New Grad and Getting to know the unit, help? My preceptor never introduces me

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Hello there,

I got a job as a new grad rpn in a surgery unit with the new graduate guarantee hfo program in Canada. This is my first time in a hospital not as a student. I've been with my preceptor before and she is good. She is great at directing and willing to answer questions. I'm still wracked with social anxiety though and I'm never sure about introducing myself to others on the unit. I know I should take initiative and start the conversation but I'm not sure about the culture and I don't know what to do to build good relationships. Background I'm sort of shy and can be less assertive than I should. My preceptor doesn't make introductions. Should I initiate them on my own? I don't want to make things awkward. Or seem unappreciative of her sharing her time. I hope this isn't a dumb question. Also what can I do to impress my preceptor? I know I need to find a routine, but is there anything else I can look up or practice. I really want to be competent and get a part time job in this unit.

Thanks so much

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The best way to overcome this is stick out your hand and say "Hi! My name is Rassuee- I'm new here. And you are????" with a big smile on your face. Your preceptor likely just forgets who you have and haven't met- I know I had that problem when training people.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, Rassuee!

Good advice from mmj... and remember: "Practice provides opportunity for possible improvement"!

Good luck to you in your endeavor!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Hello there,

I got a job as a new grad rpn in a surgery unit with the new graduate guarantee hfo program in Canada. This is my first time in a hospital not as a student. I've been with my preceptor before and she is good. She is great at directing and willing to answer questions. I'm still wracked with social anxiety though and I'm never sure about introducing myself to others on the unit. I know I should take initiative and start the conversation but I'm not sure about the culture and I don't know what to do to build good relationships. Background I'm sort of shy and can be less assertive than I should. My preceptor doesn't make introductions. Should I initiate them on my own? I don't want to make things awkward. Or seem unappreciative of her sharing her time. I hope this isn't a dumb question. Also what can I do to impress my preceptor? I know I need to find a routine, but is there anything else I can look up or practice. I really want to be competent and get a part time job in this unit.

Thanks so much

It's unfortunate that your preceptor doesn't introduce you, but she probably just forgets that you don't know everyone. Smile as big as you can, stick out your hand, and say "I'm Rassuee, I just started here." Do that with everyone you meet and do it every time you meet them until you SURE they know your name and you know theirs. Social anxiety is a bummer, but you're not the only one suffering from it. Some of those people you're introducing yourself to will be very grateful to you for initiating the greeting. They will think you're nice, and they may go out of their way to show you something interesting or teach you something extra. Doing this is going to impress your preceptor as well.

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I'm always impressed when a preceptee introduces themselves to me. As stated previously, you can shake their hand with your introduction if you want, and definitely smile. I dont think there's much need for a lot of conversation right away, unless it flows naturally. Good luck!

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