eagerSN2011

thanks for the input. that's a good way of looking at it that I hadn't thought of.

So, I recently started a nursing internship at an area hospital. I was so excited to start - have never had a clinical rotation here, but only heard good things. In addition, everyone I have met at this hospital so far has had only the best things to say about my preceptor, no exaggeration. Unfortunately, after the first week it has not been what I expected at all. I received little orientation to the unit in terms of where things are kept, processes, equipment, etc., etc. From the minute I got on the floor with my preceptor it was go, go, go. I did not feel that I was getting most things explained to me unless I asked. I watched my preceptor do a lot of tasks, a lot of very fast computer charting and tried to take in as much as possible, but it's hard when feel like you are being someone's shadow and slowing them down by asking questions. In addition, I observed some big no-no's from a student's point of view. Nurses talking loudly about patients right in the hall or at the nurses' station. Giving meds with out asking a patient their name, DOB or even checking their ID bracelet, no gowns/gloves in isolation rooms, etc... Does this happen everywhere? I guess I am so used to the basic safety rules being drilled into us as students that I was very suprised. I got very little feedback overall without asking. Good job, bad job, tell me something for Christ's sake! I have no problems asking questions, but I feel like communication should be two ways. Like I said, everyone keeps telling me how great my preceptor is, so I keep wondering if I am the one doing something wrong that's making this a bad experience. I don't feel comfortable saying something because it's only been a week and I don't want to jeopardize my chances of getting a job here if I like the hospital. I should add my preceptor has not been impatient or rude at all, and seems like a very nice person. Any advice???