nurse preceptors please read and respond to new nurse

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

I will be starting my first RN position at a local hospital. I would love to hear from all of the nurses who have precepted a new nurse. What I would like to know is what I can do to make my this time a positive learning expereince. What has ticked you off about the new nurse? What have you watched that has impressed you?

Thank you for your feedback.

Repat · Jul 1, 2004

I LOVE precepting new nurses!! The first thing I always say is "Ask before you do", if you're not sure, ask. The new nurses I have had a problem with are 1) those that are afraid they will look dumb if they ask, so they just do and often have to be rescued, and 2) those that still have the "what, me clean up that ...(whatever)!" attitude. Anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and be motivated has my vote. Don't worry about taking too much time to learn things, or to ask too many questions, etc. We all get there eventually. You will have a great experience, I'm sure!!

Repat · Jul 1, 2004

I LOVE precepting new nurses!! The first thing I always say is "Ask before you do", if you're not sure, ask. The new nurses I have had a problem with are 1) those that are afraid they will look dumb if they ask, so they just do and often have to be rescued, and 2) those that still have the "what, me clean up that ...(whatever)!" attitude. Anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and be motivated has my vote. Don't worry about taking too much time to learn things, or to ask too many questions, etc. We all get there eventually. You will have a great experience, I'm sure!!

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

After seeing something once, dive in and DO, don't just stand back and watch.

Show that your patients are your number one priority and concentrate on your organizational skills to be able to meet all your patient's needs within the time constraints of hospital routines (i.e. be aware or pt. A's time for PT so that he is medicated in advance for the pain he will likely have, be aware of typical Dr. X's round time so Mrs. C isn't in the tub when he comes, etc).

Ask about any/everything if you aren't absolutely sure.

Look the med up before asking your preceptor how long the infusion time is for any intermittent IV med. You will remember it much better, and it is an excellent habit to get into.

Do not complain/gossip about anyone (coworker, patients, management), or become too personally involved with your preceptor: this is to be a professional relationship. Once that relationship is graduated from, then socialize if appropriate.

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

After seeing something once, dive in and DO, don't just stand back and watch.

Show that your patients are your number one priority and concentrate on your organizational skills to be able to meet all your patient's needs within the time constraints of hospital routines (i.e. be aware or pt. A's time for PT so that he is medicated in advance for the pain he will likely have, be aware of typical Dr. X's round time so Mrs. C isn't in the tub when he comes, etc).

Ask about any/everything if you aren't absolutely sure.

Look the med up before asking your preceptor how long the infusion time is for any intermittent IV med. You will remember it much better, and it is an excellent habit to get into.

Do not complain/gossip about anyone (coworker, patients, management), or become too personally involved with your preceptor: this is to be a professional relationship. Once that relationship is graduated from, then socialize if appropriate.

plumrn, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

Remember, this is a time to learn as much as you can. Don't hesitate to ask questions. You will feel much better asking about something now, then you will when you have been a nurse for a while. Act interested, even if you already know and have done that procedure a dozen times. If you act bored or indifferent, staff will stop finding you for interesting things to see or do. Remember too, to help out where you can. Help pass trays, answer a light, etc. The staff will fall in love with you, and you will soon feel like a member of the team.

plumrn, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2004

Remember, this is a time to learn as much as you can. Don't hesitate to ask questions. You will feel much better asking about something now, then you will when you have been a nurse for a while. Act interested, even if you already know and have done that procedure a dozen times. If you act bored or indifferent, staff will stop finding you for interesting things to see or do. Remember too, to help out where you can. Help pass trays, answer a light, etc. The staff will fall in love with you, and you will soon feel like a member of the team.