pcorn020

Oh when I red this I thought it was my story! This year I had a horrible preceptor (she was not a lpn though), and she ruined my experience too by telling the nurse manager how not knowledgeable I was... Anyway I wanted to be tough and "swallow the pill", but it became worse and when I asked for a new preceptor at the end of my orientation it was too late... Ultimately I ended up quitting my job. Other nurses wanted me to write a complaint to higher instances but I made the choice not to because this was my first job and I didnt want to have a trouble maker reputation at the very beginning of my career! Anyway if I had to do one thing different it would be to tell my manager from the start that I want to change preceptor. But now I am very happy with my new job and I am glad I made the change. People now respect me and looking back I realize it was just a bad luck that I ended up with horrible preceptor/manager, not every workplace is like this good luck!

Our NICU (in Canada) had to cut on orientation because of lack of budget. We are now at 3 weeks orientation in the level II section, then four months by yourself in level II, then another 3 weeks in the level III (critical) section. Total of six weeks with teacher/preceptor. I know, it is really bad. But I found that I learned 100 times faster when I got all by myself, because I had to deal with my problems without a second pair of hands (time management, IV catheter, transfers, etc.) The fact that I had to search by myself the answers to my questions also helped me to dig deep on my own.

Wow, what a post! Ok so I'll go back to the very first post and and comment on that situation. Being protective (or even possessive) of our clients is somewhat "normal" in a NICU. However, I think that we have to use our tyranny for the best of our patient AND the team as well. Yes it's normal for a nurse to advocate for their patient and make sure they have the best possible care. But those RT are there for their patients too, and they do what they think is the best for them. If you know the RT is not delivering the best care, just teach them! Especially the RT new to the unit... When we started nursing, we all did something that what not quite right, and nurses around us were kind enough to teach us, instead of shouting "don't touch my baby!" So, for the tyrans out there (because yes, there is ), be "good" tyrans. Teach others. Show them the good way. Show them the preciousness of the little ones and the special care they need. I'm pretty sure the RT will be glad, and so the rest of the team. And sooner or later, you'll be glad that the RT is doing it the right way and is helping you like you would do it.