Preceptorship Selection

[JMarie_A]

I will be graduating in the Spring of 2013 and have been asked to select my 3 areas of choice for preceptorship next semester. While the majority of my classmates have quickly jotted down their answers, I'm having a difficult time deciding where I'd like to be. I've had great clinical experiences, but when people ask where I'd like to work when I graduate I'm still stumped.

I love old people and have worked in long term care with Alzheimer's and dementia patient's for 5 years. While ultimately this is where I see myself ending up, I know this will not provide the best learning experience for me as a new nurse. I know I also do NOT like pediatrics, mother-baby, or NICU...unlike every other nursing student in my class.

Any suggestions for the best preceptorship experiences? Perhaps stories you've heard from other students?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

You are not agreeing to a lifetime committment. You are simply being asked if you have any choices. So pick them and then try to get all the learning out of them that you can get. I have a feeling that it will all sort itself out once you get more experience under your belt. Personally, I would pick three very different types of units, just for the heck of it. Even if you KNOW you do not want to work in Pedi you would certainly be able to practice therapeutic communication with parents while in that environment. Variety is good. Good luck!

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

Work toward your end goal! Do psych, med-surg and NeuroICU. I did mine in ER and that prepped me for EVERYTHING!

[juliaann]

I knew where I was going to work (ICU - got my job offer in my 3rd semester), so I viewed my leadership semester as one last opportunity to get any other kind of experience. I left my preferences blank, assuming I would learn from wherever they put me. I was placed on a geriatric med-surg unit and LOVED it. I never would have chosen it, but it was a fantastic experience.

If you can't decide, let your instructors place you! No matter where you end up, it will be a great learning experience!