Not feeling very confident

[PeacockMaiden]

I'm a AGNP student through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. I'm doing the distance program. I just finished up my second semester, adv. assessment.

I'm not super thrilled with this program. It is a very self directed program. My instructor for this class really didn't do much instructing at all, so I feel like I really didn't learn much more than I would have myself by reading the textbook.

I also did not have a very good preceptor and therefore I don't think I learned that much in the clinical portion. This preceptor would have 4-5 other students working with her on the days I was there, so I got very little attention or direction. During a clinical day, I mostly would only be able to observe the other students, and I myself would see maybe 2-3 patients.

Needless to say, I don't feel very comfortable with my assessment skills.

It is normal for preceptors to not give too much guidance? I'm feeling discouraged.

I am now searching for a preceptor for the fall (alas, we have to find our own), and I hope I can find a good one. Preceptors are hard to find.

No real question here, just venting.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I am so sorry to hear you did not get enough out of your practicum. My advanced assessment preceptor was a NP working in a 1 doctor office. We would see about 20 patients a day, and I had plenty of time to "practice" my advanced skills...especially in the ROS and eye exams! Currently I am working with a physician preceptor and he has a total of 2 students during a turn. I am now taking 8-10 patients on my own and he comes in toward the end to "double check". He told me yesterday he would like to precept my final rotation as he felt I have good skills...just need to build my confidence! You may try finding an office that does primary care and is willing to take on 1 or 2 students only. Go to your sites as if you were going for a job...what is the environment like? how many patients do they see in a day? are they a "corporate" clinic or individual? Good luck!