what to expect during a buddy shift?

NPOaftermidnight, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 10, 2015

I'm not familiar with the term "buddy shift" but I'm assuming you just mean your first day with your preceptor? I understand that you are currently an ICU nurse so I would imagine it to be similar to your own previous experiences. Typically, you pretty much just shadow on your first day and help out as needed. It might be a good idea to offer to chart things like vitals and I+O to get used to the new computer system.

Judging by your recent posts, you are struggling to keep up in your current ICU. You should be more concerned about how you can improve your time management skills and not so much about making your preceptor's life easier. They are there to help you learn - ask lots of questions and utilize them as much as you can! In the first few days, I would maybe focus on observing and asking them how they stay organized and keep themselves on track throughout the day. Take full advantage of their experience. They are there to teach you - think of them as a kind of one on one clinical instructor.

Good luck at the new job!

delphine22 · Jan 10, 2015

One thing I wish people had told me: In my unit at least, they tend to give the most challenging assignments to the precepting team, so the preceptee gets the experience. By the end of orientation, I had one pt starting hypothermia and one starting CRRT. I felt like I was dying (even though my preceptor was obviously a big help). I felt hopeless, that I'd be unable to handle being a nurse on my own. Then I realized that this wasn't a "real world" shift for a new ICU nurse, and as soon as I was on my own the assignment shifted and I got "easier" pts to help me transition on my own.

My point is, you're gonna be challenged while you're precepting, but let your preceptor help you and don't expect to take care of two crashing pts on your own. You won't be in real life!

RNexplorer · Jan 11, 2015

Thanks for your advice mbrookeRN. My experience in the ICU is minimal - less than 6 months, and I received very little orientation at my most recent position.

I will definitely use my preceptor and try to benefit from her knowledge and experience. I just want to make sure the unit likes me too.... I'm actually not from Texas, and I've never had a 3 month orientation to a new job so I don't know what to expect. Just feeling nervous because I really want this opportunity to work out positively! I'm very excited about the facility and don't want to screw this up.

RNexplorer · Jan 11, 2015

One thing I wish people had told me: In my unit at least, they tend to give the most challenging assignments to the precepting team, so the preceptee gets the experience. By the end of orientation, I had one pt starting hypothermia and one starting CRRT. I felt like I was dying (even though my preceptor was obviously a big help). I felt hopeless, that I'd be unable to handle being a nurse on my own. Then I realized that this wasn't a "real world" shift for a new ICU nurse, and as soon as I was on my own the assignment shifted and I got "easier" pts to help me transition on my own.
My point is, you're gonna be challenged while you're precepting, but let your preceptor help you and don't expect to take care of two crashing pts on your own. You won't be in real life!

Thanks for the heads up!! I will try to enjoy the learning process and realize that things will be easier when I start out on my own.

dah doh, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2015

We use "buddy" shifts after the actual orientation is completed. Buddies are a designated mentor or resource person who has their own patients assigned to them but who are close to you (caring for your assignment) on that shift. They are available to answer your questions or to help you through your thinking processes. It gives you exposure to the staff on your shift so you find reliable resource people. You will find some buddies are better than others in either advice given or approachability. We do this only for the new grads. Other facilities may do buddies differently.