Advice needed about clinical instructor - Page 3

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  1. Jul 28, '12 by
    GrnTea, some of what you said is correct... but some of it is taken out of context... Yes, I agree with the instructor that my confidence could use a boost. No, I don't agree with her that I should not preceptorSHIP in the ICU - I work hard at school and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
  2. Guide
    Jul 28, '12 by
    one thing that occurred to me is do you speak like a native in a foreign language or as a person who has had _ semesters of that language? i'm not trying to be rude or difficult, but after getting nothing but a's in
    any of the three different foreign languages i studied in junior high through college, and being understood
    reasonably well when i traveled outside the us, i married a linguist.

    when we travel around the world, i can make my needs known...usually, but they know i'm an american. when
    he who lived, studied, and taught abroad for several years speaks, he is presumed to be native. by comparison,
    i sound like a college student practicing her new vocabulary words.

    you need that keenly honed familiarity and ease with other languages in order to safely get a history and assessment.
    Last edit by sharpeimom on Jul 28, '12 : Reason: omitted a word
    GrnTea likes this.
  3. Jul 28, '12 by
    Quote from sharpeimom


    you need that keenly honed familiarity and ease with other languages in order to safely get a history and assessment.
    my instructor was struggling to understand the patient just as much as i was... there's tricks with communication that one can use that go beyond spoken language. i could have made an effort but was held back.
  4. Guide
    Jul 28, '12 by
    when you are a brand new nurse in any critical care unit, you will not have the freedoms that you
    might have on a regular floor.

    i am aware there are other "tricks" but your instructor was using her well honed "instructor judgement."

    think of it this way: were something to go wrong, you'd be saying, "i wish she had intervened sooner because
    i wasn't quite ready after all."
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  5. Jul 28, '12 by
    Quote from 2bnursebet
    GrnTea, some of what you said is correct... but some of it is taken out of context... Yes, I agree with the instructor that my confidence could use a boost. No, I don't agree with her that I should not preceptorSHIP in the ICU - I work hard at school and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
    Apparently everything short of assuming that because you are a good student you know more than your preceptor.
    wooh likes this.
  6. Jul 28, '12 by
    But with language barriers, you may think you're meaning one thing, but the patient is hearing something else. With language barriers, tricks only get you so far...a translator ought to be used for best accuracy.And like with skills, there is a benefit to observing or following the direction of others when communicating with your patients. Just because she does things differently than your other instructors does not mean its incorrect - it may be frustrating because it's not what you're used to, but stepping back and trying to understand what she is trying to teach you can help you see the benefits in her methods.
    wooh likes this.
  7. Asst. Admin
    Jul 28, '12 by
    Quote from 2bnursebet
    This has nothing to do with whether I like the instructor or not. I actually do. As far as safety is concerned, I can understand that she needs to show me how to do the IV. However, talking to a patient with a language barrier was not a safety issue, and she didn't have to tell me how to do this. She could have given me a chance here.

    I think I'm learning that I shouldn't let others know that I have self doubt. It's ok to ask questions when I'm unsure... but I should never show a lack of confidence in myself.
    I think you are trying to spread your wings and develop that confidence she says you need and you felt she didn't give you that opportunity. If you got that ICU preceptorship.....you will be stiffled...alot. ICU nurses are very territorial when it comes to their patients.

    Talk to your instructor and tell her you felt she stepped in too soon and you really want to prove to her that you are worthy of the ICU......that you know you are worthy and capable o the ICU you just need to prove it. Confidence is one thing...... be careful you don't become overbrearing.

    You maybe in your last year of school but you are at the beginning of being a good nurse.

    Good Luck!
    sharpeimom likes this.
  8. Guide
    Jul 28, '12 by
    thank you, earthcrosser. you were able to say exactly what i was trying to say above.
    earthcrosser likes this.
  9. Jul 28, '12 by
    Hmmm, we learned that the catheter goes in at a 15 degree angle, LOL
    That said, it's her JOB to instruct you. Period. Since you have not yet passed the NCLEX and don't possess a nursing license of your own, you are doing every single thing in that clinical under HER license. It doesn't sound to me at all like this instructor was "judging" you. Sounds to me like she was doing what she's paid to do...
    wooh likes this.
  10. Jul 28, '12 by
    You DID do the performance. Correct? YOU inserted the IV and it didn't go so well. THAT'S what you're evaluated on. To me it sounds like you're looking to place the reason for your feelings of being easily flustered onto someone else
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