Starting Rural ICU Preceptorship

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I am graduating from nursing school May of 2013, and I have been lucky enough to secure a preceptorship during the winter break. I elected to work noc shift in the ICU in a rural hospital. I would love to hear from anyone who has experience in this type of nursing environment. I am trying to anticipate the types of things I will learn, and to establish goals with my preceptor.

I am guessing that there will be unique challenges, not having a huge team to support crises. I am also hoping that I will learn more about physiology because I will be able to focus more on fewer patients. I would appreciate any thoughts about how I can make the most of this opportunity.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I don't know how rural this hospital is, but I imagine you will learn how to use all your resources. Also, I am sure you will be "holding" patients who will be flighted elsewhere. This means you will need to hone your assessment skills and know what changes in condition are emergent. Sounds like a good rotation.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Im also a May 2013 grad and don't kno my palcement yet but just anted to say-JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Thanks for the response guys. In the first year of nursing school clinical was so scary and stressful for me, but now I am learning so much more from them and actually looking forward to it. It could just be that my last rotation had a very student friendly staff. Now I am super excited to start the preceptorship. I hope you get a good placement iluvpatho!

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