RN programs that don't have a preceptorship?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The LVN program from which I graduated did not have a preceptorship, and neither did the ASN completion program that I attended. Also, the online BSN program I completed did not have a preceptorship.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

My organization has found that graduates of programs with 'preceptorships' are better prepared for their transition to practice. We particularly love the grads of BSN programs that have a 5th semester in which the student actually works a modified full-time schedule alongside their preceptor. They are ready to hit the ground running because they are familiar and comfortable with the routines and 'rhythm' of a typical nursing unit - stuff that students generally aren't exposed to.

[Xlorgguss]

My organization has found that graduates of programs with 'preceptorships' are better prepared for their transition to practice. We particularly love the grads of BSN programs that have a 5th semester in which the student actually works a modified full-time schedule alongside their preceptor. They are ready to hit the ground running because they are familiar and comfortable with the routines and 'rhythm' of a typical nursing unit - stuff that students generally aren't exposed to.

As much as I think this would be beneficial, I wouldn't want to add a whole semester to do it. Realistically my program could have cut the first semester clinical which was all nursing home. But I guess you need to start somewhere.

[CacaoHeart]

I started in a 4 semester community college program in which preceptorships were only for a lucky 20 or so of 60 students, with everyone else having regular clinical. I ended up switching to a community college with a 5 semester program and 120 hours of precepting was a requirement as part of 800+ clinical hours. I'm grateful for the experience though it seems people manage ok without it. I worked up to a full load of 4 patients and was able to get to know the unit well enough that I happily accepted when the manager offered me a position.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

My ADN program had one. I don't know that it helped me land a job (I became licensed in a state other than my home state), but it was very helpful for functioning relatively independently as a new grad. My BSN program didn't have one; the only "clinical" experience that program had was a public health practicum.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

As much as I think this would be beneficial, I wouldn't want to add a whole semester to do it. Realistically my program could have cut the first semester clinical which was all nursing home. But I guess you need to start somewhere.

With the population aging, and more care needed for the elderly, I wouldn't discount LTC; it is a specialty in its own and many nurses (including myself) worked there during my career, and the experience landed me an acute care position.

Adding a semester to better transition into acute care or any specialty would be beneficial to the student, as well as facilities; they would be more apt to hiring new grads and not have new grads struggle to gain their footing in this business.

[Xlorgguss]

With the population aging, and more care needed for the elderly, I wouldn't discount LTC; it is a specialty in its own and many nurses (including myself) worked there during my career, and the experience landed me an acute care position.

Adding a semester to better transition into acute care or any specialty would be beneficial to the student, as well as facilities; they would be more apt to hiring new grads and not have new grads struggle to gain their footing in this business.

By no means was I trying to discredit LTC but our experience was functioning only in the capacity of an aide and that was it. We didn't perform vitals or a physical assessment. We didn't really through medical histories and determine priorities or interventions. We basically woke up the elders, fed them, and toileted them. After the third week I was ready for something more stimulating.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

By no means was I trying to discredit LTC but our experience was functioning only in the capacity of an aide and that was it. We didn't perform vitals or a physical assessment. We didn't really through medical histories and determine priorities or interventions. We basically woke up the elders, fed them, and toileted them. After the third week I was ready for something more stimulating.

When I worked in LTC, we still worked our cart and had to feed them during lunch, and dinner, and when possible toilet them.

Your first semester is gaining that knowledge in how to do ADLs; that is the primary focus of the first clinicals, although your CI should've at least have you time to look through at least one of those charts; however during day shift, chart reviews are done with the DON and the clinical team; some times up until the afternoon, so the charts are necessary to making sure that the orders are correct or changes are needed.

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

My ADN program, all the ADN programs in our area, as well as the BSN program at the local CSU, have preceptor programs in the final semester.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Preceptorships are not common in my area, ADN or BSN.

[tmctg2]

The use of a preceptor for clinical is no different than going to clinical as a group with a clinical faculty. There still must always be a clinical faculty person as they are the ones required by the state board of nursing to be evaluating student clinical experiences. The preceptor model is just so nursing schools can enroll more students with less clinical faculty costs. Nursing schools are expensive to operate because of the low faculty to student ratios which eats into the schools operating costs and potential profits.

[bbmtnbb]

My ADN program in CA (NOT rural location) has a last half of final semester preceptorship program. You work with one RN and a clinical instructor will show up and observe, question and discuss your patients (the same patients as the RN you are working with). The RN preceptor will evaluate you and discuss your performance with the clinical instructor. You are not following around a nurse and watching him/her but the RN preceptor is following you around. They will give advice and tips and special guidance if you have never actually done something on a live person. They get a list (booklet) of all of the skills you have done in the clinical setting versus in the clinical lab setting. I feel it is very helpful and am glad my school has one. I think it is 10 shifts (full 12 hour shifts).