How to Effectively and Positively Orient and Evaluate the Adult-learners in Nursing

[Guest343211]

Just know that they are very nice to you while you shadow,but it's a different world when you come in there to persue [sic] the CRNA career. They eat you alive!

The above comment was in reference to CRNA shadowing; but I find it applicable in nursing across the board.

I read the above comment in another thread, and the truth is, yes. This is still going on in the field/profession. After being in nursing--very demanding critical nursing role--for decades, I am still so perplexed by this phenomenon in nursing. Yes. I understand that it just doesn't happen in nursing; but let's be honest. There is A LOT of it. What makes this happen? Is it simply part of the human condition? How do we progressively rise above this as professionals?

I have said from many years back that a HUGE part of the problem is weak systems of evaluation--also weak communication skills in teaching and in leadership. I also believe we need to strive for more objective systems for clinical evaluation. It's impossible to eliminate all subjectivity in evaluation; but the main goal is to step back and strive hard for objectivity. Whether you think you like someone or their style is the same as yours has nothing to do with meeting sound prognostic indicators for clinical success.

How do we move forward? How do we get to a place where bias, personal or otherwise takes a backseat to balanced and objective systems of evaluation? When this is held as the standard, there will be much more unity, respect, and professionalism in nursing. Without it, nursing will remain stuck as some glorified tech position. (Please don't misunderstand me. I love techs, so no disrespect to them; it's just that we have a whole philosophy and pedagogy for nursing education, practice, and professionalism, which goes far beyond technical skills. You don't know how many times I have cringed when I have heard techs in ED or some other place say, "We do everything the nurses do.!" No. You are skewed in your perception of the role of the nurse and the profession. I don't argue with these people, b/c I doubt I will change their perspective in a number of cases. They are blind to what nursing really is and what it is supposed to be.)

Trust me on this as well. Regardless of current economic swings and political issues with healthcare and insurance, the demand for truly professional nursing is going to greatly increase--and yes. I am saying this in 2017! It's time to take the silly, capriciousness out of nursing and get down to more objective systems of teaching and evaluating. Further, if someone doesn't want to precept, they definitely should not be doing so. It takes a lot of patience and insight. Also, just b/c people have taken preceptor courses DOES NOT MEAN THEY SHOULD BE PRECEPTING. Excellence in communication, empathy, and teaching the adult learning is key. Taking a mere preceptor course alone will not make you a good teach or mentor.