I was asked to "work as a team" with a new RN...(m)

[pink2blue1]

who is "floundering" in the words of my manager and the education coordinator. I myself am a new grad (It will be 1 year on December 31st! YEAH!) and I have seen many a new RN come onto my unit. 2 of them quit because it was "too hard and too fast paced" I worked on this very same unit as a CNA for 4 years before becoming an LVN. They want me to "precept" this RN again because I have "good organizational skills" Truth is, I have helped this poor RN time and time again because she is very scattered. I technically cannot precept her can I?

On one hand Im flattered, but at the same time I am reluctant. You see, I believe every person works in a way that is best for them. I have my routine down. I can tell her how I do it, show her what I do, but will she ever get it? She already precepted, did her 8-12 weeks opr whatever, on orientation. She has been off orientation for over a month, maybe two, and is "Floundering" in the words of my boss and the education coordinator.

What would you do in a case like this? WOuld you go for it? I mean I am all for helping people, but I just feel awkward because I am an LVN and she is an RN.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Technically, I don't think you could precept her if it were her initial orientation to the unit. They're just asking you to help with organizational skill development. I'd say that's okay so long as you keep it focused on organization. You wouldn't be supervising her, but rather, you would be collaborating. Collaboration between LPN and RN should be okay, I would think.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You are not orienting her to her RN role, she's been there and done that, and you can't do that anyway. What you can do is help her with her organizationals skills, show her how you do it, etc. I think that you should give it a try. This is probably this nurses last chance and some patient, yet firm guidance might help her out. I appreciate that your manager isn't giving up on this nurse. Many new grads don't make it at first, but eventually become good nurses. So yes, she just might "get it" if people don't give up on her and are willing to work with her. But she might not, and at least your manager gave it an honest try.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have actually oriented rather than collaborated many RNs, and while it may be an unusual situation, I think it is good team work to do so. In my clinic, many of our functions are quite similar, but I do not do triage, take charge or make assignments. We have computerized charting, so, many of them have to get used to this, especially picking up orders, which of course, will be done by any nurse. Most of the RNs I have taught have remembered me fondly, and mention it to the powers that be very often. You never know where it leads. As previously mentioned, you are not supervising them, just displaying your talents and your supervisors must have observed and heard good things about you. Go for it!

[nservice]

I think it is fine for an LVN to orient an RN at some point in their orientation period. When I was a new grad, I learned a great deal from the experienced LVN's. I also learned the LVN scope of practice, which is something I needed to know.

[psalm, RN]

When you say "organizational skills" do you mean getting assignments done, prioritizing, staying focused? I can get very "scattered" if I don't have my cheat sheet set up properly and certain things highligted so I can focus better. I am lost without my highlighting, bold blocks and writing report in black and MY assessments in red. Some stuff is too busy for me and I have to set it up so I don't get overwhelmed.

Maybe sit down with her and ask her what SHE finds to be challenging her. Let us know how she does. I wish my first NM hadn't given up on me, I am a good nurse, but I can't do it like everyone else. One size does not fit all.

AND bless you for not giving up on her :)

[joprasklpn]

good luck to you. sounds like it may take a miracle. already had 8-12 weeks orientation and still floundering. give it a try and if it is too stressful on you let management worry about it. not you responsibility to carry her.