Preceptors, what would you say to your students?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Med-Surg ICU.

If you could say anything to the students that are assigned to work with you/your patients, what would it be?

I ask this as a student who wants to be a help and not a hindrance to the RNs I work with during my clinicals. I know that having a student tag around can be a pain, and I want to hear about what would make the experience more positive for both myself and the RNs I work with. Any tips? What to do, what not to do?

Also, thanks to all of you who have put up with us! Can't wait to be able to really work along side you someday soon!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

My advice would be to relax first off. Next, let the nurse know exactly what you are allowed to do as a student, and ask for a list of duties within that allowance. Let the nurse know that you are interested in watching/doing any procedures, and that if s/he doesn't want to show you, to let you know to get your instructor to work with you. This is just a start....

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I agree with all of the above advice. I'll also tell you what not to do, based on my experience as a preceptor:

Stick with your RN, don't congregate around the corner with your fellow students.

Keep a professional demeanor. It is your job to listen to and observe your patient, not to share all of your personal life experiences. I have actually had nursing students interrupt my assessment/interaction with the patient to tell about a personal experience...."well, when I had those same stomach pains, it turned out to be...."

If you are unoccupied at the moment and see another nurse who might need assistance, offer yours.

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med-Surg.

I love having students with me so I USUALLY don't find them to be a pain. First please tell me your name so if I am trying to find you to watch a chest tube insertion or something cool I am not saying wheres the student with such and such colored hair. let me know what you will be doing so I don't give meds or do a procedure and have you miss out on an opportunity (also this will save me from getting the stink eye from your instructor). Ask questions even if you think it might be stupid. I am not your teacher so I will not judge you. Please when I give you and answer to a question or maybe some feedback on how to do something better do not get offensive, an open mind is important. Treat everyone working on the floor with respect. I did have a student cuss out my aide before, This is a wonderful top notch aide that I would let care for my own child so of course I am going to stick up for her. That student did not have a very good clinical day. Also please tell me if there is a med that is being given past it's ordered time, I don't want you to come to me 2 hours later and say oh by the way the insulin I was getting ready to give we did'nt get around to yet because Mrs. so and so got pulled away by another student. You do have to feel out the nurses your with because honestly some of them don't like having students so I wouldnt expect her to go above and beyond the call of duty for you. For those of us who do enjoy students I would say get the most out of your nurse by asking whatever questions you can think of and show that your ready to learn and you want to be a great nurse. Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I would ask the RN up front, "What can I do to be of most help today and what would you rather have me stay away from??"

However, make sure your Clinical Instructor is on board.

First year...we did mostly bed changing, bed pans, etc.

Second year, our clinical instructor made it CLEAR to the staff that we were not doing bed pans or baths...we did that the first year and this was our last opportunity to do more advanced skills.

However, every clinical instructor is different and you must have them backing you up.

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Specializes in Med-Surg ICU.

Thanks everyone so far for the advice. Very good words from all, and I am taking it to heart.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

If you do a search you will find even more responses to your question as there are already threads on this topic.

Here's my input on your question, be proactive in finding learning opportunities, they wil be there and at the same time, keep in mind that not all units are welcoming to students and it's not because they don't want them, it's just that these units are very busy.

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

One thing- don't try to mpress me with what you know from a book and try to make me look foolish in front of a patient. Really bad idea. I'm not trying to be ugly, but this has happened to me before, but only once. And when I am trying to answer your question, please listen. I don't mind even what you consider "the dumb question" if you want to learn and listen - I think the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask and should have.

I really enjoy students. I am told I am a great teacher. I remember being a student and love to find opportunities for students see and learn.

Good luck with your clinicals! Hope you do well.

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