Problem with preceptor and night shift.

I don't know the specific politics of your unit, so it's difficult to give concrete advice. Some questions though... are you a new nurse altogether, or has your preceptor had some outstandingly bad experiences with orientees? Is your preceptor someone with a verbal learning style? Have you addressed with your preceptor that you really do learn by doing hands-on care better than by verbal exam?

You could ask when does he/she plan to have you do the charting, and when is it planned that you will do the actual care? You could suggest homework. By that I mean, have your preceptor assign you some reading based on what types of patients you have had lately, and you answer questions once a week. I think a compromise is possible.

Not to go way off subject, but my boss loves to talk patho, and she'll question you sometimes until you admit defeat so to speak. She loves to hear "I don't know, tell me about it" so she can educate us, and often has no idea if she's intimidating someone until they tell her to "hush up and let me work." Good luck with your orientation!

I would chafe just as much with that preceptor. And as a preceptor, part of our duty is to allow/encourage you to chart and point out areas where you might not address required charting (like "comfort goal", which Joint Commission seems to want to make the equivalent of a Biblical commandment).