I have had clinicals in many settings, as this is my next to last semester in the program. My instructor led me to the High-Risk Antepartum unit on Level 4 of the Women's Center. She introduced me to Spring Houghton, my preceptor nurse for the shift.
Spring gave me a warm greeting, and she gave me a report on our four patients for the day. She explained everything about each patient at length, so I could begin my learning experience immediately. We went in and did head-to-toe (yet focused) assessments on each patient. All four patients had diabetes, from Type 1 to Type 2 to gestational. All four had differing orders as to how and when to give insulin. Spring was fantastic at explaining each order, and even allowed me to draw up the insulin. She did everything that we learned about such as having a second RN verify all of the insulin. Spring would also ask me questions as if an instructor. She told me if I answered correctly, and if not, she explained the reasoning.
We had one patient that needed a blood transfusion. We went through that process because I had never had the opportunity to witness this. During the blood transfusion, we found that we were getting an admit. Spring worked tirelessly and calmly under pressure.
Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I learned so much from Spring. She was a wonderful preceptor, and if I could have the same nurse twice, I would always choose Spring. I hope you value Spring as much as I did, and I hope you give her kudos for helping a nervous nursing student have a day of learning.
Thank you, Spring, for your willingness to go above and beyond your call of duty.