Question please read thank you:

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

Through orientation you should generally be with the same preceptor if possible. Due to vacations and adjustments in scheduling that may not always be possible though. Be ready to be with a different precpetor, but for the most part the general organization should be similar.

There are many different ways of precepting, you may be working part of the team on your own with your preceptor not very far away if you are comfortable that way(just make sure you get observation with your IV meds initially the first few weeks), you may do assessments and for the most part manage the team with your preceptor following you, helping along the way. Either way your preceptor is there for your resouce and support so ask questions, ask for help, ask for explaination, its your time to learn the ropes.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

this webpage is a list of the tools an ideal preceptor should have. you want to read the list on the left side of the page as you go down. on the right side are links to specific information about those subjects. this article is more for people who want to be preceptors, but it should give you an idea of what a good preceptor should be doing.

http://www.health-disciplines.ubc.ca/pm/managingprograms/training-development/tools.htm

this is a preceptor evaluation form

http://www.health-disciplines.ubc.ca/pm/managingprograms/training-development/tools.htm

be aware that in some places staff nurses are forced into being preceptors and have no choice in the matter. their only knowledge of precepting is their own instinct and what they might have experienced in their own practice. a good orientation program will assign you to a preceptor where the preceptor is someone who volunteered for the job and has gone through a specific training program on how to be a preceptor. so, you should ask about this before you are hired.

Fairlythere, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2006

Our unit gets 120 hours and then evaluates. You work directly with a preceptor who calls staffing and says how many patients the two of you will take, starting with one and working to six. Unfortunately in my case my preceptor has only been a nurse for a year. Also she works 12 hours instead of 8. This means I have my 120 hours done and its only been 10 shifts where and eight hour person would have five more shifts. I dont feel ready in ten days to be on my own, so I have to talk to the manager. Listen to your gut and dont do something you are not comfortable with.

Fairlythere, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2006

I cannot get the link to UBC to work. Can you reprint the form here??

achood_RN · Jun 16, 2006

Thank you to all! God Bless!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

Fairlythere,,, 120 hours isnt enough depending on your experience level. If you have worked in your role before at another facility it may be you will be almost ready with that much. But if you are a new grad,, its insane to think you would be ready to be on your own after 120 hours of orientation. Dont fall for it,, go to the NM/staffing and tell them you arent ready and would like a couple/few more weeks with a precpetor.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

I got two weeks dayshift orientation with 4 preceptors. I was then switched to night shift.

Fairlythere, ASN, RN · Jun 19, 2006

Daytonite, I cannot get the UBC link to work on what preceptors should be doing, can you email me a copy?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 19, 2006

Daytonite, I cannot get the UBC link to work on what preceptors should be doing, can you email me a copy?

Both links work. I checked them just before I posted my reply to the OP. I just checked them again and they are working. If you are using a dial up you need to make sure that the entire allnurses page has completed downloading before you try a link otherwise you will get one of those "Cannot open server" messages.

Fairlythere, ASN, RN · Jun 20, 2006

Thanks. I have DSL not dial up and I tried directly inputting the address, it just wont open for me. I can get to UBC' s web page but even there the health disciplines pages wont open. Oh well... Thanks for trying.

liljsmom02 · Jun 27, 2006

I would have to say that I am lucky enough to work in a facility with an excellent preceptor program. You are matched with the same preceptor for each shift you train. You start with the director of education who gives you a full day on medications/Iv's and the actual IV pumps. You get another education day on emergency's and how to respond to a code and review of the crash cart. Another day is devoted to any type of equipment you can imagine from O2 set up to chest tubes. You have to pass a med test to even be allowed to pass meds. You then start with a preceptor for 4 weeks on the day shift. My preceptor and I have a weekly meeting with the unit manager to discuss any problems or concerns so you are never left in the dark about how you are progressing. After the first 4 weeks, you do 2 weeks of evenings and 2 weeks of nights. We are also given a booklet of competencies that must be done before you can do anything on your own.

I think the weekly meeting is a good idea because you are aware of your strenghths and weaknesses as you go so you have a bette feel of areas you need to concentrate on. good luck!!