Too many preceptors

[llc1961]

I took a position that sounded really good in a hospital as a RN intern. The program was supposed to be from 3 to 6 months of classroom and clinical training. 4 nurses left to travel and they started all the interns on PCU,( heparin and cardizem drips, telemetry, high accuity, etc). I personally had over 14 different preceptors in approximately 25 days on the floor! I feel that this is excessive because everyone does things differently. I was asked to resign or be fired for lack of organizational skills and I feel like a big loser. I really don't know if I really want to be a nurse.. HELP!

[EmmaG, RN]

You're placed with 14 different preceptors in a span of 25 days and they have the nerve to say you have problems with organization??

That is priceless

[leslie :-D]

I was asked to resign or be fired for lack of organizational skills and I feel like a big loser.

the irony of this, is mind-boggling.

you may really want to reconsider working for this facility.

trust me, it's not you...

leslie

[medchick]

I completely understand that feeling. My original preceptor had surgery 4 weeks into my orientation and I rotated through almost 10 others in the next 6 weeks. I developed my own way of doing things (within appropriate limits). What they are doing to you is wrong. If this is happening, it is probably better for you to go somewhere else.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I've been on the floor at my new job two weeks. In that time I have had 5. I came home ystdy after having broken down in sobs because one is such a rhymes with rich.

However. I have better than a year (in LTC) behind me and I know it isn't me. I just have to survive her and, as of last night, she has lost all power to hurt my feelings. Done. She can bite me.

It isn't you.

[CarVsTree]

Yeah, you're disorganized (sarcasm). I think that is called blaming others. Not taking responsibility. They are disorganized and there is much better out ther.

I had 2 preceptors. The only time I didn't have one of them was if one of my preceptors were out sick, my orientation schedule didn't work with their's. I had one or two others that were alternates.

I was fortunate having tech'd on the same floor so I got to choose my own preceptors. They were opposites. One was Miss Paperwork, do everything by the book (opposite of me). The other was touchy feely nurse (like me) who taught me a lot of "tricks."

I'm sorry they fired you. IMHO it was wrong and it is their loss. 25 preceptors!

[MrsMommaRN]

Puuleeez! 14 preceptors. I had two one on day shift and one when I went to the shift I was working (nights).

I would resign and never look back. You have plenty of opportunity elsewhere.

Best of luck!!:icon_hug:

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

It's definitely not you, it's THEM!

They're actually doing YOU a favor by asking you to resign/firing you!!

RUN like the wind!!

[SoundofMusic]

This sounds like a familiar tune. I have been on our unit about 6 weeks now, with some time in between for classes. I was assigned an "official" preceptor, but haven't been with her in like 5 or so shifts. It IS getting confusing as every nurse has their own way. If you come in doing it the way you were shown the day before, the new one comments and asks, "Why are you doing it THAT way?"

It IS positively their fault for not providing consistent teaching. If it continues with my unit, I'm going to speak up about it.

Then again, sometimes you get to see different styles and different techniquest you LIKE, and you can adopt -- but I think you still need that consistent person who can build your confidence.

I have been happy for it as I have gotten to know different nurses on the floor this way .. .for better or for worse.

I sometimes wonder if they're doing it because they want to pass us around, or they are too tired and just say, well, YOU do it today, and pass us off -- I hate that. It's all so hard to figure out.

[attrain15]

Wow do I understand where you are coming from. My story is a little different than yours, but with the same premises. I began work in the ICU as a new grad in July, without having passed my NCLEX. I was working to the bone with whom I thought, was the best nurse on the floor. She was tough, but always kept me on task and was able to answer questions that I had. And believe me, there were a lot of questions. Just watchin her interact with doctors and families made me want to work harder to get to where she was at in her career, ICU nurse of > 5 years. Well I failed the boards twice, took some time off, and eventually passed my third time. When I came back, I was not able to have my last preceptor who I had formed such a close bond with because she accepted another position at a nearby hospital. Happy for her and all, but feel sort of abandoned because the preceptor that I have now is not nearly as a good a nurse. It sounds judgemental, but I am being honest with myself. She's a great person, we get along great, but she is unable to explain things as well as the last. She knows what she is doing while working, but lacks the patience or ability to explain. Also since she is not as good, the assignments or not as acute, and therefore the learning is only minimal. I guess I'm just sort of venting because I am tryin my hardest each and every day to be the best nurse I can be. But where I'm at right now, all my experience lies on the 2 months I have been on the unit, working with patient with not much acuity. And it also doesn't help that every third day I have a different preceptor. My advice would be to rely on what you know, and believe me you know a lot. You didn't get your liscense for nothing. Keep trying your hardest, and possibly look into transfering to another hospital w/ people that are more empathetic to new grads......keep on keepin on....you live to learn...