Starting your nursing career is both exciting and intimidating. As a new nurse, your preceptor plays a major role in shaping your confidence, competence, and overall experience on the unit. A great preceptor teaches, supports, and encourages growth—but not every preceptorship is a healthy one.
If something feels off during orientation, trust that instinct. Here are key preceptor red flags every new nurse should watch for.
🚩 1. They Make You Feel Afraid to Ask Questions
A safe learning environment is essential for new nurses. If your preceptor reacts with annoyance, sarcasm, or impatience when you ask questions, it can shut down learning quickly. No nurse should ever feel embarrassed or fearful for seeking clarification—especially when patient safety is involved.
Healthy preceptors welcome questions and understand that curiosity leads to competence.
🚩 2. They Belittle You or Talk Down to You
Being corrected is part of learning. Being belittled is not. If your preceptor uses condescending language, mocks your mistakes, or makes you feel small, this is a serious red flag.
Constructive feedback should build you up, not tear you down.
🚩 3. They Expect You to “Just Figure It Out”
Orientation is not a test of survival. If your preceptor frequently says things like “You should already know this” or leaves you to manage situations you haven’t been taught, that’s unsafe and unfair.
New nurses deserve guidance, demonstration, and support—not abandonment.
🚩 4. They Are Frequently Unavailable
A preceptor who disappears, is constantly on their phone, or avoids teaching moments is not fulfilling their role. While independence should grow over time, consistent availability is crucial—especially early in orientation.
You should never feel alone when you’re supposed to be learning.
🚩 5. They Gossip or Speak Negatively About Others
If your preceptor frequently gossips about coworkers, management, or patients, take note. This behavior creates a toxic environment and can eventually turn toward you.
Professionalism matters, and respectful communication sets the tone for a healthy workplace.
🚩 6. They Offer No Feedback
Feedback is how new nurses grow. A lack of feedback—positive or corrective—leaves you guessing about your performance. If your preceptor never checks in, reviews progress, or acknowledges improvement, your development may suffer.
You deserve clear guidance on what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
🚩 7. They Dismiss Your Concerns
Whether it’s about patient safety, workload, or your own learning needs, your concerns should always be taken seriously. A preceptor who brushes off your worries or minimizes your experiences can undermine your confidence and safety.
Your voice matters—especially as a new nurse.
Final Thoughts
Not every preceptor will be the perfect match, but no new nurse should feel unsafe, unsupported, or disrespected. Recognizing red flags early can help you advocate for yourself, seek additional support, or request a change if needed.
Remember: learning takes time, and asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.
✨ Have you experienced any of these red flags during orientation? What advice would you give a new nurse starting out?
A Faith-Based Encouragement for New Nurses
If you’re walking through a difficult orientation or feeling discouraged by your preceptorship, remember this: God sees you, He is with you, and He has purpose in your calling. Nursing is more than a job—it is a ministry of compassion, service, and strength. Even when support feels lacking, you are never walking alone.
Pray for wisdom, courage, and discernment as you navigate this season. Trust that God can use challenging moments to refine you, grow your confidence, and prepare you for the nurse He is shaping you to be. “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” (Isaiah 58:11)
Hold on—your calling is valid, your voice matters, and brighter days are ahead.
