Preceptorship in med surg

[*Butterfly8*]

I just got my assignment for my preceptorship on the med surg floor. I don't feel too confident about my nursing skills and can be clumsy at times, so i'm real nervous about what to expect. What kind of attitude do I need to have, such as do I ask lots of questions or am I supposed to know most everything now and that would just annoy the preceptor and in turn give me a bad grade? I really want to do well in this class. Do they grade you real tough or is this supposed to be more of a learning experience to help you? Also, what specific things should I be expecting on the med surg floor?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Think about what the preceptors job is. That person is to guide you into achieving a level of competence. So whatever it takes to get to that level is what you need to do. Ask questions, compare notes, look things up during or after the shift so you can imprint the new knowledge. What you don't want to do is follow that person around and just observe. Ask ahead of time what that person expects from you. Be curious. Refrain from "but that is not how I learned to do it". Try not to be defensive. And remember to thank whoever helps you.

[oslogirl]

Hey. My preceptorship was in cardiac stepdown. I was in a BSN program and this was back in 1997. I asked alot of questions. I had no fear. Said bye bye to fear. If I felt comfortable with a task, I just did it, but anytime I was unsure of anything I asked for clarification. Patient safety is the primary concern. Your instructor, you, and your preceptor should go over what is expected of you during the preceptorship, and what objectives you will be expected to meet. Ask for feedback if you feel you arent getting it. I went in with a positive attitude, expected to do well, and kept a smile on my face. It was actually alot of fun. Yea, I did some stupid things. Nothing major though. I did my job to the best of my ability and it was a tremendous learning experience! Good luck to you, and congratulations on making it to your preceptorship!