Just Need Some Advice from Experienced Nurses Please

ERjodiRN · Mar 13, 2009

i would wait to see how the original preceptor acts now. he may let you do everything now, who knows. if he doesn't, speak up and say that you want to do it. it's hard being new to speak up, but you have a license and are no longer a student, so you should be able to care for your patients instead of shadowing the person who does. if that doesn't work, then talk to your educator. chances are, your preceptor will appreciate someone who is ambitious and wanting to learn and do things. just make sure you continue to ask a lot of questions and even his help so that he doesn't get concerned that you're over-confident. good luck!

johnst10 · Mar 13, 2009

I am assuming that you have spoken with your preceptor and said something like "Hey, I'd love to do that, I want to be ready when I need to do it myself. I'd like to do that and have you watch me. Since I have the level in my hand, why don't I just..." After that you should go to the educator. If she is good, she will be able to approach the situation so there is no "backlash". Remember, some great nurses are not good preceptors.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Mar 13, 2009

I don't think it would be seen as a bad thing asking for another preceptor. This is YOUR learning experience. It just happens where one preceptor is not a good fit and another person is better suited. Different people have different learning styles. I would go ahead and ask for a different preceptor.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Mar 13, 2009

maybe say something along the lines of "hey, since i've seen you do that a few times, can i perform the skill and have you watch me?" that might be an easier way to let your preceptor know that you need to do more hands-on. you aren't a student anymore!

if he still does not want you to perform skills independently, i would go to your nurse mgr and request another preceptor. your orientation is supposed to prepare you to be ready to be on your own--so make sure to advocate for yourself!

all the best in your new career. :)

ekm, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2009

well the preceptor your're with now could give report to him, that way he would know that you've been doing things independently or with assistance. i would greet him cheerfully and let him know that what exactly you have been doing and hope to learn more from him. flattery is always best!! lets us know.

eileen

Vito Andolini · Mar 14, 2009

Just tell him you need to learn by doing. If he can't let go and let you do stuff, you need a different preceptor. Keep in mind that he is still responsible for those patients that you are doing stuff to/for. I know I'm not a good teacher any more because I don't have the patience for it. Maybe he's the same way - impatient and scared you might mess up and he'd still be responsible.

Maybe you have some specific things in mind that you want to practice? Look for those opportunities.

Maybe you could go on and take your own simple patient? Just one to start.

NursingtheHeart · Mar 14, 2009

I have a license, so I am responsible for the care that I give. He's only been a nurse for a year. He is very smart and tries to explain things; but when we go into a patient's room, it's almost as if I'm not there. I have to beat him to the task to do something. He graduated exactly one year before me, and I am his first orientee. I do not mind having someone watch and supervise me; but like the other preceptor, I like to complete the tasks and be helped when I'm falling behind with time. I think he may not know how to "ween" me. I am going to give it another week. I will say something to him first, and then I will consider further actions. Thank you all for your advice.

LilyBlue · Mar 14, 2009

I have been a preceptor so many times, and I usually try to hone in on the preceptee's personality and needs. Sometimes, I get the feeling they would like to observe for a few shifts before they actaully start hands on and that's fine with me - people learn differently. I usually am very up front about it though - "Hey, you tell me what you're comfortable with - you will need to do these things eventually, but if you would rather 'watch and learn' for a bit that's ok, too". Most are more hands-on but either way is fine with me in the beginning. I've actually had to hold my hand over a new nurse's hand because he/she was shaking a bit while doing procedures. I love to watch nurses grow, it is the absolute best thing about my career. I can't wait to be a full-time teacher.

Sorry, off track a bit. I always love when people directly tell me what they want/need so we can personalize their training a bit. I'm as hands-off or as hands-on as required for the comfort of both the preceptee and me.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 14, 2009

i don't think it would be seen as a bad thing asking for another preceptor. this is your learning experience. it just happens where one preceptor is not a good fit and another person is better suited. different people have different learning styles. i would go ahead and ask for a different preceptor.

actually, it is a bad thing to be asking for another preceptor. it's a "red flag" for the nurse manager that this new employee may have issues. maybe it isn't always fair, and there certainly are times when another person is/would be a better fit, but the preceptor is a known quantity to the nurse manager and the orientee is not. once the orientee asks for a new preceptor, the manager starts taking a closer look at the orientee -- does she have problems getting along with co-workers? is she having problems with learning (as opposed to the preceptor having problems with teaching?) could the orientee be a bit of a diva? if any of the above is suspected, the manager may very well start laying the groundwork to ease the orientee out the door. in this economy, i'd be very careful. many managers have over-hired in anticipation of turnover that is now not happening, and easing an orientee out the door before their probationary period is up may be just what the budget needs.

i wouldn't advise asking for a new preceptor unless the original one is abusive, psychotic or awol. and in that case, you'd better document up the wazoo and be prepared to prove what a loser the preceptor is before asking for a new one.

try to elicit the knowledge you need from the preceptor -- it may take more work than other orientees have to do, but it is a test of your ability to get along with people, find out what you need to know, and demonstrate your committment to the job. if you cannot get an answer you can understand from him, ask the same (specific) question from someone else working that day. ("i didn't understand what jerry was saying about how to level a transducer -- could you explain to me what it should be level to?")

allnurses Guide · Mar 14, 2009

You didn't say if he won't let you do stuff, or he just hasn't let you do stuff. Definitely speak to him and maybe ask if you can come up with some specific goals for the rest of your preceptorship.