Six Preceptors?

[nUsingsTudent021]

I have been working as a graduate nurse for about four weeks now and I have had six preceptors! Yes, six. I worry every day that I go in who I will be put with next. It seems they just put me with who ever is working that day. Also, one day the nurse who has been assigned as my preceptor was called off. I got there and the nurse manager forgot I was coming in! I don't feel that I am going to be prepared when I am on my own because every preceptor has to take the time to evaulate my skills and is basically holding my hand. I only have three weeks left and I don't feel that I am ready to be on my own if this continues. They let me do things, but are always gong around and picking up the pieces. I feel like I don't know the ins and outs. How am I going to learn what needs to be done with the paperwork, admissions, and discharges if I am not given the opportunity to be responsible. Does anyone have some advice?

[fergus51]

Is there someone you can discuss your orientation with? A manager, a nurse educator, someone with authority over your orientation?

You need to do this and come in with suggestions. Perhaps you could ask for one or two nurses max and be willing to work whatever shifts they work, just so you can have some consistency.

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

My first week on the job I was with one great nurse the first day, then three less-than-helpful people the following three days. I'm a new grad and was told by these people "let me know if you need anything" and off I was sent on my own to seek help whenever I felt I needed it. This scared the hell out of me, and I went straight the educator to request that I only be with that first VERY helpful preceptor. She said thanks for the feedback, and its worked GREAT since. I've since been working that one nurse's schedule and she has taught me SO much.

You've gotta go talk to your manager/educator ASAP. You need someone steady to work with, and someone that is going to help you in your learning. Better if you go in with names of people (or better yet, one) you WANT to be paired with. Don't wait until you're on your own and its too late.

[bronween]

oh hon. that's not being preceptored. that's being passed around.

clearly you need to speak to your unit manager or graduate educator about your concerns. You need to be finely tuning your skills, not getting used to how someone else operates again and again.

hope it all works out for you