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I recently graduated in May of 2019. I started my job in June working in the ED, which has been my dream job for as long as I've wanted to be a nurse. I was told in my interview that I would have a preceptor and would be on orientation for at least 13 weeks once I was licensed. I worked as a tech for 2 weeks until I got my license and have been working as an RN for 4 weeks now. During this time I have never had a preceptor. I have to find someone to help me every time I need assistance or have a quick question. No one has followed me or watched me do anything unless I've asked them to. I am currently taking a full patient load and am feeling very overwhelmed. The other nurses have an expectation that I should be doing things faster and get frustrated with me when I'm not carrying the load with the speed that they do. There is one nurse in particular that is extremely ugly to me to the point that if I know I'm going to have to work a shift with her I can't sleep the night before. I'm just curious as to what other people's experience with being a new grad and having a preceptor was like. Maybe my understanding of what having a preceptor/mentor isn't clear. I'm not sure if this is the normal new grad experience or if I didn't retain enough knowledge in school. I'm just really stressed and struggling. Any advice or comments would be helpful.. Thanks in advance!
Hi. I am in the same position, however I have been a nurse for a while I just don't have hospital experience. I was told I would have a preceptor assigned, but I have only worked with a few different nurses. Most of them didn't even know they would be training me, each shift I feel like it's my first day. I can't develop a system or a routine of my own. Some have really bad habits I don't want to see or learn. I have asked my manager a few times about a preceptor and the question goes unanswered. So I understand where you are coming from, I know I have to speak with my manager. I've only worked 4 shifts and I feel like I'm floundering. Good luck to you! Fingers crossed for me.
AnnieNP, MSN, NP
540 Posts
OP, how is it going?