New Preceptee

New beginning, new orientee on the ship. After the didactic sessions Charmaine told me that I will be training another new grad for orientation on the floor. I met the guy two weeks ago and we started our rapport quickly.

I toured him around the building, showed him where the purchasing office, utility room, supply room, linen room, ICU, OR, Pharmacy, Med rooms, the 3 stations, etc.

Then I showed him where the assignment board where he will base the assognment initially and to know who's the charge nurse, supervisor, RT assigned to his patients, the LVN to cover, etc.

I also showed him how to chart the hands-off report. Then how to print the med list and checked the meds in the med room if they're complete. If not we have to refill the meds from the Pharmacy.

After that we made rounds rounds to our assigned patients and did a quick ballpark assessment of the patients, checking the lines if still in place, GT/NGT/PEG tubes for patency, tracheostomy for placement and function, vent settings, foley catheters and other tubings, etc.

Then we prepared our medications to be given to the respective patients. Checking the residuals if the meds were given via PEG/NG/G tubes. Checking and changing the wound dressings per protocol. Hanging IV antibiotics and flushing IV pushes as ordered. Ensuring that CNA doing the care also checks the VS and the overall status of the patient.

After passing the meds, I taught him how to chart thoroughly based on his ballpark assessment and also do patient-family teachings as required. I also showed him how to chart and execute the nursing actions for Medicare billing.

At midnight we gave our due meds and due FSBS as ordered. Then we rechecked our previous documentation for accuracy. Sometimes we collect labs and samples and submit it to the laboratory for testing. And also making rounds every hour to check if the patients were still alive.

Then in the morning we do the oral care, suction the patient for any secretions, keeping the bedside clean. Changing the IV tubings and tube feedings. Checking the I&O's. Making sure that patients who were hemodialysis were made ready for the procedure. Pass the morning meds and wrap up the charting.

So my, the orientee was picking up slowly. At least he has the base knowledge of the bedside routines. He has still to complete 8 weeks of orientee until he is ready by himself. It still a long way for that but I'm sure he's doing ok.