Despite being at the top of my class (I have straight A's) I was passed up for my first two choices of preceptor assignment and given my thirs- which I obviously didn't really want! The only explaination I was given was that spots were tight and it was hard to place people. I know other people were given spots I would have got, and I know that some people who she had trouble placing were given the opportunity to change their plans. I was never given that option.
After she told me that I got my third choice she said, "It was really hard to place everyone. Is that okay?" to which I responded "do I have a choice?" and walked away.
I am so disappointed and have cried for hours now.
I am fairly positive that she won't halp me find another placement and I wonder what I should do. If they won't help me find something at the larger hospital, should I look for a spot at a smaller critical access rural hospital or nursing home- otherwise I will be stuck in behavioral health.
I just want to quit- all this work to get skrewed out of a good spot in the last stretch. I have never hated nursing school as much as I do now.
I think a lot of people don't read the posts and jump in- otherwise I wouldn't answer the same question over and over. Disagree all you want, doesn't bother me any.
Nursing is all about taking the crap you're given and making the best of it. So here's a chance to practice those critical thinking skills and make the best of it.
You have a pretty strong opinion about your the instructor who placed you in the clinical spot. You feel like she only gave you your third choice because it was easier for her. Even though she probably didn't know you hadn't been told what the role of the position was and she has to think about all the students in the school, not just you. But I know that nothing anyone can say on here will change your opinion about her, because no one else knows her.
Second, it appears that the instructor might have been willing to work with you. When she said "It was really hard to place everyone. Is that okay?" She was asking if you were okay with the situation. It was a great opportunity to speak to her and say, "Actually, I wasn't told that I would just be shadowing in behavioral health. I would never had listed it as a choice if I knew I wouldn't be able to get real clinical experience. I'd really like a preceptorship where I can be actively involved in the patient's care. What else is available?"
Instead, you said, "Do I have a choice?" and walked out.
So because of that interaction, I think you lost the help of your instructor. Especially if she was lazy and looking for the easy way out initially, I can't see how she would be willing to help find you a new spot after that. So if you would like a new placement, you'll probably have to find one yourself.
In my school, preceptorships were not assigned. You had to apply for them and interview for them through the hospital. We competed for these spots with our own classmates as well as students from two other schools. You think everyone got the spot that they wanted? Absolutely not. One woman in particular comes to mind. She was the oldest woman in our class, in her 50's with grown children. She interviewed for multiple spots but didn't get considered for any of them. So here she was, two weeks before preceptorships were set to start, with not even one prospect. Even though she graduated with the highest GPA in our class.
She ended up contacting a hospital where she lived, meeting with the DON and setting up her own partnership, which our school happily gave to her, since they really did want her to succeed.
Critical access hospitals can be great experience. You'll see the patients first, because they will come to the first hospital they can get to. Perhaps an ER preceptorship in a critical access hospital will be beneficial. You will treat a lot of critical patients and help stabilize them before they are transferred to a larger facility. I suggest calling them directly and asking to speak with the chief nursing officer. Explain the situation and ask if they would consider allowing you to precept for X hours next semester.
On a personal note, I did my preceptorship on a general respiratory care floor. Lots of pneumonia, COPD, etc. I got a job after graduation in a different state, in a pediatric ICU. I got the job not because of my specific clinical experience, but because I had a well-written resume that highlighted all the skills that I knew how to perform, not that I had necessarily performed in clinical. And because I presented myself as an intelligent, professional and competent employee. So you don't need a specific clinical experience to have a good resume.
Finally, just be mindful of how your words may come across, especially when you're on a computer and we can't see your emotions or expressions. Some of the phrases that you used, especially in your first few posts do come across as entitled. So while I know that wasn't the attitude behind them, it can be easy to mis-interpret words. Just keep that in mind the next time you approach your instructor regarding a new clinical placement. While you might really be sad and desperate, it could come across as angry and rude. So speak carefully.
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
Closing as many of our members have offered sound advice. Nursing programs are there to provide you with the basics of nursing practice. Your instructor may have actually placed you in an area you need to improve in. Nursing is much more than performing procedures. Learning occurs in many ways and forms. Look at this as an opportunity to polish your therapeutic communication skills and learn de-escalation techniques-- something used daily in today's stressful healthcare environment. Go into your preceptorship with an open mind ...may this experience lead you into a successful career.
tajlemm6
13 Posts
I don't have anger issues. I wasn't angry- I was asking a question. Why did she ask if it was alright if she wasn't going to offer to work with me?