Hi, I am starting n a new unit after working 3 years on a different unit at the same hospital. This new unit has more critical patients.
I generally am doing ok, it's a lot f new learning. I had a preceptor the other night who seems very knowlegable, but sometimes intense. I like all the new learning, and want to learn as much as possible while still in orientation, however, this preceptor will 'quiz' you...Like do you know the s/sx of this, why we do that' ect. I don't know all this off the bat, I am new!
Anyway, we had a critical patient the ther day, and while I was assessing, charting, ect, she is simulatneaously asking questions and interjecting. I was giving meds and hanging blood products, and she said to me "Speed it up!"
I then said, "I can't speed it up!!! I am going as fast as I can! I don't want to make mistakes" and then proceeded to say that while I am grateful for the knowledge she has, I have been a nurse for 5 years, but this area is new to me, I know speeding it up leads to errors, and I am going as fast as I can, and her quizzing and interjecting while I am trying to get things done is stressing me, and if she has a criticism on my speed, we can talk abut that later".
She was aplolgetic, and then so was I and I felt like an a-s-s the entire shift and tw days later. Hope I don't get a reputation.
Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.
Actually, I was impressed by your response! So... good job!
As for the quizzing part. I love when a more experienced nurse helps me think to the next level by guiding the thought process through escalating questions. It's like a light bulb goes on for me. The only nurse who knows it all is a liar. We are ALL learning. However, this method of teaching is very different from machine-gun-like shooting questions at me to test me. Heck, if you ask me the names of my three kids in that manner, my mind will go completely blank. Kids?? I have kids??? I don't know......
I do often quiz, such as "What are you thinking?" and "What possibilities come to mind?" I do this to get an idea of what my orientee is thinking and what knowledge gaps I need to fill.
I do not EVER tell my orientees to 'speed it up.' If they are doing an important task - such as hanging blood - I may say, "In the interest of time, while you do that, I'm going to pass the routine meds due now...or take vital signs... or track the I&O... because we already know you can do those things."
Your preceptor was rude. I am pleased with your appropriate assertiveness. I have trouble with conflict, but you did good. :)
She could be from the U of K (University of Know it all) AEB the quizing. Quizing is kinda a waste of everybody's time and tolerance IMHO.
Good you laid it out for her. I think you did exactly what you should have and none to soon. She needs to respect you, if she wants your respect.
I also 100% disagree with you. And if I were your manager, you would NEVER be asked to precept staff. Quizing, when done the right way, is an excellent addition to the learning process.
Good grief. Now you can't even ask a preceptee questions. I we're just supposed to assume people who are new come to the unit fully knowledgeable. It's a lose/lose proposition for a preceptor: ask questions, and you're a bully. Don't ask questions or give guidance and you're not being supportive enough.
i do suppose that is your interpretation.
the point really is discretion is required in everything. whether u are the preceptor or the preceptee.
You totally did the right thing. You were professional and didn't sacrifice safety just to try to please someone. I am proud of you for speaking up and I hope I can be more like you in the future. Good job!
She is changing specialties, but can expect to learn on a more even playing field. Professionals who work together are expected to be collaborative in learning, being respectful of each other's position and knowledge, in understanding that they are also (as professionals) hoping to benefit from each other's "brought" knowledge and expertise as they work together in the future...
Hi, I am starting n a new unit after working 3 years on a different unit at the same hospital. This new unit has more critical patients.
I generally am doing ok, it's a lot f new learning. I had a preceptor the other night who seems very knowlegable, but sometimes intense. I like all the new learning, and want to learn as much as possible while still in orientation, however, this preceptor will 'quiz' you...Like do you know the s/sx of this, why we do that' ect. I don't know all this off the bat, I am new!
Try not to feel defensive during the quizzing. I know it's hard not to when you can't figure it out, but the quizzing helps you in the long run. :)
Anyway, we had a critical patient the ther day, and while I was assessing, charting, ect, she is simulatneaously asking questions and interjecting. I was giving meds and hanging blood products, and she said to me "Speed it up!"
I then said, "I can't speed it up!!! I am going as fast as I can! I don't want to make mistakes" and then proceeded to say that while I am grateful for the knowledge she has, I have been a nurse for 5 years, but this area is new to me, I know speeding it up leads to errors, and I am going as fast as I can, and her quizzing and interjecting while I am trying to get things done is stressing me, and if she has a criticism on my speed, we can talk abut that later".
She was aplolgetic, and then so was I and I felt like an a-s-s the entire shift and tw days later. Hope I don't get a reputation.
Did I sound like an a-s-s?
No, I don't think you sounded like an ass, and from the way you described her reaction, she isn't an ass either.
She sounds like someone you can learn a lot from, and you sound like you really want to learn this job well. Good luck to you. :)
I also 100% disagree with you. And if I were your manager, you would NEVER be asked to precept staff. Quizing, when done the right way, is an excellent addition to the learning process.
...Anyway, we had a critical patient the ther day, and while I was assessing, charting, ect, she is simulatneaously asking questions and interjecting. I was giving meds and hanging blood products, and she said to me "Speed it up!"
I then said, "I can't speed it up!!! I am going as fast as I can! I don't want to make mistakes" and then proceeded to say that while I am grateful for the knowledge she has, I have been a nurse for 5 years, but this area is new to me, I know speeding it up leads to errors, and I am going as fast as I can, and her quizzing and interjecting while I am trying to get things done is stressing me, and if she has a criticism on my speed, we can talk abut that later".
She was aplolgetic, and then so was I and I felt like an a-s-s the entire shift and tw days later. Hope I don't get a reputation.
Did I sound like an a-s-s?
Nope...not at all! Congrats on being willing to stand up for yourself AND your pts!
If you bust your tukas & get everything done in 1.5 seconds, nobody will remember.
If, on the other hand, you make a mistake while rushing madly about, you WILL be hung out to dry.
Everyone orients differently. I've oriented countless RNs to ED and ICU and one has to learn to adapt to the situation and learner. I applaud you speaking up about not being able to go faster with risking making an error. Don't fee like an ass. But also, don't be afraid to have daily "chats" away from the patients to find out what is going well and where she and you feel you can improve. Open dialogue is the key. Be glad you have such a great, passionate preceptor, but don't be afraid to speak up. Best of luck.
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MinnieMomRN
223 Posts
Actually, I was impressed by your response! So... good job!
As for the quizzing part. I love when a more experienced nurse helps me think to the next level by guiding the thought process through escalating questions. It's like a light bulb goes on for me. The only nurse who knows it all is a liar. We are ALL learning. However, this method of teaching is very different from machine-gun-like shooting questions at me to test me. Heck, if you ask me the names of my three kids in that manner, my mind will go completely blank. Kids?? I have kids??? I don't know......