Preceptorship

[nerdynurse22]

I start a preceptorship tomorrow night in Peds hospital (oncology, hematology, transplant floor.) What is some advice you can give? I understand to talk to them and not at them, watch the words I use, be honest, be quick on assessements. I also did research on many of the conditions and assessments. What else can I do or do you suggest? My clinical rotation in peds was horrible (we did vision/ hearing screening in elementary schools). So very different then what I've going to see tomorrow. I am very nervous and do not want to mess up or make it worse on the child.

Thank you

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Children in oncology have probably been around the medical block a few times. On a specialty floor, you will have children from infants to young adults.

Remember your developmental stages. What is important to a 3 year old? An 8 year old? A teenager?

Some of these kids (because they've been around the block) will want things done a certain way. If they insist on pushing the plunger of their normal saline flush or cleaning their G-tubes themselves, let them. If they get GCSF (you will learn about this doing Oncology) and their mom gives them the shot at home and they are more comfortable with mommy doing it while in the hospital, oblige them.

You also need to be creative working with kids. Working in neurology, I'd check extraocular movements and for nystagmus by picking up one of the kid's toys and moving it within their visual field to see their gazes. If you wear fun scrubs or ask them about what their bunny's name is, they'll want to be your best friend. UTILIZE the Child Life Specialist any chance you get.