Crusty old bat in new RN role..

[TNurse4u]

I recently graduated with my RN ! I was an LPN for MANY years before completing my degree program. I was fortunate to secure a position with a medical surgical unit, I am nearly done with my orientation period. Here is my annoyance-I am treated like I am old, and unintelligent. My preceptor is much younger and I think a great nurse! She knows I am an experienced nurse and a very competent one. She will not relinquish control of the cart, med passes or even patient care! She has physically pushed me out of the way, I was so offended! This experience is causing me to dislike my job, and is flaring my ulcerative colitis!

[gdottie]

What am I missing here? She PUSHED you? Oh hell no. I've dealt with many inexperience, insecure, bossy, rude, mean, and nurses with just no precepting skill at all; but it would be a cold day when someone pushed me. I don't think I've ever come across as someone you would consider doing that to. I go out of my way not to rock boats, but being disrespected crosses the line. While I agree with all of the thoughts expressed....seriously? she pushed you out of the way? There would have to be some serious discussion with someone. Are you sure you're not coming across as someone who is insecure or less than capable? I'm just at a loss why you would tolerate such disrespect.....

[TNurse4u]

@gdottie, I am portraying confidence-but not to much, and yes a hip check to move me out of the way so she could use the computer. It has taken great control on my part to not let loose. I have worked hard to get to where I am, and no one will take that away.

[gdottie]

I wish I could say this was isolated and would probably never happen again, but I've run into many situations similar. Starting in NICU, I ran into people who took eat their young to a whole new level. The second shift someone blatantly stated "I'm not precepting. They don't pay me for that!" and it went down hill from there. Luckily, If I have any submissive cells in my body, we haven't been introduced :) I have run into many clique situations and hatefulness. I'd be careful to set some kind of limit with that person though, that just doesn't sound acceptable to me. Hopefully orientation isn't too long, but I'm not so sure I'd wouldn't ask for a more compatible preceptor and let people know that person seems 'stressed' or something....and you are so 'worried' about her.....

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

She will not relinquish control of the cart, med passes or even patient care! She has physically pushed me out of the way, I was so offended! This experience is causing me to dislike my job, and is flaring my ulcerative colitis!

I am so sorry about your negative experience with your preceptor.

Since you are an experienced nurse, you know fully well that you will soon be controlling the med cart and managing the care of your patient load once you are off orientation. I would take her behavior with a grain of salt and chalk it up to poor precepting skills combined with a controlling personality type.

Good luck to you!

[Guest957596]

It can be difficult to be a preceptor as well as the orientee, and of course with any age.

Seriously?

[Guest957596]

You're preceptor is a moron if they know your background and you're demonstrating your expertise. if not, they're not sure of your abilities because they're unsure of you. Ask what the issue is on a break. Maybe they're precepting for the first time or have been bitten before.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I wish I could say this was isolated and would probably never happen again, but I've run into many situations similar. Starting in NICU, I ran into people who took eat their young to a whole new level. The second shift someone blatantly stated "I'm not precepting. They don't pay me for that!" and it went down hill from there. Luckily, If I have any submissive cells in my body, we haven't been introduced :) I have run into many clique situations and hatefulness. I'd be careful to set some kind of limit with that person though, that just doesn't sound acceptable to me. Hopefully orientation isn't too long, but I'm not so sure I'd wouldn't ask for a more compatible preceptor and let people know that person seems 'stressed' or something....and you are so 'worried' about her.....

While I agree that the hip chuck was wrong, I don't think going to management or badmouthing the preceptor is going to serve the OP well in the long run. The OP isn't a Crusty Old Bat RN, the OP is a new RN. The preceptor may be a brand new preceptor as others have suggested, with a lot to learn.

As far as YOUR situation, after this post I can see why your colleagues were reluctant to precept you. If you're this willing to throw a preceptor under the bus, I wouldn't trust you.

[gdottie]

I had been at the position 2 days and they hadn't even met me. Your post was just plain ugly for no reason, but I see you at least sign your emails appropriately. SHE SAID SHE WAS PUSHED. I've precepted dozens of people and not once have I had the desire to physically push anyone. While it turned out to be a hip chuck, it's still wrong although easily explained off. This person may be experienced and not really need the precepting. What happens to the new person who does need coaching and is treated this way?

[TEXASWAG, MSN, RN]

I don't believe in having to swallow emotions in order to put up with bad behavior, especially if it's exacerbating your chronic illness. Sometimes it's just not a good fit with a preceptor and a preceptee. So, as my best friend would say, "Don't get angry. Get strategic". Have a discussion with her and just ask her what can you do to help make it a better shift for the both of you. Also, don't take it too personal. She's young and silly and probably has had no preceptor training. Who knows because after a few months she may even come to you for advice. Good luck.