Would like student opinions as a preceptor please!

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Specializes in ER.

Hi guys! Hope all is well in your studies as my future co-workers. ;) All I can say is...It gets better, I promise! The reason I'd like to talk to you is that starting tonight, I'm precepting another nursing student. I volunteered to do this, because I LOVE working with students, and I remember being in your shoes, wanting to know,learn,see everything. I've acted as a preceptor for students before, and I really like it. I have a new student coming in tonight for the next 2 weeks, and I'd like to know, in your opinion, as an ED nurse, how can I give her the best experience possible? I try to make sure if there is anything interesting (code, chest tube, ect) I let them watch, or even get involved within the level of their abilities- but is there anything nursing school is really missing these days, in your opinion? Thanks for the input, and remember- there ARE some of us, even like me, who remember being a student 20 yrs later. You all rock!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I haven't done my ED rotation yet, but I have to say that as a current student in clinicals, you're already doing the best possible thing- you're going into it with an attitude of wanting to help your student. With that acceptance, the student should be ready and willing to step up and tell you what he or she needs specifically. It's hard to say if there are gaps in every program out there, but with someone as enthusiastic and experienced as you, a student should be able to identify areas of interest. I think the hardest part about answering that question for me would be that if I don't know it exists, I wouldn't know to ask you about it. Exposure, explanation and patience are the key. I wish that you were an instructor in my future schooling. I've had some great nurses so far, and they make me hopeful for my future career. Others make me want to fun away as fast as I can. Thanks for being one of the great ones! I'm sure your student is in for a great two weeks.

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Specializes in ED.

I'm precepting in an ER right now. I'm also an older student (I'll actually be 40 tomorrow).

What I LOVE about my preceptor is that she challenges me. Not in a harsh or overly pushy way. She will ask me questions about why I'm doing this or that but doesn't make me stupid if I don't know the answer.

She also allows me to do stuff. I took the first 6 or so hours to kind of watch and observe and orient in the ED but I was pretty much ready to at least start an IV by the end of my first day. I am a confident person but the ER can be an intimidating environment until you get a full 12-24 hours under your belt.

I really struggled with what to do with my hands when starting an IV. I'm pretty dexterous but knowing how to manipulate all the little pieces was kind of foreign to me. My preceptor really took the time to help me figure out what I was doing wrong. What I figured out was that since I am left-handed, I needed to start my IVs on the patient's left hand. My preceptor found me another lefty nurse who really, REALLY helped me figure out what I was doing wrong. That really helped a LOT! Of course, she didn't throw me to the wolves before I was ready. Her just being there the first few days in the room with me helped me with my confidence and I stopped second-guessing myself after a few shifts. Now I am assigned a room by myself and I do it all for the patients in that room. With her supervision, of course. I do like that autonomy I have earned with her.

I actually enjoyed a half day in triage. I really learned a lot about people and how to ask questions of our patients.

I also like that the other nurses in the ED are very willing to share skills and save procedures and stuff for me to do. I am actually really good at foley insertions so I get to do a LOT of those in the ER.

I am a very hands-on learner. I like that my preceptor allows me to do a variety of tasks AND I get to chart, enter treatments and tests, and discharge, etc.

My preceptor always gives GREAT corrective criticism in a way that is non-threatening nor does it make me feel stupid or incompetent. I appreciate that more than anything in the ER.

Actually, today was my 11th out of 13 in the ER and, for the very first time, I actually felt like a 'real' nurse. I was able to assess my patients and chart, administer meds, start my IVs, and actually advocate for my patient to his/her doctor for meds, etc. It REALLY felt good and I think my preceptor was pretty proud of me. Nearly every time I would update her on my patients, she would tell me what I needed to do next. I was always one step ahead and I had already done the task needed. It was really a great day!

In a nutshell, stay involved and patient and give constructive feedback - good and bad. I'm sure you'll be GREAT!

meredith

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