Preceptorship..what is involved?

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Everyone has made me nervous about a preceptorship that I am going to have to do this semester. Is it something that is supposedto just be a learning experience or is it more like people are watching you carefully so that when you mess up they dock you on your grade for that class because you are supposed to already know pretty much everything by that point? I am nervous because I still don't feel comfortable at all in the hospital environment because my school is not allowed to do much at all in the clinicals for some reason. Just vital signs and assessment pretty much. I was just scared this might be something that for that reason I may fail. Please tell me what you can about what all it involves. Thanks alot for any help:crying2:

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Specializes in Surgery, Tele, OB, Peds,ED-True Float RN.

Are you an RN, LPN, PCA??? How far are you in your program??? Don't be afraid, I had some wonderful Preceptors and some that were ... ummmm .... not so awesome, but I learned a lot from each and every experience! I didn't feel like I was under a microscope but you will be monitored and assessed. Have some confidence (not cocky), don't be afraid to ask questions,and brush up on the skills you'll need for the type of unit you will be on. Also review the types of treatments that your patient's will be experiencing. For example, if it is a surgery unit find out what kinds of surgeries they preform there and take the time to study up on them. You'll be fine... we all make it through no worse for the wear!:redbeathe

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Specializes in Surgery, Tele, OB, Peds,ED-True Float RN.

Oh, and one more piece of advice, if you don't know how to do something don't say, "I don't know how to do that..." A better response would be, "I've never done that before, but I'm really interested in doing it if you'll help me..." And even if you have started 15 thousand IV's DO NOT say, "Yeah, I've already done that...". Say, "I'm getting better at that but any experience will help..." I've been a preceptor and there is nothing worse than a student the seems A) cocky, B) Disinterested!

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Specializes in critical care.

I did my preceptorship in an ICU so my nurse had two patients, the first day I was responsible for one of them that meant doing EVERYTHING she did with the exception of some charting. My patient was very sick.... PEG, trach, Vent, Obese, 10 different meds, IV push, trach care, wound care, start IV, PICC line dressing change, drawing labs etc. the works! My nurse wasnt the nicest to begin with, she expected alot, however by day 3 I was on the ball when she asked any questions asking why I chose a certain intervention or why a medication was being prescribed. I'm glad my preceptor was hard on me, she made me think, keep organized and stay on my toes...

Your experience will depend on your preceptor and your attitude. Go in positive, ask question no matter what (the first couple days my preceptor would roll her eyes, but I thought hey I'm just a student youre the one with the license I'm looking out for both of us).... and most important DONT THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING..... just soak up as much as you can.... good luck you will do great!!:up:

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