Is this normal?

[alexan18]

I recently started my preceptorship at a hospital med/surg unit. Out of the 8 shifts I worked I have only worked with my preceptor 4 times. The other times I was put with other nurses who just happened to be available. My preceptor had to cover as charge nurse. I was put with someone who has only worked 6 months as a nurse and has never had preceptor training. My training is scattered and I am starting to worry about making it through to the six weeks. One nurse tells me to work this way and the other tells me to do it that way, then my preceptor gets upset because Im not doing things her way. Some of the nurses they put me with wont let me do anything but observe and pass meds. Is this normal practice? I am planning on talking to my manager next week and letting her know how I feel. This is just not working and I am starting to hate my job. Any advice?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I won't say it's "normal" but it happens all the time that an orientee gets bounced around like a Superball. (In my current job I had exactly five orientation shifts and three different preceptors...) It's not fair and it's detrimental to your development as a new nurse. Some will say that it's a good thing to experience a lot of different preceptors because there are many right ways of doing things, but for someone who is still adjusting to being a nurse, it's too hard to be objective about what you're being taught. And it's all but impossible to develop a routine and some confidence. I have huge issues with new staff orienting new staff. It's like photocopying a photocopy. Eventually there's very little of the original there. When I preceptor someone with no experience, I will tell them that I'm showing them what I do and how I do it with an emphasis on critical elements, and that as they get more comfortable they will find their own methods and organizational practices. As for the ones who won't let you do anything, just exactly what are you learning from them besides not to go to them for help or guidance? A good preceptor is someone who is able to stand back and observe, monitor things from a distance and jump in only if the patient's welfare is at risk. I've seen it often enough; a new nurse is paired with someone who has to be in control, to do everything herself, and keeps the new staffer in the background. The new staffer comes off orientation without experiencing the consequences of their actions (not having been allowed to act!) or testing their mettle in an urgent situation, is given an assignment that is out of their scope and the fertilizer hits the ventilator... but it really isn't their fault. You need to have at most three consistent preceptors who communicate with each other about where you are, where you're going and what you need to get there. Without that you're going to struggle and miss out on important opportunities. Having a meeting with your manager and the clinical instructor is a good starting point. Print this and take it with you so you have some ammunition if you want. This is one of the most important parts of your evolution as a nurse and you have to be an advocate for yourself and your future!

[stayingoutoftrouble]

I am on orientation right now. I got a calander that told me what days I was working an the name of the preceptor I would be working with that day. So far, none of the days I have worked I have been paired with the person listed on my calander. It is so annoying and frustrating. I feel pretty much bounced around while they scramble to find someone for me to be with that day. It is annoying too because the person I DO end up with isn't expecting me and may or may not be receptive to having an orientee. So, you aren't alone.

[oeue2007]

I'm orienting right now with two different preceptors. (Knock wood, so far it's been the same two.) One has 20+ years exp., the other, one year. Time is divided about 2:1 between them. Gotta say, so far I think it's a good combo because the exp. nurse goes SO fast and uses all of the shortcuts she's learned (good and bad) through the years. I'm a believer in you've got to know the rules to break the rules so I look forward to spending time with the new nurse who works a little closer to my pace and does things "the hard way". I think if I had been assigned only to the vet I would feel extremely frustrated and inadequate. Not saying she's not doing a good job because she's very patient and explains everything. Just saying it's nice to be able to compare "this is at least where you'll be in a year and this is where you might be in ten." Having said that, six months is way to soon to ask someone to mentor! I think I would have to refuse and take the consequences.

[alexan18]

Thank you everyone for your support and advice. I talked with my manager today and told her exactly how I felt and that having too many different preceptors was affecting me. So.... they put me with someone new today and are going to keep me with him for the next month. I really felt like I accomplished something today.

[cardiac.cure03]

Thank you everyone for your support and advice. I talked with my manager today and told her exactly how I felt and that having too many different preceptors was affecting me. So.... they put me with someone new today and are going to keep me with him for the next month. I really felt like I accomplished something today.

That's awesome that you went to your manager and you had something done about it. I believe that's one thing that can be tough for a lot of new grads (including myself). When you're still "getting your feet wet," it's difficult at times to stand up and be proactive. I really wouldn't know what to expect...I don't have any other experiences to compare things to (being new). That sort of thing.

But yeah, awesome job! :)