HOW TO WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH PRECEPTEES

THE PRECEPTOR’S RAPPORT

OBJECTIVES

• The learner will be able to:– Explain 3 things a preceptor should do to

maintain an effective working relationship with a preceptee

– Explain 3 things a preceptor should avoid doing to maintain an effective working relationship with a preceptee

– Demonstrate an effective approach to managing possible problems in preceptor-preceptee working relationships

THE RELATIONSHIP IS THE KEY• In the Beginning….• Make the

preceptee feel welcome and accepted

• Be available when the new orientee needs you

• Listen openly and fully

NURTURE YOUR YOUNG• Be patient and

understanding• Be gentle and

constructive when offering critiques of preceptee’s performance

• Offer feedback in a frequent and timely manner on performance and progress

ARETHA SAID IT BEST “R E S P E C T”• Respect the new

employee’s view, feeling beliefs and values

• Determine the preceptee’s preferences regarding the order, type and pace of learning

• Encourage questions

IF THEY FALL, PICK THEM UP…..• Build on past

experiences and strengths while helping them to develop in areas of weakness

• Allow preceptees to make and learn from mistakes

• Use a sense of humor to maintain perspective

YOU NEED EACH OTHER !!!• Be open to learning

from the preceptee• Maintain your

composure and leadership throughout stressful situations

• Be generous with praise, support, and encouragement

REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE…• Enlist your unit to help you.• Talk frequently with your nurse

manager• Get creative• Share the load

AND NOW FOR THE OTHER SIDE…• Here are some

don’ts..• Relate to new staff as if

they are children• Take over situation s or

“do” for them what they can do for themselves

• Give assignments beyond the preceptee’s capabilities

SETTING THEM UP FOR FAILURE• Overwhelm new

staff with details and minutiae

• Rush the pace of instruction

• Embarrass the new staff in front of coworkers, other staff or patients.

BEATING THEM DOWN• Use negative feedback

when critiquing or correcting preceptee performance

• Keep new staff in the dark about their performance

• Assume experienced new staff require little or no support, supervision or instruction.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ORIENTEE…

• Progresses too slowly in their performance?

• Overestimates his or her capabilities?• Underestimates his or her capabilities• Is disorganized and can not complete

work load in a reasonable time period?• Performs new skills with out seeking

guidance?

Or…

• Has “know it all attitude and ignores the preceptor’s direction

• Continues to perform a skill incorrectly after repeated demonstrations

• Talks about how much better it was at their previous place of employment

• Feels entitled but does not want accountablility

OR EVEN….

• Shows a lack of concern after making a significant error

• Complains about the preceptors skills and the quality of their work

• Is too hesitant and fearful of making a mistake

• Is preoccupied with their personal life• Has difficulty relating to their

coworkers.

IN SUMMARY• Nurture for

everyone’s success• Don’t set the

preceptee and yourself up for failure

• Get support for yourself when the going gets tough.

• Celebrate the success!!!!