Question for preceptors re: technical skills for new grad

mama_d, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2011

I don't get to precept (one of the downfalls of not having my RN yet)...but what you need to know as far as those kinds of skills will vary based on what area you're working in. Generally speaking, a willingness to get in there and learn as opportunities present themselves will serve you well. And let other nurses know you're on the lookout as well, not just your preceptor. Then ger in there, watch and help.

Experienced nurses know (and should allow for) that nursing school doesn't teach you to be ready to hit the ground running. It teaches you to pass the NCLEX and gives you the basics to build upon in whatever area you end up in. Your willingness to seek out opportunities to learn and then hone skills specific to your area is what often seperates the good new grads from the minimally competent.

Chin up · Apr 10, 2011

Not much technical expected. You learn those on the job. Bring your nurse assessment and critical thinking skills with you, and you will be ready to learn more.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2011

Thank you for the responses. The reason I ask is because of something that happened the other day. A patient needed suction QUICKLY. I fumbled. My preceptor took over (rightly so), and I watched carefully so I would know the next time.

My issue is that the first time I do something hands-on--even if I watched it before--I am slow as molasses, which isn't good for immediate patient care! The second time, I'm faster but I still have to think. The third time, it's natural. It's getting to that third time which is the problem for me. I want to use my preceptorship to get to that third time, and I would like to know those things I can tell my preceptor that I want to do. She's very good about presenting me opportunities, but she doesn't know what opportunities to present if I don't tell her. :) I won't have the chance to do everything, so I would like to do what is the basic minimum that RN preceptors expect.

This only came to mind now because I'm finally comfortable in my environment. I will ask my own preceptor on Monday, but I would also like to get others' feedback.

Another point: the critical thinking skills drilled into our head as necessary seemed very ethereal during clinicals. The reality of what is meant by CT skills is quite apparent to me now, and I am working on them. I have much more autonomy now than I did in regular clinicals, and it's testing my abilities. I welcome it, and it also scares the **** outta me.

ktliz · Apr 10, 2011

It feels natural by your third time? You are a much faster learner than me! :up:

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2011

It feels natural by your third time? You are a much faster learner than me!

Just the technical part! The critical thinking part is always developing!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Apr 10, 2011

what do you expect from a new grad concerning technical skills, i.e. identifying proper equipment, set up, use during interventions?
i feel that my technical skills are seriously lacking just through not having enough opportunities during clinicals. we also didn't have an open lab at all, otherwise i would have been in there every spare moment.
if you can, can you list those minimum skills you expect a new grad to have outside of venipuncture, which we can't do in my state.
thank you in advance.

the perfect orientee is the one who shows up on time, appropriately dressed, carrying her own stethescope and with a positive attitude. i expect to have to teach technical skills, but be willing to look up the procedure or the medication ahead of time. if i spoon feed you all the answers, you won't learn as much. the orientee i trust and will defend to anyone is the one i know will ask what might possibly be a "stupid question" if she's not absolutely sure as opposed to the orientee who will try to slide by doing what she thinks is probably right and ends up harming someone because of it. if you're genuinely friendly to me that's a big, big bonus and if you're appreciative of the time and effort i'm putting into helping you through your orientation i'll do anything for you. (just ask my last three or four orientees!)

answering the same question over and over gets annoying but i'd much prefer to do that than to explain to a college graduate why the "juicy" tattoed on her buttocks ought not to be visible to patients. (not kidding -- just finished that conversation and the crying is over. mine, not hers. she thinks i'm being overly critical.)

and remember -- preceptors are people, too. some of us are as frightened of you as you are of us. honestly!

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2011

from the replies here, it seems that new grad preceptors expect technical skills to be taught. that's good because i'm going to need it!

i know will ask what might possibly be a "stupid question" if she's not absolutely sure as opposed to the orientee who will try to slide by doing what she thinks is probably right and ends up harming someone because of it.

whew. i was feeling as if i was asking too many questions, but what you wrote here is exactly what my preceptor said to me.

with this school-related preceptorship, i just want to get as much knowledge/practice/skills as possible to make the difficult first year just a little less difficult.

and remember -- preceptors are people, too. some of us are as frightened of you as you are of us. honestly!

i find that hard to believe, but i'll take your word for it!

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2011

Your not going to see everything during your preceptorship.........and THAT is okay. I have been a nurse a year and i still have 'first' experiences with products/devices. I ask my charge and they are great about showing/telling me what i need to know. The important thing is that you be willing to ask for help when you need it. even when you switch specialties you have to learn a lot of new things..... good luck!