AllenH

This behavior by your preceptor is an example of lateral violence. It is unsafe for you and your patients. Your institution probably has written policies against it. You need the get some legal help if your nursing managers are allowing or condoning this behavior. No need to be a victim. Learn your rights and stand up for yourself.

The hospital administration is probably well aware of this man's predatory behavior. You need to protect yourself. I Don't think it's good enough for you to just get a lawyer. I suggest you get a lawyer with experience and expertise in workplace sexual harassment. The administration needs to know you intend to keep your job "And Not be Harrassed" at work. It's your right. This man is a pig.

Great advice! I had a preceptor like this and I wish I had followed this pathway instead of just sucking it up and taking all of the abuse. You are not stupid. You should always feel safe to ask a question. Your preceptor is a bully.

Great advice!

Congratulations on becoming "a new nurse"! Saline lock simply refers to keeping an IV start patent by flushing it with normal saline or heparin depending on your order and the policies/procedures of your place of work. You may have been doing this and just are unfamiliar with the terminology. This is a basic skill that is easily learned and once you have done it a few times you will be fine. You really need to have a mentor or preceptor at work help you so that you can stay within the realm of your hospital policies / standards and best safe practices. For instance, some places require that INTs be flushed every 8 hours while others it is once a shift. You also might want to review infection control related to IV therapy as well. Great question, just know that there is and should be a lot of help available to you to be able to learn /practice safely at work.

At 57 I had no trouble getting a job, but more importantly, I got the job I wanted! You won't have to stay at the bedside if you don't want to. I intend to give it my best for a few years while I get my BSN and then re-evaluate. There is a world of opportunity for us and our age isn't such a big issue for getting that first job as it is in other industries. Older nurses can always find work if we're flexible and able to adapt. What have you got to lose? Follow your dream!

Hi Cathy, I saw your post and it resonated with me as I am a new grad with a new job and I will be 58 years old this January. I found that from the moment I decided to return to school and pursue an ADN/RN degree that there was a lot of help and encouragement available to me. I am a retired person from a very successful first career but was not ready to "coast into retirement." Nursing school was hard, but finding a job was not. I am very excited and happy with my new life and wouldn't trade it for anything. I may be older than most new nurses but I am also mentally and physically tough. I don't think any of my classmates would question my dedication or ability to do my job. Decide what you want and follow your dream! You can do it!