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Learning to be a perioperative nurse is a complex and difficult task. No matter how thoroughly a nurse is prepared in the classroom, it is the clinical experience that determines success or failure. Clinical success in the OR rests in the hands, heart, and mind of the preceptor. Helpful coaching and a new and different approach to using new knowledge can build precepting skills among experienced clinicians. The new preceptor class for surgical services incorporated the FISH! philosophy with adult learning principles for a FUN workshop. We believe that learners actually learn more when they are having fun and that the interns and their preceptors needed to learn to have fun in their clinical days to survive.
FISH! Models an advanced form of teamwork that encourages incredible collaboration and integrity. Integrity is the foundation for trust, which is the basis for all adult learning. There are four main concepts to the fish philosophy that readily instill the tenets of adult learning.
- Play! Have fun, be spontaneous and creative. Life is too short to frown and laughter is health promoting.
- Make their day! Do something special for your trainee every day. It is a gift that they won’t soon forget.
- Be there! Totally focused on the moment and the person, patient or task at hand. Listen deeply and do not miss the opportunity to teach.
- Choose your attitude! Accept responsibility for your choices. Use clear, direct statements rather than hinting, it is more respectful of the other person. Respect for prior knowledge and experience is another principle of adult learning.
- Make a difference! Preceptors have the opportunity to create a wonderful new staff person..or not. When you were a newbie, what did someone do/say that made your day?
- Stretch your comfort levels with PLAY. Do not take yourself too seriously.
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