I'm so not a teacher!

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Specializes in Alzheimers/Dementia.

So I'm a new nurse who has been working in an Alzheimers for about 4 months and the DON wants me to train a new nurse! Oh and btw you will start tonight and you don't have a choice!:eek: I was like I'm a NEW nurse!:D I'm sooo not a teacher, I just have like Zero patience!:uhoh3: So my question to all ya'll is how do you guys effectively orient/teach a new graduate?! Especially when [not to be mean], but the new nurse hasn't been catching on with the few days she has been orienting! I need some advice! :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

Thanks!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

1. Ask her how she/he best learns.

2. Assess her needs. What does she know--what does she not know?

3. You both should be clear about personality differences, and that how you speak to her shouldn't be taken personally (everyone always has a different perspective on situations) and if she does, please communicate.

4. Ask her if she understands, if not repeat process. Reinforce as long as needed. Encourage.

5. Let her know you are going to try your best and that it is a partnership; if she is not learning/orienting/happy, etc.,

6. Reassess each learning point. Make sure you have something--a list--learning tool--usually the requirements so that you hit all major points.

7. ASK questions, but also LISTEN for the answer.

8. Encourage.

9. Do your best.

10. If the partnership doesn't work out, remember you will be working with this person. DON'T start the relationship filled with enmity.

Good luck.

You CAN do it.

J

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Specializes in Alzheimers/Dementia.

Thank you JoPACURN! I'm gonna print out that list and take it with me:lol2::D

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

jot down the issues you had as a new employee - like where to find a place to hang your coat. This person will have the same issues.

BTW - we do not allow new employees (new nurse or not) to precept for at least one year. They are not familiar enough with our policies.

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Specializes in Alzheimers/Dementia.

Classic dame-

I personally think they're crazy for letting me orient a new grad! But we just had like 3 nurses leave and there is all of this Chaos and all, and I so, don't want to, because I'm still learning, but Have to! :eek:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

be able to find all the policies so that you and the new nurse TOGETHER can go over them and learn to do it right the first time. Policies protect YOU. If you can document that you did anything per policy you can protect your job and your license.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Just like do what you can. Good luck.

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Specializes in Alzheimers/Dementia.

Reading through all of our policies is a fantastic idea. Thank You! I need to start learning to Cover my own booty!:D

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab,Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Ortho, Neuro.

Also, make a list of all the duties that you perform during your shift, no matter how small the task. I was very bad about just doing some of the smaller tasks w/o really explaining what I'm doing. I keep copies of this list for my shift, b/c I do train alot.

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This is probably oversimplistic.... but treat her/him how yoiu want to be treated. Encourage, be appreciative and criticize privately... I learned that from Dale Carnegie! Great author btw!

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Specializes in LTC.

Op I wished I were in your shoes!!! Picture this- new grad training other new grads and nurses with only 2 weeks of experience. Yes, that was me. It totally sucked but I did my best. I was a new grad, had 2 weeks exp. And had to train!

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I'm just thinking, how on earth can ANYONE be expected to have the patience to tolerate Alzheimers patients AND a new grad? :p

I worked as a CNA on an Alzheimers unit, and LOVED it but goodness, my patience would be all used up at the end of every shift!

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