Precepting an incoming 4th semester RN student

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Hi, I just want to get an input on anyone who has precepted a nursing student before. I have been asked by one of the RN instructors at my work if I can let an incoming 4th semster RN student follow me on my shift during this winter break ( 5 days ). Of course I said "I'll be happy to" since I have been working with these students during their clinicals ( I have instructed/guided them) but with their clinical instructor around to check them off and explain things to them. I guess my question is, HOW DO I DO IT ALONE? What specifics do I need to take into consideration? What should my and my student's expectations should be? Can someone give me a note sort of like a syllabus to get me through the 5 days I have to work with this student (only one)? I just don't want the student to get confused or overwhelm when we start. Thank you!~

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Why don't you have the RN instructor give you a syllabus or something she wants you to follow?

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Specializes in Cardiac.

The students should have a list of objectives that they need to complete. So just ask the student what his/her goals and objectives are...

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I was just recently a 4th semester BSN RN student that worked with a preceptor. So this is my point of view from a student's perspective. Most likely there will be something provided from the instructor as far as what they want the student to do. But the best thing is to give the soon to be RN a good glimpse in the day of RN. Take her through the normal day - let them practice listening to report with you, make them do assessments, make them do IV's, and anything and everything else. My first night as a 4th semester student in the Trauma ICU my preceptor said "here are your pts, call me if you need anything". Now that was a little too much of a shock. But I learned so much because my preceptor made me do everything. Give your student all the hands on you can. Make them call the dr., etc. And its great being a student knowing you have an awesome nurse looking out for you. Have fun!!!

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I was just recently a 4th semester BSN RN student that worked with a preceptor. So this is my point of view from a student's perspective. Most likely there will be something provided from the instructor as far as what they want the student to do. But the best thing is to give the soon to be RN a good glimpse in the day of RN. Take her through the normal day - let them practice listening to report with you, make them do assessments, make them do IV's, and anything and everything else. My first night as a 4th semester student in the Trauma ICU my preceptor said "here are your pts, call me if you need anything". Now that was a little too much of a shock. But I learned so much because my preceptor made me do everything. Give your student all the hands on you can. Make them call the dr., etc. And its great being a student knowing you have an awesome nurse looking out for you. Have fun!!!

This is actually what I was thinking of doing..Maybe the first day I'll let her shadow me so that she can see how I start and end my day.... She called me last night and she said she has a guideline on what she needs to get done during this winter break clinical...so that's good! No, I will never leave a student on her own, even when I precept new grad, I still check on them ( not neck to neck though). After all I'm still the primary nurse for these patients and my license is on the line..I hope she'll learn something from me.

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There should be formal meetings to determine the student's goals/objectives, what the expectations are, what the student is allowed to do (with & without your supervision), etc. The offer should just have been the 1st step. Their main purpose in doing this is to help the student transform into an actual practitioner. In the meetings they should also discuss strengths, weaknesses, etc. My advice if she's already made arrangements to follow your schedule is: to get more input and have the instructor answer ALL of your questions before you agree to anything.

I just completed a similiar situation. My student's goals were mainly task-oriented (better knowledge of meds/charting), so I tried to focus on that for her. Along the way, she saw some "cool stuff" and learned to prioritize, perform some great assessment & time management skills.

Good luck. I will say that precepting a student is much harder than precepting a nurse (new or otherwise).

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Specializes in LTC.

KulRN, I love that you're looking at what you can do for your student to give her the best experience while she's with you.

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