ED Preceptorship Tips?

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Oct 2, 2015

Good for you! It should be fun. I hope your preceptor is dynamic, patient, and a great role model!

1. Get a small notebook and take notes if you can.

2. Don't just stand there

3. Within your school's guidelines do anything you're trained and checked-off on doing.

4. Show initiative. I personally have had two who ended up our staff on my recommendation.

5. Relax! You don't want to be too nervous. Just breathe. In. Out. Repeat.

6. Don't be too attached to your preceptor, meaning, you don't have to follow her/him so closely that she/he has to ask you to stay put so she can go to the bathroom (happened last summer, I mean really!)

7. HAVE FUN!

aeris99 · Oct 2, 2015

I just found out that I got the preceptor spot that I wanted and I'll be in the ED starting in a few weeks. I'm so excited but I was wondering if there were any tips or good info that would help me. Any info would be much appreciated.

How exciting! I applied for ED too. Waiting to hear on which placement I get.

I'll be following this thread. ðŸ˜Š

davethemurse · Oct 2, 2015

I appreciate the tips!

davethemurse · Oct 2, 2015

Awesome!

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2015

If you need to contact your preceptor, or set up meetings, or anything that requires scheduling...don't leave them hanging until the last minute. I've changed my mind about students because of that - I'm planning things around them, but can only wait so long...

And just because you see your preceptor and the other staff acting a certain way, you don't automatically have the right to do the same. Be polite, let them make the first bad joke. (This goes double for non-nursing staff. Triple for administrators and doctors.)

davethemurse · Oct 7, 2015

Thanks, I just received the contact info for my preceptor nurse so I'll be emailing them and introducing myself. i'm so excited!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 7, 2015

Good for you! It should be fun. I hope your preceptor is dynamic, patient, and a great role model!
1. Get a small notebook and take notes if you can.
2. Don't just stand there
3. Within your school's guidelines do anything you're trained and checked-off on doing.
4. Show initiative. I personally have had two who ended up our staff on my recommendation.
5. Relax! You don't want to be too nervous. Just breathe. In. Out. Repeat.
6. Don't be too attached to your preceptor, meaning, you don't have to follow her/him so closely that she/he has to ask you to stay put so she can go to the bathroom (happened last summer, I mean really!)
7. HAVE FUN!

There's some commonality there. Yes, you're attached to your Preceptor, but from time to time another RN will come along and tell you "come see this" or ask you if you're able to do something with them. It's because they know you're a student and they've got something that you might not otherwise get to see. Just be sure you clear those "side" opportunities with your Instructor and your Preceptor.

With your Clinical Instructor, often all you need to do is ask if you can take advantage of whatever opportunities that arise in the ED. Most of the patients will be "clinic" type, but sometimes you'll get some very critical or very odd patients. With your Preceptor, you should ask the same thing so they know you're looking for learning opportunities. Know what you're allowed to do on your own, with your Preceptor, with any other RN in the Department, only with your Instructor, and (most importantly) those things you may NEVER do under any circumstances.

davethemurse · Oct 8, 2015

I appreciate everyone's feedback so far.

davethemurse · Nov 2, 2015

Starting my preceptorship tomorrow in the ED. I'm so excited!

aeris99 · Nov 4, 2015

Starting my preceptorship tomorrow in the ED. I'm so excited!

That's so exciting! I'm still waiting to hear where I'm being placed. I hope they decide to put me in the ED.