Preceptor pains?

Published Jun 13, 2018

7 Posts

Hi everyone,

I am starting CRNA school this coming September, and I am finding myself stressed about something that I can't control: preceptors.

So I've talked with 3 current students who all attend different schools in my area, and they all have a common grievance....that preceptors are brutal. Now, it really doesn't sound like your run-of-the-mill quiz you on drugs and MoA and all that brutal...its like students are leaving in tears frequently and I'm pretty sure one is going to drop out.

My old co-worker graduates soon, and he's a pretty chill, likeable guy. And even he says he's had a really hard time dealing with personalities. His recommendation is "Know everything. Have no emotion." Ha!

I guess what I'm saying is, from the accounts I'm hearing, this sounds like a little above and beyond the average "tough" preceptor kind of relationship. I consider myself a pretty tough cookie. I get along well with my coworkers and the surgeons on my floor, I've never had any issues with a power-gradient, etc. I'm pretty go with the flow. But I don't think I could handle being berated almost daily, which is what all these people are describing.

Does anyone here have any similar experiences, or completely opposite experiences? What would you recommend to help deal with this part of school? What do experienced CRNAs like in a student and what do you not like? I didn't think this part of school would be the most worrisome!