Need to "grow a pair"

Specialties NICU

Published

Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

These are my own words.

I'm just wondering when I will finally feel like I know enough to "grow a pair" and start being more of a patient advocate for my babies.

I have no problems talking to the docs but right now I don't feel like I have anything to stand on because of my lack of knowledge.

How long were you a nurse in the NICU before you were comfortable giving the docs a piece of your mind. AKA.....how long were you there before you felt you could stand up for yourself?

I want to be the best nurse I can but I know I won't be until I grow a pair and start being more vocal.

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These are my own words.

I'm just wondering when I will finally feel like I know enough to "grow a pair" and start being more of a patient advocate for my babies.

I have no problems talking to the docs but right now I don't feel like I have anything to stand on because of my lack of knowledge.

How long were you a nurse in the NICU before you were comfortable giving the docs a piece of your mind. AKA.....how long were you there before you felt you could stand up for yourself?

I want to be the best nurse I can but I know I won't be until I grow a pair and start being more vocal.

"Grow A Pair"? LOL!!! I've honestly not felt that type of confrontation got one anywhere. I've been more of a team approach sort of person...for the most part anyways. As far as my own comfort level...I suppose it came in about 2 years...but we were all about the same ages the nurses and doctors. I've been a NIC U nurse for 31 years now. Now I find the young'ns are afraid to approach me? Never wanted that to be happening but in the last 5 to 10 years many of the younger nurses and doctors prefer to consult with their own age group? Strange for me. But there it is. Just keep seeking out knowledge and you'll be fine.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

You don't always have to have the answer...be present on rounds, ask questions, and don't be afraid to make suggestions when if comes to your patients. Mentally reheorifice questions in a suggestion form, and leave it open-ended...such as "How would we feel about increasing baby G's caffeine dose?...I've noticed he's having more apneas..." It's still educational even when your suggestion is not implemented, if you can learn "why" it's not appropriate in the eyes of the attending or fellow, etc.

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Specializes in level 3 NICU.

for the sake of your infant patients, just do it!!!!

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I have found that having specifics - labs, concrete assessment findings, vitals, whatever it is that isn't looking good - right with me, so I can share my line of thinking with them, and then make my suggestion as to what needs to be done, gets me a lot further. This is not such a problem with the peds/NNPs in the nursery - they usually listen to me - but I also work with antepartum patients and it's the OBs I have to use this technique with.

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