ICU nurses precepting new grad

[squirtle]

Hey guys... I am a new grad who will be starting out in the SICU in just a couple of weeks. My orientation period is 6 months and I am feeling confident that it will be a good one. That was one of my concerns and I made sure to ask a lot of questions about the orientation I would be receiving at my interview. That being said... I have one concern that I can't seem to quit thinking about.

My manager is one who usually prefers to hire nurses who are experienced on the floor before coming in to the unit (we all know that debate, experience vs. straight to the ICU). It seems to me that this would mean that most of the nurses who are precepting are used to precepting nurses who come in with experience and not brand new nurses. I am sure this might be somewhat difficult for the preceptor. I know that having an orientee is more work than just going in and being on your own and I have always been so greatful to the nurses who took the time to allow me to be with them as a student. I know that I need to focus, ask questions, and absorb everything that I can. I know what not to do, but I can't quit being concerned about my preceptor and worrying that at some point they are going to get frustrated with my lack of knowledge.

I guess I am just looking for someone to tell me that I am going to have a great orientation and that I am never going to disappoint my preceptor or cause them to lose their confidence in me... ok, then maybe just some advice on the best ways to move in that direction

[may2kd]

You're going to be fine and you'll have an awesome orientation :) It's hectic at first, you'll feel like at such a disadvantage, but there are few things to remember. Your preceptor is in the same boat you are. He/she'll want you to have just as good as an orientation as you do, because after that 6 months you'll have to hold your own. Don't be afraid to speak up if you and your preceptor aren't a good fit. You won't get as much out of the orientation if it isn't conducive to your learning style.

Also, precepting isn't mandatory, and it isn't something that everyone is good at. Odds are, since you said most of the new ICU nurses have experience and you don't, you'll be placed with someone who is a really good teacher. So don't worry about them getting frustrated. In the end, it's a partnership between the two of you to make sure you get what you need out of it.

You know what you have to do...stay focused, ask questions, and absorb everything and you'll do great. ICU is hard work, very rewarding and fun. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Good luck in the ICU. I've loved every minute I've been in.

--Katherine

[squirtle]

Thank you for your response, Katherine, I really appreciate it. I hadn't thought about the preceptorship as being a partnership... I guess that does make sense though. I think most of my concern is coming from my short rotation through the ICU in nursing school. I would stand at the nurses station while the team leader would beg each nurse to allow me to be with them... someone usually gave in after about 6 or 7 declined :chuckle

It's different though being there as a new orientee though I believe... we should all be on the same team and it would make sense that they want me to succeed. Thanks again, I do feel a bit better looking at it from that perspective.

[Purple Fairy, RN]

i am a new grad who will be starting in the MICU in Nov. My unit usually hires experienced nurses as well...I actually asked about preceptors and as the above post said the preceptors chose to train the new icu nurses. Also, it seems like a lot of hospitals have preceptor training classes- which is a plus for both parties involoved! So good luck :)

[geminigirl11]

Hi Squirtle,

one thing I've noticed is that teaching can sometimes bring up feelings of embarrassment on the part of the preceptor. And this happens with people who want to teach! They have to really show themselves and this can be hard at times (even for the experienced ones). If they get frustrated with your lack of knowledge, it is about them, really. Hopefully they will not aim this at you.

I remember asking questions that my preceptors could not answer and I felt badly for them. I started changing how I asked questions leaving plenty of room for not knowing the answer and this helped.

I would be very observant at first especially if you are feeling urgent about anything day-to-day. I'm remembering that my over-eagerness got in the way once in awhile. The problem that I've seen for new grads and especially new docs/med students, is they are so urgent to know something and show this that they end up coming on too strong and eager, firing off questions or comments.

I agree with a previous post-if you don't feel it's a good fit with your preceptor, speak up sooner rather than later. I chuckled when I read "I would stand at the nurses station while the team leader would beg each nurse to allow me to be with them... someone usually gave in after about 6 or 7 declined". BUT, a team leader shouldn't have to ask over & over. If they assign someone a student, that RN should be gracious and take their asignment, for goodness sakes!

Remember, your preceptor will shine when you do and you have every right to be there as a new grad. You seem very thoughtful and caring. How lucky for them!

Have fun!!!!!