Preceptor woes

[SarahIN]

WWYD if through your training you had nine different preceptors? If sometimes you got a new preceptor mid-shift? If you weren't on the upcoming schedule, though you're scheduled to be off orientation very soon? If you weren't able to get feedback about your performance? If everyone else on the floor knew what holidays they were working - but you still had no idea because you're not on the schedule? If you didn't know how to request vacation time? If your unit PCC thinks everything is a joke and won't answer a direct question?

I'm getting worried. This is my first RN position (second career, I'm no twenty something) and these are all big red flags. Your thoughts?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I would ask for a meeting with whoever is "in charge" of your orientation. Start off the meeting asking for specific feedback on your performance to date and feel free to toot your own horn a little and point out a couple of things you're proud of learning/accomplishing/gaining competency in.

Then state what you need. "So the planned date I will complete orientation is ______. When/how/with whom should I work on my schedule with for dates after that time?" How are vacations and holidays scheduled?"

As a general rule, we make an effort in my unit to end orientations to coincide with the end of a 6-week schedule, but it doesn't always work that way. Unfortunately, that may mean an inconvenient schedule for the new staff person for the first schedule go-round, but things shake out after that.

Hope this helps.