ICU Preceptors

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

Hello, all,

I have been working for about 3 months now in an ICU in a big hospital. My experiences with preceptors have been less than positive. First preceptor was incredibly anal, expected me to just walk around and watch her while she did stuff, and had a real hard time giving me the space to try things on my own. Preceptors 2 and 3 were wonderful, were supportive, and interested in giving me good experiences. Preceptor #4 is absolutely horrible. She spends her time watching me and reams me out for any small thing I may have forgotten. For example, last night's misdeed was that I forgot to turn my patient once, so pt was in same position 4 hours. However, the rest of the shift, the patient had been turned q 2 hours. Yet she obsesses about the little things I miss.

I am planning on meeting with my manager this week to say I just can't work with this preceptor. She makes me feel less competent as time goes on, not more competent.

Another classmate of mine is also in an ICU, and her preceptor was ruthless to her. She finally has a new preceptor, but her confidence was also ruined.

Is it just ICUs? Is this a trend with ICU preceptors, or just a sad coincidence? I have to go in now for 12 hours with this person, and I think I would rather have surgery.

Thanks for listening,

Oldiebutgoodie

[hrtprncss]

Your preceptor has two patients, and then you so she will be picky. Especially about turning... Anyways it's only a few more weeks just hang in there, they are her patients that's why she wants things done her way. When you're on ur own you will do things ur own way. If she belittles you change preceptors, if she's hard on you and keeps asking you questions then stick it out. It's not that easy to train in ICU, it's not like nursing school...But if you can't take it anymore...I'd speak to your preceptor first and not your manager.

[Town & Country]

Personally, I wonder if some nurses don't precept because they want the opportunity to harrass a new nurse...........