[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]In our [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/”]Ask a Nurse[/hen-ui-link] series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Question: I’m starting my preceptorship and want to make the most of it. What should I expect? How do I navigate potential issues that may arise?[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Congratulations, you did it! You graduated from nursing school and are now on the path to your nursing career. Starting as a new nurse is very different from nursing school. You will be responsible for monitoring and caring for patients on your own. But first, before flying solo, you will be assigned a nurse preceptor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse preceptor is an experienced nurse who will work with you during your orientation for a certain amount of time. Orientation or preceptorship usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks, or longer depending on the department. For example, if you work in the intensive care unit or the emergency room, your orientation can last up to four or five months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most preceptors are chosen and accept the role. If you are working on a floor short of nurses, a preceptor may be selected, involuntarily, to work as your preceptor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Nurse Preceptor?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your nurse preceptor’s role is to, first and foremost, support, teach, and be a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//the-importance-of-mentorship-in-nursing/”]nurse mentor[/hen-ui-link] to you as a new nurse. If that isn’t their intention, you can and should switch preceptors if possible.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A preceptor’s role is to teach and guide you to:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stay organized[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create a nursing care plan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prioritize and cluster care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master time management and task delegation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gain vital skills needed to care for patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recognize critical patients and when to intervene[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Care for multiple patients independently[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Empower you to advocate for your patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Effectively communicate with patients, family members, staff members, and the healthcare team[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Make the Most From Your Nursing Preceptorship[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since you may only have a few weeks or several months of preceptorship, you have to make the most of it. You will learn how to manage and care for your patients during this time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Look at your preceptorship like mastering the belt levels in jiu-jitsu or karate. As a new nurse, your goal is to achieve the first level of nursing and earn your “white” or “orange belt” during orientation. It’s your preceptor’s responsibility to get you to this level successfully.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To make the most from your nursing preceptorship, you want to:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arrive to work on time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Always be prepared[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communicate effectively with your preceptor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create measurable goals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ask for feedback[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Write things down you don’t understand, and then look it up when you have the time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Listen[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ask for help[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take breaks[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ask questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Acknowledge when you’re wrong[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Debrief with your preceptor after each shift[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personally reflect on what you have learned[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before starting your orientation with your preceptor, it is important to establish goals between you and your preceptor. Make sure you are on the same page. You can ask questions like:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you like to communicate?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How has your experience been with other new nurses?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you like to complete your work?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you prefer to teach?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What are your teaching strategies and teaching styles?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At what point should we sit down and discuss my progress?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is there anything I should know to make sure my orientation is successful?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is there anything you wouldn’t like me to do?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How can we ensure our partnership is going to be successful?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]If It’s Not the Right Fit, You Can Switch Preceptors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is an unfortunate saying in nursing: “Nurses eat their young.” There is some truth to this. Some nurses can take their preceptor role as if they are your boss rather than your teacher. Some nurses are also burnt out or overwhelmed by [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/post-pandemic-nursing-shortage/”]postpandemic nursing shortages[/hen-ui-link] and treating patients with COVID-19.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To combat this reality:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communicate with your preceptor and don’t keep issues to yourself[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As soon as you notice a problem between you and your preceptor, bring it up to your manager or nurse educator[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you still don’t feel comfortable or feel bullied, ask to switch your preceptor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remember, your preceptor may not always be a great match for you. If you’re worried you’ll hurt your nurse preceptor’s feelings, the best thing is to communicate with your preceptor that things aren’t working out.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If that feels uncomfortable, have your nurse manager or nurse educator hold a meeting with you and your preceptor. Having an extra person mediate the conversation may help the situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Advocate for Yourself as a New Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some new nurses naturally have the skills to stand up for themselves. Others feel intimidated or shy. To perform the best care for your patients, not only do you have to advocate for them, you should feel empowered to advocate for yourself, too.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the beginning of your orientation, you may not recognize when you are doing something wrong. After time and practice, you will feel competent and confident in completing certain tasks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When this happens, let your preceptor know you are ready to do specific tasks by yourself. Your preceptor should be keeping track of your progress through your orientation packet, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, if you’re feeling tension or frustration from your preceptor, you can raise the issue with your preceptor or nurse manager. Your preceptor may be projecting frustrations onto you because of the current circumstances with COVID-19, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurse-burnout/”]nurse burnout[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link]. It’s important that you and your preceptor manage expectations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Communication Tips for New Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The key way to navigate issues with your preceptor is through effective communication. Here is how to navigate common issues:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]My preceptor is passive-aggressive[/hen-ui-heading]If your preceptor is passive-aggressive, make sure to address it with them, your manager, or nurse educator.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]My preceptor uses a tone that makes me feel discouraged[/hen-ui-heading] If your preceptor is making you feel discouraged, try to be proactive and master a skill you are having difficulty with. Ask an experienced nurse you trust to help you. If all else fails, speak to your nurse manager or nurse educator.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]I don’t think my preceptor has time for me[/hen-ui-heading]If your preceptor doesn’t have time for you, this is a real concern. Write down what you’re going to do for the day, and make sure you and your preceptor are on the same page. If you feel like you are teaching yourself, bring it up to your nurse manager or nurse educator.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]I wish my preceptor would help me more or be more hands-on[/hen-ui-heading]This can be a common problem, especially if your preceptor thinks you’re ready to work alone. Establish your learning style at the beginning of your preceptorship. When you feel like you need help or want more hands-on experience, remind your preceptor you work and learn better by working together.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]In our [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/”]Ask a Nurse[/hen-ui-link] series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.[/hen-ui-text]