Preceptor Advice...

[Joe1984]

So I will graduate in May 2013, and I start my preceptor class in January. I have worked at my current hospital job for almost 7 years in the Operating Room. I know most of the managers in the hospital as well. I have been offered a job in the OR when I graduate along with a preceptor position for my last semester. But, just the other day I had the ICU manager offer me a preceptor position as well. So, what does everyone think I should do? Should I take the OR preceptor and get my "on the job training" since I have been offered a job, or take the ICU preceptor in order to see what the ICU would have to offer. I eventually want to go on for my master's in Healthcare Administration, and I'm really not interested in the CRNA route so I don't see ICU in my future. Help!

[CHESCCRP]

It looks like you have already answered this for yourself. Go with OR!

[ashevilleboxer, BSN]

Why test the water in ICU if the OR position is what you want?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I'd take the ICU position. You said you've worked in the OR for 7 years (in what capacity?) and you'll probably be working there in the future. Why do a preceptorship there if you already know what it's like? In my opinion, a preceptorship is an opportunity to build skills (nursing interventions, assessment, time management, prioritization) and explore an area of nursing you might find interesting. The ICU will provide you with more exposure to a variety of skills and patient conditions, give you more opportunity to learn patient assessment, medication administration, and time management. In the ICU you'll have to learn how to schedule your day, manage your time and prioritize your patient assignment. In the OR you will not. You might find that you love ICU nursing. How do you know if you've never tried it?

You've worked in the OR and you know you like it. Take a risk and try something new. Give yourself a chance to experience a new area of nursing. It might surprise you.

[dawniepoo]

I agree with Ashley. If I were in your place I would take ICU. You will gain valuable experience!

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

I would take the ICU.. I agree with Ashley in this, you know the OR, learn something new. See the other side of the OR, many critical care pts come from the OR, see how they are managed, cared for etc.. It will give you the whole picture.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I'd take the ICU position. You said you've worked in the OR for 7 years (in what capacity?) and you'll probably be working there in the future. Why do a preceptorship there if you already know what it's like? In my opinion, a preceptorship is an opportunity to build skills (nursing interventions, assessment, time management, prioritization) and explore an area of nursing you might find interesting. The ICU will provide you with more exposure to a variety of skills and patient conditions, give you more opportunity to learn patient assessment, medication administration, and time management. In the ICU you'll have to learn how to schedule your day, manage your time and prioritize your patient assignment. In the OR you will not. You might find that you love ICU nursing. How do you know if you've never tried it?

You've worked in the OR and you know you like it. Take a risk and try something new. Give yourself a chance to experience a new area of nursing. It might surprise you.

I'm with Ashley...you just never know what a new experience will bring you. ICU. You are still in school Learn something new!