Good questions to ask my preceptor before orientation is over (cardiac stepdown unit)

roser13, ASN, RN · May 11, 2016

That's a pretty broad question. I would think that since orientation is almost over, you would have the best understanding of problem areas/deficits in your knowledge & understanding (we all have them) or quirks about your facility that might require further explanation.

SnowShoeRN · May 11, 2016

I'm not really sure how to advise you. I don't know what you know and what you don't know. There are plenty of great things I learned working on a cardiac floor and more working with a cardiac NP during my grad clinicals. I don't think anyone can give you solid advice without knowing your knowledge deficits. You'll learn a ton your first year there though and can always ask questions as you go along. Best of luck to you. :)

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · May 18, 2016

Why do you ask her if you think there is anything else that you need to know or review before going off orientation?

boston.nurse · May 19, 2016

Is there a way to close this topic?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 19, 2016

You JUST found out about standing orders? :uhoh3: You need to know about ALL the standing orders and protocols. Can you order an EKG, apply O2, manage a heparin drip, etc.?

Do you know the chain of command for administration and the provider?

lavenderskies, BSN · May 19, 2016

Ask them points they wish they'd of known when they were sitting right where you are.

HeySis, BSN, RN · May 19, 2016

I did my precepting in the ICU and standing orders were not in the patients chart but in the ICU policy. For instance if you look at a patients MAR you would not see a PRN order for a K-rider, but if a patients potassium levels came back low, you would need to know the policy for how many K-riders you would give. Then you would then put the order into the system so it can be documented.

This is different then "creating an order without a MD" because the standing orders are MD orders with specific parameters on when and how to use them.

So I would ask where to find the specific policies for your unit, and make sure you know what is there. You don't have to memorize it, if you know where to find the info.

Once you start actually start on the unit, I would take time every shift and ask your preceptor for feedback (mine gave it without me having to ask, but I wouldn't have let the opportunity pass if she hadn't) Be specific in your questions, you could ask "How could I have handled that patient better?" or "What advice could you give me when all these IV medications are due at the same time?" or "I noticed that you knew to expect xyz.... what signs did I miss that I can look for next time?". What ever is pertinent to the patients you took care of and the nursing care that was given to them. And then make sure you listen and improve.