need help deciding on preceptorship units

[RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN]

I'm getting ready to start my last intermediate, which means 202 and graduation is finally on the horizon. I have the opportunity to precept this summer as an elective as well as the required preceptorship in 202. Here's my issue: I have no idea what area(s) of nursing I'm really interested in. I know what I don't like (adult med-surg) and I know what I've enjoyed so far (OR, high risk antepartal/couplet care/L&D/NICU), but I don't know if the enjoyment was just the newness of it or an actual desire to be there. I have peds next and I currently tech on a peds floor so I know what that's like (and it's much better than working with adults). We don't get any time in the ED or other trauma areas, so I don't know whether or not I would enjoy those areas (although I think I would enjoy ED). I need to start thinking about preceptorship locations (we have to list 3 units plus any areas we absolutely don't want) and I have no idea what units to include.

If you had an "a ha" moment, when was it? Any advice on how can I narrow down my preferable units? Thanks!

[himilayaneyes]

Seems like you know the areas you don't like...so my advice...avoid those areas.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Many nursing units view the preceptorship as a 110 hour job interview -- so choose someplace you think you might like to work.

[RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN]

Many nursing units view the preceptorship as a 110 hour job interview -- so choose someplace you think you might like to work.

Exactly. That's why I'm trying to find a "good fit" for the unit and for myself so I'm not wasting their time and mine.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Exactly. That's why I'm trying to find a "good fit" for the unit and for myself so I'm not wasting their time and mine.

I'd suggest picking from the several you listed that you know you like and making them your three "good" picks. At this point, you probably aren't going to know for sure how you'll like working ANYWHERE. Med/Surg is probably a no go, so list that. After you've had a job for awhile, you'll get a feel for what you like about it and what you don't. Your second job becomes a more education selection.

If you think you might like OR, ER or something else, there's plenty of time to try it after you've had a couple of years of experience.

[cassie77775]

If you need to hone your skills, I would choose some place where you will get plenty of opportunity to do them.

[Momtomykiddos]

We were able to do some ED time when I was in school. It wasn't a full rotation, but we had a rotation that was kind of a grab bag of places we didn't get for a full rotation. ED, cath lab, dialysis, outpatient lab...places where they didn't want a ton of students underfoot, but we got exposure to the area for a short period.

The ED, for me, was great. So many different patients, so much going on, so many different skills to practice. It was great for some who didn't know what kind of population they wanted to work with--they were at least able to narrow down the type of cases they liked over others, and practice a bunch of skills.