

Try to avoid talking about working ANYWHERE. You are a student, there to learn. It's going to get very political if you start comparing hospitals out loud. Don't talk about interviews, etc.

Just my opinon.

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Specializes in NICU.

Yep, I think that is very true. Live and learn.:rolleyes: Thanks for the response Gompers.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree that it would be best not to talk about it. However, if you decide to work for the other hospital, it would be best for you to leave your "student hospital" on the best terms possible. After all, you might want a job there someday.

If you choose the other hospital, you will have to be an adult and politely tell your preceptor. It would be very insensitive to allow her to learn about it from someone else. Express your gratitude for all that she did for you. You may even write a complimentary letter for her personnel file. When asked about why you chose the other hospital, say simply that the other hospital was a better fit for your personal needs at the moment ... and leave the possibility open that you might return to work at your student hospital someday.

Good luck with whatever you decide,

llg

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Specializes in NICU.
I agree that it would be best not to talk about it. However, if you decide to work for the other hospital, it would be best for you to leave your "student hospital" on the best terms possible. After all, you might want a job there someday.

If you choose the other hospital, you will have to be an adult and politely tell your preceptor. It would be very insensitive to allow her to learn about it from someone else. Express your gratitude for all that she did for you. You may even write a complimentary letter for her personnel file. When asked about why you chose the other hospital, say simply that the other hospital was a better fit for your personal needs at the moment ... and leave the possibility open that you might return to work at your student hospital someday.

Good luck with whatever you decide,

llg

Yes, I definately will tell her, if it comes to that. I will also express much gratitude no matter what the outcome is. I DO appreciate all that she is teaching me.:specs: The experience will be invaluable and I am glad I had this opportunity. I could have been in med-surg.:eek:

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