LDRP preceptor DO'S and DONT'S

CA CoCoRN, RN · Jan 15, 2006

I don't know where you're working, the number of deliveries per month/annum, average age of the nurses, your previous experience....nothing about you.

But I will tell you this: LISTEN and SHUT UP. Ask questions to clarify, write key points down...but don't worry about what you did elsewhere, heard, someone said, etc. At least not until you have a good grip on the new stuff you're learning.

I'm a preceptor....and I'm going into another round of precepting. I call my preceptees "Birdies". One day they will be off flying on their own. However, for now...I'm the "provider" and I am providing them with knowledge of how it should be done universally, and if applicable, as pertains to our particular unit's protocols. In the beginning stages...especially when they're brand spanking new to L&D, I don't want their minds polluted with what "so and so" said/did/heard/useta/coulda/woulda/shoulda, etc. :coollook: .

It may seem harsh...but it works. Then the preceptee begins to understand what they really didn't know...and the magnitude of what they're learning. My one Birdie who didn't listen to me recently had an "event".

My other Birdies are flying just fine.:wink2:

ads24 · Jan 15, 2006

Shut Up and Listen doesn't sound to hard, i think i can manage that. thanks

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 16, 2006

My advice: Do NOT simply shut up and listen: The point about not going on about what you did elsewhere is a really good one. But you have to able to discuss "whys" and rationales of the way things are done at your institution.

DO ask a lot of questions and never be afraid to do so........

NEVER pretend to know what you do not. If you don't know, ask. If the person you ask does not know, keep asking til you find out the answers. None of us knows everything, including your preceptor.

Know, right off the bat, where your Policy and Procedures manuals are and how to use them! Not ALL preceptors follow or even know everything they say and many of us experienced nurses can develop some "bad" habits. Make sure you know what the "book" says and what is the right thing to do---not just "cause that is how we have always done it"---a classic line many of us "old nurses" can be prone to saying.

Be a sponge; really keep your ears and eyes open to all experiences around you and do NOT be afraid to volunteer to do new things. Most new nurses learn best by DOING not just by watching or "listening and shutting up". You have to be an active learner in the process. This is a valuable time, a time when you have the luxury to really work at a pace whereby you learn. USE it to your advantage and get all you can from it.

Be a team player. By that I mean, if you are caught up and see others working, be willing to jump in and help them when possible. Always be willing to ask how you can help them get caught up or what you can do to make their day easier. I make it a point to ask others if there is anything I can do to get them out on time, if I am caught up.

Be flexible----be willing to work some "off times" to help out if the unit is drowning and needs help. This is a great way to gain experience---tell them you are available to help during extremely busy times for a few hours to get things caught up, if at all possible. This is wise in those first couple of years when gaining experience is so important.

Some LDRP/L and D units DO hire new graduates out of school; others make it a policy not to. Depends on the philosophy of the management and administration of a given institution and the individial candidate nurse they are considering hiring. I was hired right out nursing school into an LDRP unit that usually DID NOT do this. You can get lucky, like I did.

I wish you the very best. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask us here----you have YEARS of experience working for you here at allnurses.com!