How NOT To Be An Annoying Nursing Student

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I Received my preceptor assignment today and I graduate in two months. I'm so excited I can not stand it!! For you experienced nurses out there... Can you complete this sentence for me. It really annoys me when my nursing student does ____________________. I just want to get the most out of my precepting experience without being a drag. Thanks.

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Does not show an interest.

Whines and complains about shift work.

Only wants to do "the cool things/procedures".

Only doing nursing as a stepping stone to NP/MD.

Does not want to learn something from you.

Does not want to challenge themselves.

Challenges your honest feedback as a personal attack.

Laughs at patients.

Says something inappropriate/mean to patients.

Tells me they are going on break and returns to the floor 1hr and 30mins later.

Arrives late every shift- does not apologize.

Says things like "it's just nursing".

Thinks they are above toiletting/changing/cleaning patients "isn't that the aides job? I'm going to be an RN".

This are just a few of the types of students I've encountered. I've had some amazing students and some terrible ones.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Looks at facebook/checks email/plays on iPhone/does homework during shift instead of asking questions about what is going on with our patients and trying to LEARN to be a nurse.

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Pop gum in my ear.

Flirt with the Residents/MDs "to get a head start on snagging one"

Tell me that's not my job (cleaning patients, transferring patients, etc)

When I look for you to show you something and I can't ever find you.

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Passes on doing something because they've done it "once" before.

Having their phone on them and checking it on a regular basis.

Not open to constructive feedback.

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Pop gum in my ear.

Flirt with the Residents/MDs "to get a head start on snagging one"

Tell me that's not my job (cleaning patients, transferring patients, etc)

When I look for you to show you something and I can't ever find you.

Lol you've seen that?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

I love when they say:

"Can I help you with anything?"

"I'm not totally confident with XX, can you please double check me?" (conscious of patient safety)

"Thank you."

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Lol you've seen that?

Yes I have. Some still get into it to snag a Doc, and it still works... Sometimes.

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Natter on about the PVT :) and how you are terrified of the NCLEX

Wear see-throughs

Try to blow smoke about anything when you think we won't notice :) (we have been there)

Let everybody know exactly what your plans are for your entire career in nursing, starting with one year in ED or ICU, followed by CRNA school or NP school, because you will never never be a floor nurse. (this is very unlikely to happen as you plan; remember who's saving your butt right now :) )

Snarf up staff snacks and those good little custards in the floor kitchen

Cluster in groups of 2 and 3 in the hallways instead of spending every free minute doing, observing, or helping with something nurse-like

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Specializes in CICU.
Snarf up staff snacks and those good little custards in the floor kitchen

Those custards are the best!

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Won't do anything on their own or without being told.

Compares everything you do to "the way I learnt in school"

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This is a great list everyone! Thank you! Everyone hopes that they don't do these behaviors but it is nice to see them in writing to do some self-evaluation to see if you are guilty! :saint:

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