Inexperienced RN, Now Preceptor?

BonnieSc · Oct 19, 2012

If you're doing all right at you're job, you'll probably be a fine preceptor. (Some people aren't cut it for it no matter how long they've been nursing.) Teach the student what you know and be honest when you don't know the answer. Ask more experienced nurses if they're around. Reinforce the basics. One year is plenty of time, and it will reinforce your skills and confidence. The best way to solidify your own skills is to teach them to someone else.

Keep in mind how doctors learn--they sometimes have even less experience when they start having to teach newer doctors and medical students how to do procedures. (And it shows. But like I said, you have more experience than that.)

rn/writer, RN · Oct 19, 2012

There's an old saying that, I believe, got it's start in military medical circles during wartime. "See one, do one, teach one."

This sense of urgency arose from the fact that there was a great need for people to be brought up to speed in a hurry, and while the training might not have been quite that abbreviated, there certainly were people with limited amounts of experience teaching those who followed them.

Today you see some of this with medical residents, as well. The senior residents oversee the junior residents who have a role in educating the first-years, and the med students follow after them.

No, you will not have all the "pearls" of wisdom a more seasoned nurse might have to offer. But you will remember vividly how it felt to be a student, and you may have a great deal of insight into how to bridge the learning gap between someone who is still in school and the independent practitioner you are now.

What if she asks you something you don't know? Far from a nightmare that exposes your ignorance, look at that as a chance for the two of you to seek out answers together. Direct her to the P&P book or online listing. Show her the resources kept on the unit. Ask other nurses or support staff. It isn't only the knowledge itself that matters, but the ability to find out what you don't understand.

Chances are she'll be very green and her presence will give you a chance to see just how far you've come. But even if she's an experienced LPN who is now pursuing her RN, there will likely be plenty of give and take.

Just don't try to bluff if you don't know something. That loses people's respect. Admitting you don't have all the answers and being willing to seek out more knowledge is nothing to be ashamed of.

Remember, this isn't about you. It's about the nurse-in-training who may feel uncomfortable and on the spot with a more seasoned nurse. She could find you less intimidating and be more willing to ask questions of someone who was recently in her shoes.

This could be a great opportunity for both of you. I wish you the best!

Sweetie_Pooh · Oct 24, 2012

So far the experience is going well and it has surprise me by showing just how far I've come in a year. I think I can understand why being a fairly new nurse can be an advantage because I remember all too well how it felt to be in her shoes so I am able to relate to her in that way which probably is less intimidating for her.

Also, I had to realize that there is no shame in showing her what I would normally do if I'm not 100% sure about something like asking the charge RN for advice or double checking with the pharmacist before giving an unfamiliar med etc.

I really am grateful for this opportunity. I didn't expect, as the preceptor, that I would be learning a little something too.

Thanks for all the advice!

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2012

They wouldn't have asked you to do it if they didn't think you'd be good at it. Sounds like you're doing well and you have the idea just fine.

Jenni811, RN · Oct 25, 2012

It's just a student.