Well, I am 3/4 of the way done with my final set of clinical hours for nursing school. And, I must say, I just got the most unflinching performance review I have ever received.

Now, I understand that a performance review where the preceptor/boss/whatever tells you only 'good' things is a disservice. People can tell when smoke is being blown up their ass, and generally, they don't like it. I should note that when I say 'people' I mean 'Rich.' You may personally really like having smoke blown up your ass, and who am I to judge you for that. On the other hand, if a preceptor/boss/whatever gives you a review and spends the whole time tearing you down, that is a disservice as well. That just means that preceptor/boss/whatever is just a dick, and not really a leader at all.

So, my review kicked my ass. I learned that there are many areas in which I need to improve. I am feeling rather bummed about it. I went from bummed to pissed when I realized that my preceptor could tell that I was bummed. (Then, she IS a psych nurse, and well-skilled at reading people's non-verbal cues...)But, I also learned of areas in which I have grown, and areas where I was doing well. The key for me, for everybody really, is to take those things that they noted you need to improve on and... improve them! (Gasp, shock, suprise... unique, I know...) In addition, learn to take criticism constructively and not personally. It is usually offered in the spirit of helping the person improve. This is difficult for me (hence the reason for this blog...) but is one of the things that I am working on. I guess I just hope that when my preceptor forwards the eval info on to my clinical instructor, that she makes sure to note the improvements I have made and hope to continue to make.

So, I plan to take the review that I received today, and work on what needs to be improved. I will keep what I do well and add to it.

Oh, and I slashed my preceptor's tires, because she made me feel less than good about myself. It didn't help as much as I thought it would....

Just kidding. I only put rocks in her valvestems.