Is it better to have one preceptor or multiple preceptors in training?

[Roberta123]

Is it better to have only one preceptor or multiple preceptor in training to a new position not necessary as a new nurse been nurse for 13 years from med-surg now in ER looking for some feedback on this. I have had multiple trainers and all train differently and getting mixed in multiple ways of doing things, so I mentioned to a night supervisor that I feel that I am getting to many different ways to do things and that I felt it would be better productive if I was placed with only one preceptor, and then he spoke with the manager and so schedule got changed to be with one preceptor but I made it clear to night supervisor that I am not complaining about anyone just felt that I could learn better with just one,so what I am trying to say, by verbalizing my concern to supervisor after only 2 weeks on job does that make me look bad?

[Sour Lemon]

Is it better to have only one preceptor or multiple preceptor in training to a new position not necessary as a new nurse been nurse for 13 years from med-surg now in ER looking for some feedback on this. I have had multiple trainers and all train differently and getting mixed in multiple ways of doing things, so I mentioned to a night supervisor that I feel that I am getting to many different ways to do things and that I felt it would be better productive if I was placed with only one preceptor, and then he spoke with the manager and so schedule got changed to be with one preceptor but I made it clear to night supervisor that I am not complaining about anyone just felt that I could learn better with just one,so what I am trying to say, by verbalizing my concern to supervisor after only 2 weeks on job does that make me look bad?

As an experienced nurse, I find it's helpful to work with different people. I tend to learn more tips and "shortcuts" that way. In any case, getting off orientation fast is always my goal. I like to establish my own routines and habits, and that's difficult to do working around someone else's preferences.

[gees_rn]

I see the benefits of both but in defense of multiple preceptors: if Each of them is doing things the "right way" (hospital approved, safe, effective) then it may be beneficial to see different ways of doing them so that you may develop a flow that works best for you? Now if each preceptor is making up their own rules then that theory is ineffective. Ultimately you know what's best for you and your learning experience I just thought I'd add my two cents :-)

[Cat365]

Both ways have there advantages. With multiple preceptors you learn multiple ways of doing things, but each preceptor will have different expectations, different things they place emphasis on, and with a constant change in preceptor they don't have time to learn/evaluate you.

In short I think having 2-3 preceptors might be an advantage, but a new person each shift is a hindrance.

[KalipsoRed21, BSN, RN]

I think it best to have one that you can learn from. If you find it hard to learn from than one get a new one then. I never found it easy to learn if I had several preceptors.

[nurseandtell]

If you are new, maybe one preceptor for the first few weeks would be appropriate to get your experience. After that, once you are able to get the hang of the flow of the ER, it would be beneficial to see how others do it. It also largely depends on your learning style. You do not want to be that one nurse that does things only one way and sticks with it for 30 years. Keep on learning, keep on growing =]

[SmilingBluEyes]

Advantages and disadvantages to multiple preceptors. I support the notion of having one preceptor early in the preceptorship. But later on, having multiple preceptors can be advantageous, if they are teaching the correct way to do things, according to policies.

Learning to work with many people and all their perceived idiosyncrasies is good; many doctors vary in their practices and how they want things done. So to get used to that early-on is not a bad thing.

Go with the flow; if you are having trouble with any preceptor not showing you the right way to do things, speak up (to that preceptor first). Otherwise, go along and learn all you can. You'll learn a lot more from multiple ways to do things and differing points of view.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

In one ED where I worked, the educator had a rule of 3...i.e., keeps the number of preceptors for any orientee to 3 or fewer. Personally, I see the advantage to having more than 1 preceptor. For example, one preceptor might be able to help you with prioritizing while another can help you with technical skill. One preceptor might teach you a trick for how to get certain things done more quickly; someone else might be really good with teaching about every obscure med under the sun.

Having too many preceptors can make your head spin, there is a mixed message, and you might feel held back. But, I think that having a few can be beneficial.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with some of the previous posters -- there are advantages and disadvantages to both possibilities.

I think it is best to have consistency for the first week or two ... but then adding a couple more gradually is a good idea. If you only have 1 forever, you not only inherit her strengths, you also inherit her weaknesses. So having more than one over time is good. But if you have too many in a short period of time, it can get overwhelming.