moose76

Sounds like the preceptor from hell like I had. The only fortunate thing I learned from her is how I would never act as a preceptor if I had the opportunity someday. Take what you can learn from here-but all that ridiculous crap of straightening labels, etc., sounds like wasted time-especially in the type of unit you are in. I only had 8 weeks with her-thank god-and by week 5, realized this was supposed to be a learning experience and not nursing bootcamp 101. She too would set me up and then tear me down. I can remember her talking about how "terrible of a nurse" I was to one of her co-workers outside the pt's room because I took the MAR with me in the room to identify the meds and pt. I was royally chewed out for a good 10 minutes. Nice. Come to find out, she had precepted before (my school was desperate for preceptors) and had did the same crap to others. Like you, I endured it, took what I could, but finally at the end told my instructor in a professional manner about her lack of leadership. My instructor was in shock and did some investigating. Found out it she had failed the boards 3 times and had some type of complex with students-again Nice!. I didn't judge her for that-but my ultimate goal was to prevent this whacko from possibly destroying the hopes a future nursing student as she almost did to me. In the end-it was a power trip thing and I honestly think I made her nervous with my questions about meds, etc. Again, isn't a preceptor suppose to teach? Anyway-hang in there. It sounds like you are doing awesome. I would just make sure you thank the good preceptor on nights in some way-just by even a note because she may be a good reference in the future.:bowingpur

I have been reading so many posts in regards to first year nursing and when to switch jobs in hopes of finding something that better fits one's experience. I have been in med-surg for about a year now, and recently switched hospitals due to better scheduling, management, closer to home. etc. It's okay, but honestly, have to drag myself to work every night. I cannot get organized, always seem to be in a situation that is overwhelming, basically want to vomit before swiping my badge, and feel like an outsider. I have even considered nursing outside of the "hospital", and have an interview for a new physician office next week-but do not want to keep jumping jobs. I choose this hospital because there seems to be a great deal of opportunities, once you get that "experience". But am just not sure how long I can wait or endure. So many of my school friends went right into their specialities-but I am just not sure what mine is. I honestly hoped things would have been better now a year out of school-but I still feel so uncomfortable and inadequate. I can't tell you how many times I just want to quit. Any advice????