Burnout Prevention-Setting Expectations (Part 3 of 5)

Welcome back to Part 3 of our series on preventing burnout, where we delve into setting expectations in precepting.  Setting expectations not only provides a roadmap for the rotation but also plays a role in keeping burnout at bay.

Why Setting Expectations Matters

Setting reasonable yet challenging expectations that align with your learner’s abilities and your own limitations as a preceptor can help prevent burnout. It ensures you have a clear plan in place, reducing the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed.

When you set expectations with your learner, you also gain insights into their expectations of you and the rotation. That mutual understanding fosters a more productive and conflict free learning environment.

Benefits of Setting Expectations

Clear expectations prevent confusion and frustration, which can be damaging to you and your learner’s well-being. When everyone knows what to expect, anxiety levels decrease. Be upfront what your minimum expectations are and how other learners have been successful. Share good and bad examples. Give specifics and detail the what, when, why and how for assignments.  

Setting expectations enhances efficiency by providing clarity, focus, and structure. You can prioritize, manage time, allocate resources, and streamline communication.

Preparation is Key

Before the first day of rotation review the program’s handbook and manuals and communicate with your learner. Share practical information like parking, building entry, meeting time, and who to call if they get lost. Share details about yourself as well. Start building a relationship with your learner before they arrive.

Create reusable email templates to save time communicating with learners. This ensures important details are shared consistently. If working with a preceptor team, draft a preceptor tag document that includes information about learner activities, feedback, and areas of improvement. This is helpful when completing evaluations and giving feedback. Update your orientation checklist and rotations schedule/calendar. Keeping these documents current can keep you and your learner organized.

Work with management to ensure sufficient staffing coverage on the first day when you need time to orient your learner. This proactive approach prevents undue stress on the team.

Prevent Burnout

Utilize the support of other pharmacists and team members to share responsibility and avoid duplication of efforts. Collaboration lightens your workload and reduces burnout risk. For example, ask a tech to give the site tour.

Always set expectations within your limits as a preceptor. You have your workload and responsibilities, and it is essential to find a balance. Adjust expectations with your learner at the midpoint if needed.

Learners share with our office how much they appreciate preceptors who set clear and reasonable expectations. This not only prevents burnout for you but creates a structured rotation that reduces stress for you and the learner.