Recognizing a Preceptor Extraordinaire
Bailey Pelchat has had a number of preceptors during her time as a nursing student in Yorkton, but one stands out from all the rest.
“By working alongside who I consider to be the best nurse ever, I saw exactly what the world needs,” said Bailey Pelchat, fourth year nursing student from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing Yorkton site.
Bailey recently completed her NURS 450 clinical experience in the emergency department (ER) at Yorkton Regional Health Centre, alongside preceptor Shelley Chase.
Bailey is thankful for the learning that took place during her most recent clinical. “I had the best final practicum experience, filled with excitement and wisdom each day. My preceptor (Shelley) treated each opportunity as a learning experience. If something exciting was happening in a different area of the department, we were there. We always looked for new experiences, and Shelley would encourage others to allow me to see as much as possible. She constantly gave me feedback on how I was doing and taught me the tricks-of-the-trade to enhance my skills. She would make quizzes, which I started to call “Shelley Tests”, about things I need to know as I embark on my nursing career. She was quick to point out the “little” things, such as nonverbal communication, the way we talk to patients, and simple acts of kindness, which mean the most to those in our care. I looked forward to every shift because I knew each day would be full of new and exciting stories and tasks. I was taught more than I thought I could have learned and I truly wished my practicum didn’t have to end.”
But more than the learning that took place, Bailey is extremely grateful for the opportunity to have had Shelley as her preceptor. “Shelley, to me, was more than your average preceptor. She is generous, caring, genuine, dedicated, and thoughtful, just to name a few of her qualities. She encouraged me, pushed me to be better, and we laughed and smiled every day. She is an outstanding nurse, and one who has committed to improving the lives of her patients and her students. She has been working with nursing students for many years and each student I have talked to, has thanked her greatly for being instrumental in their path of becoming a nurse. Shelley is completely dedicated to being a preceptor and made my experience something I will never forget. Words are not enough to describe how thankful I am for Shelley, and I hope one day, to have the honour of walking the floors with her.”
Not only is Shelley Chase loved as a preceptor, but she is well known to most of Yorkton for being “that kind hearted ER nurse, named Shelley”. Bailey felt both her and Shelley shared the same excitement and drive for working in the ER and caring for their patients, which is why she believes they worked so well together. “No matter how busy we were, I found Shelley to be incredibly compassionate, making connections with every patient, joking with them to brighten their days. I know if I become even half the nurse throughout my career that Shelley is, I can be very proud of myself. This experience was instrumental for me because I was able to work in a department, which had always peaked my interest and after working with Shelley and seeing how much of an impact we as nurses can truly make, I know 100% this is the career for me.”
Bailey feels when people go above and beyond to facilitate a students’ learning experience, they should be recognized and the College of Nursing couldn’t agree more. As a thank you, Bailey presented a College of Nursing hoodie to Shelley on February 11th.
If you are interested in becoming a preceptor and working with USask nursing students in Yorkton, please contact our clinical coordinator group for more information.