Any tips on being a preceptor?

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2008

As a recent graduate......just please be kind. And if you see your nurse is drowning, please help! There are many times I felt overwhelmed and this is not a good learning environment....I know new nurses need to learn to handle 5-6 pts, but it will take time. My preceptor basically expected me to handle 6 pts within the 5th week on day shift. It was horrible! I could probably do it now on days, (I work nights) but it was very hard back then.

AirforceRN, RN · Oct 30, 2008

The best preceptor I ever had always challenged me. It wasn't enough to know to that metropolol was an antiHTN...he wanted me to know what it did...right down to the cellular level. He always got me thinking deeper than just pushing meds. Sure ST elevation points to heart attack...but why? Stuff like that. I thought it was good.

RNcDreams · Oct 30, 2008

If I could combine all of the qualities I've liked in preceptors (both in clinicals and after graduation), I'd say:

-Be firm but kind

-Avoid pointing out errors in front of others (and deliver the message this way: "You forgot to check the patient's name and date of birth at the bedside, but you labeled the bag clearly and you set the pump just right. From now on, check first, then give it. Good work so far")...........When you sandwich a mistake with some positive reinforcement, instead of feeling stupid, the person just feels like they have work to do but are on the right track.

-Help the student to meet school required goals (i.e., I needed to be taking a full "assignment" but was never really allowed to... and we never really talked about it).

-Share your favorite books and learning materials, so that you aren't responsible for teaching it all... let them learn it, and then challenge them with it

-Find out what they can do in terms of tasks, and then offer all the opportunities you can for trying new ones. I loved it when we'd talk and the person said "have you ever done xyz before?" and then after observing, and explaining how I'd do it, they'd watch and let me try.

These are just a few, but they helped me feel capable, a little nervous (in a good way), and safe.

Good luck!

uscstu4lfe · Oct 30, 2008

whatever you do, do not ask a new orientee to explain how metoprolol works down to the cellular level, lol. just be kind, patient, explain things, and so on :)

Finallyat40 · Oct 30, 2008

Having been precepted and now being a preceptor here are a few things that I try to do:

1) Remember that they have graduated from nursing school and passed the boards, therefore, they are not clueless, they just need to be led to the water.

2) Positive feedback is necessary all the time, especially when pointing out something they need to improve on.

3) I teach by the "watch one, do one, teach one" theory, and it's worked quite well thus far....

4) Try to allow them some space and not hover (this doesn't mean don't be there.....)

5) Hospital paperwork is often so overwhelming....we do this together for a while, with me telling them what to write, then as that becomes ingrained, they just start to pick it up.

6) MOST IMPORTANTLY: Precepting is hard work....don't let anyone tell you differently! There may be times when you need to blow off steam...do it in a "safe" place, so your student doesn't hear you....nothing will knock them to their knees faster than this!

Congratulations on becoming a teacher to our next generation. Enjoy!

Jamie

nurseALEB · Oct 30, 2008

i am currently in my last stretch of orientation and I have had a few great preceptors along the way as well as a few not so great ones. First off I must acknowledge that being a preceptor is a challenge. Being a wonderful nurse does NOT make you a wonderful preceptor.

What has helped me most is communication!! I like starting and ending the shift with a little chat about what I would like focus on for the day and then at the end how I felt about it.

If the student says they feel comfortable doing something... let them. Take 3 steps back, give them there space and just be there to give them that final nod of approval.

After you have showed them how to do something give them a try. It is perfectly okay if there way is different from yours as long as it gets done just as safely.

Positive encouragement combined with constructive criticism!!

Explain and talk about a new procedure outside the room (away from the patient).

Explain the basics of the equipment and all the different noises.

Talk through the rationals.

Personally I learn best when I have to put things into my own words. give them a chance to speak.

and most importantly ..... DONT GO INTO THE BREAK ROOM TILL 5:00AM!!!!!!!!!

husker_rn, RN · Oct 30, 2008

One of the first things I stressed to my precptees was to learn to do things RIGHT and then learn to do it faster. Also looked at her/his time management skills to try and help them get things done in a timely manner while doing it well. Just looked at them as a colleague, not as a nuisance.

Turtle in scrubs · Oct 31, 2008

A lot of great info so far!

I agree with most all of it, especially the communication part. I also start & end with a very quick chat: goals, areas for improvement, concerns, pep talk, wrap up, etc. I talk through not only what I'm doing, but why I'm doing it. As they start taking the reins I ask them to do the same. This not helps them think out what they are doing, but keeps me in the loop as it is difficult to step back and give space while still knowing everything that is going on with my patients.

In fact I think this is the most difficult - being responsible for what goes on, being there to answer questions, yet not suffocating, especially towards the end of orientation. After they demonstrate they will communicate any changes in pt orders or pt condition, and that they will ask for help when needed, I feel comfortable stepping back. This probably applies more to new nurses than to students. I've only worked with students a bit, but my philosophy is pretty much the same.

Good luck to you! I hope it turns out to be a good experience for both of you

AirforceRN, RN · Oct 31, 2008

whatever you do, do not ask a new orientee to explain how metoprolol works down to the cellular level, lol. just be kind, patient, explain things, and so on :)

I was a fourth year student...by then you should have a thorough understanding of the popular drugs used. Knowing the basics can make you a nurse, understanding will make you a professional.

NeoNurseTX, RN · Oct 31, 2008

Don't use your newbie as a tech ...expect them to be slower than you and let them do hands on things even if it slows you down instead of just doing it yourself because it'd be faster. I felt like I interupted my preceptor's web surfing a lot with questions...