From Student to Teacher

It seems like it wasn't all the long ago that I began my job as a L&D RN. I was on orientation for almost a year because we have a top notch orientation program. As a new RN to begin with entering a specialty field like OB, I knew I needed intense training. This influenced my choice of where I accepted a position. In our unit we systematically go through every type of patient you could encounter and train new nurses until they feel totally comfortable taking anything that walks through the door. The categories we go through are:
Postpartum mom and baby
"Baby Catching" or the immediate care and resuscitation of the newborn
Circulating on Cesarean sections
Scrubbing for cesarean sections
Outpatients (rule out labor, preterm labor, rule out ROM, bleeding, decreased fetal movement, etc)
Labor and Delivery
High risk (mostly antepartums: PPROM, preeclampsia, Previa, etc.)

Anyway, I worked my way through all of these categories and began practicing on my own and have been doing so for a few years now... And, recently, I was asked to take on the role of "Preceptor." I am now teaching the new nurses who come on the department all of the things they need to know to function independently.

When I was initially asked to fulfill this role, I was currently the newest RN on the floor. I questioned my supervisors decision to put me in this position... But, she seemed convinced I would do well, so I agreed to fill the need if she needed me to. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoy the preceptor role!

I began by having the new nurse mostly follow me and learn through observation and we moved to the point now where I am mostly following her and observing her, offering feedback and double checking charting. I ask her questions as we go to ensure her complete understanding. For example, if we have a non-reassuring fetal heart rate I will ask her what may be causing the pattern we are seeing, what we should do about it and what orders we can expect from the doctor.

Some challenges I find during precepting revolve mostly around my patience. I didn't previously think I had a problem being patient... But, it is incredibly nerve-racking when I send the new RN into the room to do something simple that would take me 2 minutes and 10 minutes later she is still not out of the room. "What is she doing in there?" "Is something wrong?" I find it hard to not DO. When there is a list of things to do to get a patient admitted and I could easily do it quickly.... I have to sit on my hands and wait for the learner to work her way though the tasks at a painstakingly slow pace.... not doing anything wrong, just taking a LONG time to do everything. It makes me wonder how much of this my preceptor felt when she was teaching me.

I do enjoy it, though. More than I thought I would. My pupil is almost ready to leave the nest and fly by herself. A few more weeks and she will be set loose. It makes me proud to see her progress. Teaching is not something I ever thought I would enjoy... I always liked to have my patient and keep busy... But, surprisingly, I will be happy to take on my next orientation assignment.