Preceptor woes....

[InfoNurse81]

I just started a new RN position on a IMC unit in a new hospital, however, I have a few years experience already in the same specialty...I have only been there for 2 days but I must say my preceptor is like oblivious to the fact that she needs to explain things to me and show me things. She basically goes about her normal day of work and I run around following her like a lost puppy. She never explains what she is doing, and I find myself CONSTANTLY stopping her and saying "ok, so you are filing those papers there...ok....ok so when you give narcotics you need to fill out this paperwork...ok...so whats that code to the med room?" There is SO MUCH equipment to learn, and she just quickly programs things and never says "hey I'll show you how to do this" etc. This nurse is as sweet and friendly as can be, and I'd HATE to start off on a bad note with this unit....but I'm struggling and do not know how to explain this to her. The morning of the second day she asked "so did everything go OK for you yesterday?" and I basically said (to remain on the positive side) "remember how you explained so-and-so process to me....keep doing that, it really helped a lot" However, she totally didn't catch on and continued with the same behavior as the day before. This unit has a lot of new grad RN's this month, so I realize they are short on preceptors and this nurse who may not be the best choice for me...is probably all they can give me right now. I am just so worried that if i talk to her about this that she will be offended, and that is the LAST thing I want to do....ugh....suggestions anyone?

[walk6miles]

Run, don't walk, to someone over your preceptor and ask politely (oh, please, DEMAND) someone who is willing to be a preceptor -- this woman obviously doesn't want the job!

Good luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Go to the supervisor and tell him/her that you need another preceptor or you will not be ready to off orientation. That means money to them so they will do something.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

i am just so worried that if i talk to her about this that she will be offended, and that is the last thing i want to do

i would be worried about not talking to her being the last thing i'd be doing before i was shown the door!

these are the best i've been able to come up with to describe what a preceptor and mentor do:

• http://www.health-disciplines.ubc.ca/pm/managingprograms/preceptorshiproles/preceptor.htm - description of what a preceptor does
  
• http://www.health-disciplines.ubc.ca/pm/managingprograms/mentorshiproles/mentor.htm - description of what a mentor does
  
• http://www.health-disciplines.ubc.ca/pm/managingprograms/evaluating/preceptor-mentor-effectiveness.htm - monitoring the effectiveness of a preceptor or mentor

but, i also think you need to view these two websites as well:

• http://changingminds.org/techniques/assertiveness/assertiveness.htm
  
• http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/toolbox/fmi/content/tutorial/assert/assert00.htm

[jkw_83RN, BSN, RN]

I've personally witnessed and experience this type of so-called preceptorship and the best advice that I could give you is to repeatedly call her out on it. Yeah, you may be experienced, but you are in a new environment. If this is the only person available to precept you, then you have to say something. YOU guide your orientation. You are only going to get what you take out of it.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Ask her to slow down and explain things. She can't change to meet your needs if you don't tell her. Perhaps she thinks that you are picking up stuff just by watching her. I am used to learning by doing - that is how I learn best. I had a student who preferred to watch first, then do. Until he explained this to me, I was having him do everything. Once he explained his preferred learning style, I adjusted to suit him.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Actually simply telling her that you learn better when you do the procedure or set the pump or whatever. If she jumps in and starts to do it,, just remind her,, "excuse me but i really need to do that myself in order to learn it properly". If she is worth anything at all, she wont have any problems talking you through it. But, i will admit sometimes its harder to talk someone through something that has been second nature to you. If she cant seem to communicate these things to you,, then go to the supervisor or nursemanager and ask to have a variety of preceptors. We are finding it is sometimes better to have more than one, it gives you more a variety of organizational models to incorperate into your routine. They usually will be ok with that.

[dorselm]

I could see if the person was a meanie or if when they are showing you things they do it with attitude but goodness, you are passing judgement and don't know what the preceptor would do! Don't go higher up until you talk to the preceptor yourself and the way you deliver the message makes all the difference in the world. Like the previous poster said, take responsibility for your learning..........

PS, don't feel bad because I will be starting my 2nd semester in NS. When it's my turn to be in the real world, I'll probably be talkin the same stuff.....