New Preceptor-Better Experience

After all the trouble I had trying to get my first preceptor to get back in touch with me about changes in the schedule, I finally went and talked to my faculty advisers about the situation. I explained that my preceptor was not returning my phone calls about schedule changes or volunteering information to further my learning experience at clinical. I also explained that due to the schedule changing I had only done 2 of my required 8, 12-hour shifts that must be completed by the first week in March. They were very receptive to my dilemma and began working on getting me a new preceptor.

I soon received her contact information and schedule. I gave her a call and planned to work with her for the first time this past Friday on the Ortho/Neuro floor. I arrived before my new preceptor did, so I put my belongings in the break room and took a seat out at the front desk with the night nurses. When she came to the front desk and saw me she asked “Are you Bethany?” I said yes, and she then introduced herself as Cindy and made me feel welcome. I was surprised that she had remembered my name and we had only talked on the phone once!

After getting report, she took be around and oriented me to the unit. She showed me where all the supplies were and told me the codes to locked doors. She also sat down with me and explained their paper charting system. Throughout the day, she allowed me to take assessments on patients, and give medications. If I have a question she would answer it thoroughly or if she didn’t know the answer she would go and find it out. She also got me a copy of her schedule for the next work period so that I could start planning my work schedule. At the end of that fist day, I knew that my preceptor experience was going to be much better with my new preceptor, Cindy. I thanked her for being so welcoming and doing such a good job of accommodating me on my first day with her. She told me that she had enjoyed working with me. When I woke up the following Sunday to go for my next preceptor day, I realized that I actually looked forward to it, which is a very good thing.