Preceptor

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 21, 2014

I wouldn't bring coffee today. I would meet him, get a feel for what you will be doing, that type of thing. At the end of the day, I would be sure to thank your preceptor--which is always a nice gesture, and ask then if you can bring him a coffee in the morning.

Have an awesome day, and best of luck!!

Sabr, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Thanks for the advice! Also, would it be dumb to ask- my manager- for a written job description of my role? We have checklists and all sorts of documents but not necessarily a thorough description.

Sabr, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

For potassium you know how it burns them when you infuse it, we're adding normal saline but are we infusing normal saline simultaneously or mixing it? Because I have seen the 40 mEq bags of potassium and they're little. How much normal saline are you adding to the potassium bag?

Thanks

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

For potassium you know how it burns them when you infuse it we're adding normal saline but are we infusing normal saline simultaneously or mixing it? Because I have seen the 40 mEq bags of potassium and they're little. How much normal saline are you adding to the potassium bag? Thanks[/quote']
None. At least in my hospital pharmacy does that. If it's really a pain for the pt then we ask for PO potassium. Or we'll run it realllllly slow.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Nix the coffee.It's ingratiating.

Many facilities have a pharmacy policy that adds 3 cc's of Lidocaine to each IVPB.

It's the only way to prevent pain during KCL administration.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 21, 2014

If you're stopping at Starbuck's on the way to work and want to bring me a latte, I wouldn't turn it down. (I'd give you the money!) But get to know your preceptor first and find out what he likes.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

For potassium you know how it burns them when you infuse it, we're adding normal saline but are we infusing normal saline simultaneously or mixing it? Because I have seen the 40 mEq bags of potassium and they're little. How much normal saline are you adding to the potassium bag?
Thanks

Congratulations on the new job! How did it go? The first days can be overwhelming.

My hospital has pre-mixed KCl also. It's a safety feature--that way we can't accidentally push it. That would be a devastating med error. It comes in 50 ml bags of sterile H2O; 10 mEq per bag if given through a PIV, 20 mEq per bag if given centrally. Each bag is infused over 1 hr. We do have the option of ordering it w/ lidocaine if giving peripherally; it's part of our K+ replacement protocol. But if you don't have a standing order for it, it's easy enough to ask the provider to order it for you.

Sabr, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

First day was great! Though it was busy, learned a lot. Can't wait for Monday.

Sabr means patience

Sabr, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

My preceptor is the sweetest, most respectful person ever.

Sabr means patience

nursefrances, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2014

Glad to hear you had a good first day. :)

PurpleLover · Mar 23, 2014

I would not what if he is one of those fabled people who hates coffee. ( I am one of them ) I see you had a great first day, congrats!