P**sed off at preceptor's games

[hock1]

I've been told since I started work as a new RN that I needed to have four patients in critical care (not ICU). I was told I was doing great. My preceptor just told me today that she's going to bump me down to two so I can 'get organized'. She told me she was surprised that I had taken on four patients. Duh...she told me too! My biggest beef is that I've been given the patients who are ETOH withdrawal, nervous nellies, lawyer callers, meanest doctors, nastiest family members, end stage COPD and CHF, late admits, all while my preceptor sits and reads her magazines. Gee I wonder why I'm befuddled? Another thought occurred to me...she gets preceptor pay as long as I'm in training. My three months is coming up, and it's time for me to go to the next three months on the next shift. Maybe she wants to keep me on for the money (which can't be that hot) or so she can read more magazines and write out her bills while she's as work! I'm so p*ssed off. She actually said to me today "oh you didn't get your lunch yet". After she went for a walk around the hospital grounds, had two breaks, and her lunch! I feel used and abused and ready to put my app in someplace else. The last newbie that complained got fired. This group is such a click and you just have to deal with it until the training is over. On the other hand I may put my app in someplace else.

[Elenaster]

Do you have a new grad coordinator that is separate from your unit? Perhaps this is a person that you can voice your concerns to and he/she will be able to give you some sound advice. If this doesn't work, try networking with some other nurses in your unit by keeping your eyes and ears open to try to determine what her overall reputation is in the unit. You may surprised to find out that everyone thinks she sucks and will gain some allies in the process. Is she tight with management? Or does she seem to have strained relations with them? You may be able to get a new preceptor and these factors may help you decide whether you should stay around or run for the door.

The hospital spends a lot of $$$ orienting a new nurse and I think they will want you to be successful and not leave.

When I started the job I have now, I had a terrible preceptor. It turns out the only reason she was precepting in the first place was because she had told our boss she wanted more responsibility. I was her first and last orientee, but only because I carefully assessed the situation and made sure I was standing firm when I went to management about it. Much to my surprise, they weren't a bit shocked that I was having such a difficult time with this person and bent over backwards to make sure that I stayed and was happy.

Good luck and I hope it all works out.

[JacelRN, BSN, RN]

All the other posts are good advice, have you also looked into the possiblity of switching preceptors? If your NM has any good sense and not a part of the problem like mentioned earlier, she will understand your dilema and want to work through it with you to keep you. At least a med-surg NM might do so because they know a good nurse when they see them and will WANT to work hard to keep you. I can't speak for the more specialty units, they have many more people who want the job.

But in any case, you deserve the best orientation possible. Fight for it and make your voice heard. Don't burn any bridges and don't step on anyone's toes but put the ball into your own court by saying, "I would prefer to learn from one more nurse's teaching style that way I can combine what I have previously learned and develop my own best style." Try and make it about how you will be the best asset for the floor and perhaps that may work. That is if you want to stay where you are.

If none of this works, then definitely talk to someone you trust and let them know. I don't think orientation is something to take lightly, I had to fight through mine, many people do. But remember, you're on your own after orientation and its your butt then.

Hope you find your way,

God Bless,

JacelRN

[melrey11]

Aaaah, memories. My preceptor used to have me run and get his lazy a** soda pops and snacks. I hated my orientation, but stuck it out. I was young and naive, but Im glad I stuck it out so I got the position I wanted. But on the other hand, when I think back, I was a doormat. Oh well, we've all been there....i think.

[telenurse04]

Hmm..this is a hard one because there are so many issues at hand. I take care of 5 patients sometimes 6 on a cardiac unit. When I was orienting as a new grad two years ago, I started with maybe 2 patients and worked my way up within a few weeks. I thought it was impossible to take care of 4 at that point..but I got better at organizing my time. Reality is that there are some poor role models out there. If you choose to approach this problem. First approach the preceptor in a questioning manner (not accusing). If that doesn't help the situation, approach the manager or staff development coordinator with a matter-of-fact, learner questioning manner. It is costing them a lot of money to hire and develop a new nurse. I think they will listen if really care. Otherwise, you can go elsewhere. Unfortunately, there are groups of nurses that are clicky. A nurse that is middle aged that I work with today said that a few years back she worked with a group of nurses that were bi or lesbian. They always sexually harrassed her; instead of reporting the harrassment, she just quit and went elsewhere (where I work).