Having a bad preceptorship experience. Need encouragement.

[regrebs]

I'm currently doing my preceptorship at one of the least reputable hospitals in my area. My peers and I have never had good clinical experiences in this hospital. Most of the nurses are not helpful, friendly, patient, or willing to teach. My preceptor is one of those. He is nice to me, which I am thankful for, but the other students on my floor talk about how negative he is and how sorry they are for me. For the first few days, I wasn't allowed to do much besides vitals and observation. However, my preceptor "kindly" asked me not to shadow him while giving meds because I was "slowing him down." (What a blow to my self-confidence! And how will I know what to do on my own if he won't let me observe? I feel like I'm wasting his time and bothering him.) I've slowly progressed to doing assessments, routine meds, some wound care, and the occasional IV med. I've told him that I would like more experience, and he keeps saying that he'll let me do this and that, but he ends up sitting me at the computer to chart, disappearing, reappearing after varying lengths of time saying, "I took care of our meds. You're doing great. I'm going to take a little break," and disappearing again. The last few hours of our shift mostly consist of him charting and me helping the CNA's, talking to my patients, or studying for the NCLEX. I have seven more shifts to get through, and at this point I feel like I'm running on empty. On top of that, I quickly realized that staff nursing isn't what I want to do with my license. I greatly admire staff nurses because they work extremely hard for so many hours, so many days a week; however, I know in my heart that I'm not cut out for that lifestyle. That's making my preceptorship more difficult to get through. I'm feeling very disheartened, and I don't know how I'm going to get through the rest of the month. If anybody has some advice to help me get through these next few weeks, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Nursesomeday0211]

I first want to apologize that you are having the most useless experience in your preceptorship. To try to make it better you might ask if you can shadow X nurse (someone you have seen excel in the unit and perhaps look up to?) for the day. If this guy is as unwilling to let you learn as he sounds he will gladly let you shadow someone else. If he questions why you might want to do this just explain that you would like to see other nurses technique to have a more well rounded experience.

As far as getting through the next 7 shifts just try to do your best and really get as much studying for the NCLEX done as possible. If you really aren't learning anything try to do another internship somewhere else. Good luck to you and try to stick out the next few shifts, even if they really stink.

[regrebs]

Thanks, Nursesomeday. I'll see if any of the other nurses will let my shadow them.

[AOx1]

Spend Time asking anyone interesting/nice for info (ex-PT, RT, doc,pharmacist). See if you can also do other things (ex- watch a surgery, attend a staff meeting) and also volunteer to help any other nurse with skills (ex- start an IV, ng, foley). Ps- don't let this one experience make you hate hospital nursing.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Have you spoken with the person at your hospital in charge of preceptors? I know if we are having a real issue like yours we approach that person and we would be reassigned since you really are not getting what you want from your experience.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

You should document a list of things that seem questionable and discuss them with whomever is in charge of your preceptorship. It seems a bit late for changes with only 7 shifts left, but you should try to maximize your experience. An unwilling preceptor is always going to be pretty useless. What's he up to during these times he's vanished? Maybe you could approach the charge nurse and ask if you can watch other nurses when they have procedures or other things you want to help with. Best of luck!

[Heinz beans]

Be a bit late for my response but for future reference. If you are supernumery, make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to learn even if you have to go with another nurse to do or see something. Be a bit assertive and try to adapt to this type of preceptor. There are plenty of people like this guy so you have to be the one to get what you want out of clinical. (it is also ok to have a slow day and keep out of the way).

[katiehydrangea]

I too am having a bad experience and wonder if my preceptor can fail me. He doesnt seem to like me or like having me around. He has said that Im slow and put me in front of the computer to chart and we are not allowed to chart. this is where is said i was slow. He makes me anxious and i feel more prone to make mistakes in this enviromnet. I only have 2 days left and want to discuss my status/performance with him but not sure how to approach or what i can do in two shifts to ensure i pass.

Thanks!

Any input would be appreciated.

[regrebs]

I too am having a bad experience and wonder if my preceptor can fail me. He doesnt seem to like me or like having me around. He has said that Im slow and put me in front of the computer to chart and we are not allowed to chart. this is where is said i was slow. He makes me anxious and i feel more prone to make mistakes in this enviromnet. I only have 2 days left and want to discuss my status/performance with him but not sure how to approach or what i can do in two shifts to ensure i pass.

Thanks!

Any input would be appreciated.

Congratulations on almost being finished with your preceptorship! For a while there, I didn't think I'd make it through mine, but I certainly did and have my RN license now. If I can do it, then anyone can. :)

On to your main concern, I'd personally find it unlikely that your preceptor would have reason to fail you if you haven't done anything wrong and he sees that you've tried your hardest and have made visible improvements since your first few days. As far as wanting to discuss your performance with him, I'd suggest that you bring it up for a few minutes during your lunch break (if you take it together, that is; my preceptor and I split our breaks so one of us had our eyes on our patients) or during any downtime when he doesn't appear stressed. I'd ask if he's seen an improvement in your skills, patient/family interaction, and the like or ask for a quick evaluation of your total performance. During your last two shifts, just work hard and efficiently and apply the strength that's gotten you through nursing school. :) You'll be just fine. Good luck with everything!