So, I just began my first nursing position about a month and a half or so ago. However, I have not spent much time on my floor because I have been attending classes, Department of Nursing orientation sessions, attending ACLS, taking competencies, and the like. The few times that I have been on the floor, a majority of the time my preceptor and I have been assigned to work with a student, as well. Now, I know that as a nurse I will be working with students, which I don't have a problem with. In fact, the times that I have worked with a student, I have rather enjoyed it and am looking forward to working with them. The thing is, though, is that tasks that I need practice doing and experiencing are often delegated off to the students, especially since, for the past year, I worked as an ECG technician, and did not have any clinical experience while completing my BSN degree (I graduated with my ADN last year). Often times, tasks are delayed because we are waiting for the student to complete them, which doesn't help with my time management skills. It has become evident that my skills have been weakened because of this break, although, mind you, they are still there, and my charting is, while still very accurate and detailed, not up to the speed it once was.
I was discussing this with my Nursing Education Specialist and Nurse Manager, and they both agreed that I could benefit from clinical time with no students. They did not feel that it was a rude request, and there are plenty of other nurses, with more experience, that can work with the students until I get acclimated to the unit and doing nursing work again. At the same time, I do have to wonder about the fairness of this request, and whether other nurses might find it rude that my preceptor and I are not working with any students. After all, taking on students creates extra work for them, as well, especially if they have more than one to work with. I do not want to create resentment in my new work environment. Additionally, it makes assigning patients more difficult for the instructors of these students, especially since they will have to avoid assigning students to the patients I will be working with. Lastly, I'm possibly taking away some experiences for the students to have, since they won't be assigned the patients I will be.
Not rude, totally legit. This happened to me, and it definitely shortchanged my orientation even as an experienced nurse making an internal transfer. Also, having three nurses tends to confuse and/or alarm patients, especially on a low-acuity OBS unit. Not fair to anyone.
I remember being a newly licensed CPM (certified professional midwife, licensed in Florida), and being required to precept students immediately. It was not a good system. I do not think your request is unreasonable in the least, and I think you are going about this whole situation in a very professional manner.
Orientation is your time to learn. I find it to be very thoughtless of the Charge Nurses to allow this to happen. They are the ones who should be looking out for you. Good on you for speaking up for yourself.
Take notice of this thought process on behalf of your Leaders, as this could be a trend that repeats itself as you go along in your employment on this unit. Careless attention to assignments can be a warning flag of poor leadership.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
I had this same issue when I was orienting as a new grad on a surgical stepdown unit as part of my rotation through floors. The student threw me off and I ended up making a med error due to the confusion. Still my mistake.
I'd holler LONG and HARD about a student right now in my orientation. I'm on a CV stepdown floor and I need all the experience I can get.
I agree with you 100%, you're not being rude at all. It is important that you feel comfortable in your role before being sidetracked by students. At my work we have students too and I am still on orientation. I don't think I'd be able to handle having a student with me either, I am trying to work on my time management!
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.
I don't think it's rude, I think it makes perfect sense. A new RN role is much different from that of a student in that they have not only completed the course of study, they have passed their NCLEX and are licensed. Students are still learning and do not have the responsibility. This time is yours, and for your learning needs.
Not rude. An orienting nurse should not be sharing their 1:1 preventing nurse with students. It's not fair to you during the orientation education process and management apparently agrees. You are not taking away student experience you are giving away YOUR patient experienc
I'm 3 weeks from graduation and every clinical that has had orienting nurses on the floor they always get dibs on any skills on the floor that need done.
bluesnurse
99 Posts
Not rude, totally legit. This happened to me, and it definitely shortchanged my orientation even as an experienced nurse making an internal transfer. Also, having three nurses tends to confuse and/or alarm patients, especially on a low-acuity OBS unit. Not fair to anyone.