Kristine Vitola RN

Kristine Vitola knows there is a fine line between teacher and student. When she joined Saint Raphael’s nearly 11 years ago, her preceptor was fairly new to nursing.

“When I started, I was on evenings, which were very fast-paced, but she really had it together,” according to Kristine. “Still, some things were new to her and we both learned.”

Kristine found herself in a similar position when she began precepting three years go, with just one year of nursing experience. Working 40 hours a week on the evening shift helped her learn quickly, but being asked to take on the role of teacher was a little intimidating, she admits. 

Every preceptee is different, and preceptors must adapt their style to meet each new nurse’s needs, according to Kristine. Some of the younger graduate nurses are quicker to learn the computers, which can be a source of anxiety for older and more clinically experienced nurses. One of the challenges of precepting is keeping up with a full caseload of patients while teaching, Kristine says. In situations that require a quick response, Kristine must sometimes take action herself. But she makes sure that later in their orientation, preceptees take responsibility for some patients, while she provides support.

“I like being in the teaching role; it keeps me sharp,” Kristine says. “I like meeting new people and offering support. It’s nice being a resource to them even after orientation.

“It’s a privilege to be considered worthy enough to train somebody who’s going to be working on the floor.”