Any other ppl have bad preceptors?

TazziRN, RN · May 16, 2007

New nurses have no business precepting. Did you try asking for another preceptor?

NewGrad07 · May 16, 2007

I didn't, only because she seemed ok in the beginning but then she gradually began to seem like she wanted nothing to do with me. By that point practicum was almost over! Ugh.. she and all the other 20-something nurses were all so caddy and made me feel like I was worthless and inept.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 16, 2007

There have been posts here about bad preceptors. So people will definately relate to you. Now that it's over, just move on and concentrate on finishing up and NCLEX.

Don't allow her style make you feel anything about yourself. That's your responsibility to decide how you feel. Don't give her power in your head to bring you down.

Please note that most new grads and students have feelings of inadequacy and have doubts about themselves. This is normal. However, a good preceptor would lift you up, rather than tear you down.

Is there any way you can get some feedback back to your institution about this person? Our students evaluate us as preceptors and turn it into their instructors, plus they keep journals daily.

Also note, she may not have volunteered. Her manager may have volunteered her.

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Good luck in all that you do!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 16, 2007

You should feel fortunate to have received any type of preceptorship and training. At my very first nursing job, I received only 8 hours of training and preceptorship before being cut loose to work on my own (I was definitely promised a longer orientation). This was at a facility with a horrendously high employee turnover rate, and they needed me to work immediately because they could not retain people.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 16, 2007

New nurses have no business precepting. Did you try asking for another preceptor?

Older experienced nurses who should be precepting, are opting out of it. The reward of precepting isnt commensurate with all the extra time doing paperwork, filing reports, sit down meetings

Im Old, Im very experienced, And now I really dont have the extra energy or time to precept with all that extra paperwork and all those meetings.

And now they call them Clinical Coaches or Clinical Guides.

I Prefer old nurse who shows you the ropes. as a title, myself

cappuccino · May 16, 2007

It is unfortunate that you ended up with such a negative person to precept you. Or maybe it was just her lack of experience that frustrated her. Either way let your supervisor know if you need more time on orientation....

RN28MD · May 16, 2007

Newg.. I too had a really bad preceptor. Very similar situation. SHe was nice at first and then didn't want to bother teaching me. Everything I did was wrong. Every little things she would report it off to the nurse manager. I couldn't take it any more so I spoke with the nurse manager and let her know what the situation was. When I was finally done with my orientation I was so glad. BUt when I look back at the situation I realized that I sold myself short. SPEAK UP! if you are not getting your questions anwered and you feel you are not ready to be on your own, then you need to speak up. Either change preceptor or change jobs. Remember you will be in that position for a while and you want to work in a place where you feel support.

I felt my preceptor had all her nurse buddies and it felt like high school all over again. I just didn't bother with them. I did my job and people learned to respect me. You can't show them you are afraid. It all comes down to the fact that she might just feel insecure about herself.

I don't know if you have kids but I look at it this way: if my little girl or boy was not being trained appropiately for a very hard intense job and they were making them feel less. I would speak with their teacher and do something about it. Why do we as adult not protect our inner baby. You need to take care of yourself. Good luck

Just_Me_2 · May 16, 2007

I guess I was lucky since I had a wonderful preceptor. At my school, they required a preceptor to have 2 years work experience minimum, which is a good idea I think.

I agree with the poster who said older, experienced nurses are opting out because of the time commitment. I couldn't believe the paperwork and time that was involved with being a preceptor, and all for no pay!

RSturchRN · May 16, 2007

How unfortunate for you to have such a bad first experience into the life of nursing. Please do not let one person set your views into the future of all nurses yet to come. Rather, now you have learned those feelings and what NOT to do when your turn comes around as a preceptor. I believe most RN's are pressured into this added role and compensation is little. Believe in helping one another rather than beating each other down... it can be rewarding!

Alloramadai · May 16, 2007

I sat in a chair for 48 hours in a NICU with my preceptor - a brilliant nurse with 20+ years experience, but she was extremely possessive of "her babies." I was not allowed to check vitals or change diapers - honest! The saddest part was she has so much knowledge to share, I really felt cheated. I appreciate that she didn't want anything to happen to her charges - however, don't offer to precept if you're not going to provide opportunities to learn!

gdelrosa · May 16, 2007

I'm sorry about your bad experience. I had a great one so I know that it makes a difference. I am precepting a student right now and I hope that I'm helping her. I told her to speak up if I'm doing something that she didn't like or appreciate.

Since you're preceptorship is over, just put it behind you and be the best nurse that you can. Maybe she felt pressured to take you on. Like some of the other nurses already said, taking a preceptor involves a lot more work than most new grads realize. I appreciate my preceptor a lot more knowing what I know now. Take care.