Preceptor to RN student

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 9, 2018

We have several threads on AN that might be helpful. Here's one that pertains to precepting a new grad, but there's information in there that may be helpful to precepting students as well:

http://https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/precepting-the-preceptor-531900.html

Precepting done right is very hard work, but it is so rewarding. And nothing consolidates your knowledge base like trying to teach it to someone else.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jan 9, 2018

One thing I've seen too often with preceptors is that they view their preceptee as their "property". That the person they're supposed to be preparing for a position within the unit as someone who is there to do their work for them. Before I get jumped on and pummeled for this, I've seen and heard people display this attitude for most of my career. The person being precepted is there to LEARN first, to become organized and comfortable with routine second, to "work" a distant third. When I've had the privilege of precepting, I've always looked for opportunities for that person to watch, to absorb, to help with procedures they've never experienced, to observe the many different but equally correct and safe ways others do things, and to gain some understanding about process. I also encourage them to think about and advocate for their learning needs.

bluesocks · Jan 11, 2018

When I was a student, my preceptor was also a relatively new grad who had been practicing only a couple years. I was surprised by this initially, but I think it worked out great. She could relate to being a student and a lot of my experiences because she had been there not too long before. I've never preceptored, but I when I think about what made mine so great, a few things come to mind. She was always patient and didn't make me feel stupid for asking questions or being unsure of myself. Once she got to know and observe me for a couple weeks, she gradually increased the amount of "freedom" she gave me but I also never felt abandoned. She was always available. I think being a good preceptor comes down to personality, both of you and the student, but probably the best thing you can do is put yourself in their position and try to remember what it was like to be a student - unsure, anxious, slow. If you can start off on the right foot without getting mad or impatient at the student, they will also start to feel comfortable with you. I had heard horror stories of students with mean or scary preceptors, and so I was initially very nervous around mine. Once I saw that she was kind and patient, I became more comfortable with her and that put me more at ease in my practicum. Best of luck!