Getting ghosted by my preceptor

[mzjanedoe]

Hi everyone -

I'm a NP student wrapping up my first clinical quarter, and am short hours because my preceptor has variable days in clinic. I have had about 5-6 days with her over the last quarter. We had a fairly good rapport however she was extremely diligent about getting charting done, gave me a lot of hands on experience, but little critical feedback or reflection after patient interactions. Mostly just, "It will come with time and experience, you will get your flow."

I'm fairly awkward as a learner - it's just a rough place to be. But I'm pretty sure I'm being ghosted by my preceptor, who has failed to respond to two texts regarding my request for a few more days with her. I don't want to involve my school really - we're all adults here, if she doesn't want to work with me, she should just say so, correct? But it feels awful.

Thoughts/experiences? I've been a good student I think. Showed up on time, worked hard, asked questions, stayed late to chart.

Thanks all.

[Oldmahubbard]

I think people today are having very important conversations by text. Try calling her, and if no response, you have your answer.

Most definitely I would not take it personally. The fact that she was never positive with you seems odd. And probably nothing to do with you.

I had a nightmare preceptor years ago, so I know a little of what you are going through. And I know it is really hard to find preceptors.

[verene, MSN]

Have you tried calling her directly? Also has this preceptor provided you with a copy of her schedule? You say it is variable, but I'm assuming she knows when she will be showing up in advance to some extent and you could coordinate out several planned clinical days in advance. Did you establish a total number of hours to complete, anticipated start/end dates of the term, her expectations for you as a student, and your goals for your placement with her when you started the rotation? I think having all of those things clearly understood between the two of you would help the experience.

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

Either pick up the phone or go into the clinic/hospital to see her in person.

[ck12, BSN, RN]

I agree with above posts. As a current NP student I understand the struggle with preceptors, but this is too important for her to not address. Call and email her, but if there's still nothing I would go to the clinic. Is this a preceptor the school assigned to you? If so, I would definitely contact the school after calling and emailing.