New nurse in training...having a hard time dealing with my trainer!

[LPnicki4990]

So I graduated LPN school a few months ago, and was lucky enough to find a job shortly after graduation at a doctor's office.

The girl who is training me has worked there for a while, and is very knowledgable about the job. The first couple of weeks, everything went fine, she was nice, friendly, and helpful. She seemed very eager to train me. This is when I was totally dependant on her and she could show off everything she knows.

After that, when I began feeling slightly more comfortable with things (and I stress slightly, as you all know there is soooo much to learn, and it never ends), but it seemed like when I was starting to display some confidence and independence that she turned on me. I have come to realize that my trainer is a bossy, "know-it-all", control freak, and I don't know how to handle this.

Of course she does know way more than me, I freely admit that, and I don't pretend otherwise. I have been there about 6 weeks now, and have gotten the hang of some of my job duties, but she still tries to tell me how to do things all the time. And she does this loudly in front of the practicioners to make me look like I still don't know what I'm doing. Or if she sees me hesitating on something or asking someone else, she will just take it over, and act like "she has to do everything." I tried to explain to her once politely that sometimes I just need a minute to think and make sure I am doing something correctly, and if she just takes over, then I will never learn. She just responded with "well, that is the only way I know how to teach." And when I do make a mistake, (which I'm only human and I have made many and will continue to make them), she talks to me like I am the stupidest person in the world!

I am a very laid back person, who will take some crap to keep the peace, but I am getting tired of being treated this way. I feel like I am stuck because she is my trainer, and I still have many questions, and I really appreciate being taught skills that I didn't learn in school, but I don't really know how and when to assert my independence. There reallly is no set time frame for my training, so I am so unclear if and when I can stand up to her, or if I should just let it go.

Everyone in the office seems to know how she is, but they depend on her because she does know so much, so they put up with it.

Any advise on how to handle a coworker/trainer like this would be greatly appreciated!

[LPnicki4990]

Really, no advise?

[tasha1121]

Hello there, so your trainer/coworker is working your nerves "yikes", i think that you should talk to the person that's over her because i'm pretty sure there's someone over her and remember to remain calm about the situation because that plays a very important factor in the nursing field. So keep your head up and there's always brighter days and please do not let this woman get that type of a rise out of you because you are better than that i'm sure and you don't want to put your job in danger. I hope i have helped some and happy holidays to all:)

[sheronep, MSN, RN]

Been there! GO to your manager or supervisor. If that doesn't work ask for another preceptor- thats what I did. Now that I am off orientation we are fine. Still dont like her but she does have knowledge.

[ccampbell1012]

Been there as well. You should remind your trainer that if you are doing well or becoming more competent in the job, that is a reflection on her/him. You should kindly remind her/him that you want to be able to show all the skills/knowledge that they have shown you and that it will make both of you look good. Good luck!

[lakepapa]

Been there also. My First perceptor was an absolute sociopath. Talk to the nurse manager. Time for different preceptor.

[QBoroRN, ASN, RN]

I agree with the previous posts, it's your best bet to go to your supervisor

[Orange Tree]

I'm thinking doctor's office=small and not a lot of options for a preceptor. Hopefully, that's not the case....but if it is, just try to survive until you're confident that you can function on your own. I love the idea about connecting how well you're doing with her great teaching skills (even if they're not so great).