Preceptorship

[newRN_2014]

My senior year of nursing school recently ended, and I am so terrified to start my career under my own license. My preceptor was very welcoming and would talk to me about almost anything. However, as a rural nurse some days were very slow. My preceptor would make me clean and stock rooms, and I feel as though my time could have been used a little better. I do not feel like I got a lot out of my 150 clinical hours, and I am scared that I am not ready for the real nursing world. I want to be the best for my patients, but my orientation at my new job is only 5 weeks.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Cleaning and stocking rooms is one of those tasks that, while it seems rather mundane, allows you to become familiar with your floor. You know where all the cleaning supplies are. You now know where things are in the rooms. When things go sideways there, you don't have to think or remember where things are, you know.

Your hours doing that stuff wasn't wasted. Really!

You're ready to begin the real learning. You have 5 weeks to learn about nursing their way... you've already got the basics. Just remember how to be safe and you'll complete your 5 weeks and be on your own, to learn your way to be a nurse.

I was there a few years ago when I first became a Paramedic. While I'm still "behind" you time-wise, I know this well. It will take time for you to settle into your new role as a nurse. In time, that will change and you'll one day realize that you're a nurse... truly a nurse.

It took me about a year to get there as a Paramedic... and I fully expect that to happen to me as well, as I begin and settle into my new role as a nurse.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Remember that even after you're finished with orientation, you will never be left without a resource to go to for help. The charge nurse, your fellow staff nurses, the policy and procedure manual, drug guides, etc.

No one expects a new graduate nurse to come off of orientation knowing everything they need to know, and NOR SHOULD YOU EXPECT THIS OF YOURSELF! You will

have the competence to safely perform most skills and think critically. However, it is downright dangerous to attempt to do it all on your own EVER, but especially with limited experience. We all need a double check, or a sounding board, or a second set of eyes at times. Even after several years, I routinely ask my co-workers to give me their opinion on a particular assessment finding, or bounce my plan of care off of them. Do not be afraid to ask questions and utilize your resources if there is something you are unsure about or unfamiliar with. Your patients and your license will thank you.

[ThatBigGuy]

Don't worry, hiring managers know you are a new grad, and won't put you in a position to fail. They need you to succeed, and you will have a ton of resources at your disposal as you begin your new career.