Preceptorship - Choosing an Area of Study in the Hospital

[af_faithful]

I'm going to have a to select an area in the hospital to complete my 6 wk preceptorship and I have no clue where to go. I want to get as much experience as I can. So far I've been in these areas urology, neurology, maternity, pediatrics, NICU, ER, Oncology, Psyc. The only areas I really enjoyed were the ER and Oncology, but I'd like to do something different if possible.

I'm also having a time trying to figure out all the department abbreviations. My school wants us to choose 3 areas of the hospital, but they aren't providing us a list. I have no clue what exists out there. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

:)

af_faithful

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Have you taken a look at the online hospital directory? That might give you an idea of the different departments available.

Having said that, I would suggest giving strong thought to going where I was happiest. In your case, ER or oncology. Are you considering either after you graduate? The reason I ask is that externships/preceptorships are really like extended job interviews. It's a chance for you to potentially lock in a job now. Find out if you like the floor, the staff (your possible co-workers), the type of patients, the management, etc. And it's only a 6 week commitment.

JMHO.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree that you should base your preceptor choice on the type of area that interests you as a career. It's a great chance to meet people, make connections, etc. that will be helpful to you later and to ask them for career advice, etc. It also gives the unit leadership a chance to get to know you to see if they might like to hire you in the future.

What are your long-term career plans? What type of nurse do you want to be?

[af_faithful]

Yes, I have looked in the hospital directory. I was hoping to get more information on the specific areas that I have not had clinical in. Although I enjoyed the ER and Oncology areas, I want something different for my preceptorship. I would like the chance to explore a new area of the hospital so I will have a broader scope to choose from when I graduate. The preceptorship is not going to be a future employment opportunity for me, because I have recently moved to GA but I attend school in SC.

[af_faithful]

Do either of you know of a list of areas in the hospital with the corresponding abbreviations and a brief description. That is really what I'm looking for. It's hard to pinpoint what area you want to work in, when you aren't familiar with all the areas.

[af_faithful]

I believe I've answered my own question.....I found another forum that lists specialities. Thanks.

[tahliasmommie]

As a student to be come Aug 27th, I am wondering about preceptorship. Is is work study from the school one attends. My school offers a work study progra after 2 semesters. Please let me know. I want as much experience and know how as possible.

Also, I am wondering if preceptorship helps integrate new grads into the hospital experience?

[af_faithful]

Our school has the preceptorship, also known as a leadership clinical, the last semester before graduating. The preceptorship is 6 weeks at the hospital in the area you have chosen. You follow one nurse and it's suppose to help you transition from student nurse to RN. You are finished with your last semester of classes before starting the preceptorship to allow all your focus to be on the nurse role. I am in a BSN program. I'm really not sure how other schools operate, but I do know most BSN programs will have a preceptorship. Hope this helps and good luck!