Our Preceptor Place columnist, Sarah Jane, has shared some captivating stories during the past few weeks. She gave us an inside look at her first experience as a preceptor, which included two memorable patients that changed a new graduate’s view of nursing. Today, Sarah Jane provides some sound advice for new nurses on how to get to know a preceptor. See what she has to say.

First, I’d like to share an important piece of advice about the preceptor-new graduate relationship: Please be aware that even the most well-seasoned nurses can get jittery, excited, or nervous during any stressful situation. Try not to take it personally if we snap or seem to have a short temper because we are really just concerned about the patient. As nurses, we want to make sure they get the best care possible.

Now, let’s get to some advice on how to get to know your preceptor.

There are some nurses out there who love to talk and others who don’t. But just about anyone I know likes to talk about themselves. The same goes for preceptors. Most experienced nurses welcome questions, as we really enjoy talking. Thinking back, I can remember some of the questions I asked my preceptor:

• How long have you been a nurse?
• How long have you worked in critical care (which is where I work)?
• What other places (meaning units and/or hospitals) have you worked as a nurse?
• What is the sickest and/or worst patient you have taken care of?
• How long have you been a preceptor?
• What do you love most about what you do?
• What do you like least about what you do?

Those are some good questions to get you started, to get you on the right track to getting to know your preceptor. You can also ask some personal questions to get to know your preceptor because just like you, they may have families, pets, or loved ones and friends that help them combat the stress they experience at work.

As a new nurse working with a preceptor, there are a few things you should get to see and experience. Depending on where you work will determine what you will see and experience. But whether you work on the floor or in the unit, every nurse should see a code. You should see how it is run and even participate in it if they need you to help.

Some other experiences a new nurse might go through:

• Learning how to do ABGs (arterial blood gases) and helping a doctor insert a central line
• Helping a doctor intubate a patient and dealing with the aftermath (keeping the patient sedated and keeping his or her blood pressure stable)

If you work in the ICU like me, you’ll probably get to help the physicians insert a chest tube, insert an a-line, bolt a patient, SWAN a patient, and use AV pacer wires that are inserted during open heart surgery to pace a patient out of a lethal arrhythmia.

I really hope that reading about my experiences have helped you in some way. Remember, the preceptor-new graduate relationship is all about communication. So don’t be afraid to speak up and let your voice be heard.

Editor’s note: Send questions or share your experiences with Sarah Jane, the columnist behind The Preceptor Place, at janesarah18@hotmail.com.