The following testimonial was written by a new to practice nurse:
As a new to practice nurse, starting a new job can be frightening and intimidating, especially in a setting in which I did not have any clinical experience. Although I had previous pre-hospital experience, I knew that being an ER nurse would present a different set of challenges. A preceptor can make or break the start of a new graduate's career. I was very lucky, and fortunate to have had Mark Menapace get my career off to a great start.
Mark immediately took me under his wing and taught me an enormous amount. I was not just an orientee to him; he took the time to get to know me. I felt as though I learned more in the three months I was with him then the two years in nursing school. He made sure to teach me in a manner which never made me feel as though I wasn't succeeding or as if my intelligence was subpar. He did an amazing job of telling me when I did a great job and ensuring that I was given recognition when I deserved it.
The aspect of his teaching which impressed me the most was how much he was able to help build my confidence and skills without sacrificing any aspect of patient care. Mark has set me up for success, built up my confidence, and demonstrated superior emergency nursing. He is the type of nurse I hope to not only become, but maintain throughout my career. I am extremely thankful for his knowledge, guidance, and the standard he set for my emergency nursing career.