I'm starting nursing school in September. I've been reading these forums to give myself a better idea of what to expect. One thing I see a lot is "don't be afraid to ask questions" and "it would be irresponsible if you didn't ask when you're unsure of something" etc. I'm just a bit confused by this, because I also read about how incredibly busy nurses are during their shifts. Is there really time to stop what you're doing, and find a nurse to ask them a bunch of questions? I just picture myself trying to juggle 6+ patients and needing to stop every 5 minutes to ask a question. It just seems scary, like what if I'm in a time sensitive situation and I don't have the time to ask someone?
Also, I'm currently working in a very busy optometry office with about 7 other girls and we pre-test patients. It can get quite catty between us, and when someone keeps asking questions, people get sooooo annoyed and gossip about the person, calling them stupid etc. I'm really bad at being assertive, and I know I'll be so scared to ask a more experienced nurse for help, in fear of them getting annoyed. Is nursing the same as the office I'm currently working in? Is there a certain time period in which it's no longer acceptable to ask a million questions? Like once you've been there for 6 months you shouldn't be bothering more senior nurses anymore?
Thirdly, since nurses are so incredibly busy, how can I find a nurse that is free to help me with all my questions? What if everyone is tied up with their own patients? And how to I approach them? Do I wait until they're at the nursing station, or just walking down the hall (what if they're in the middle of doing something?)
I know these questions seem ridiculous and I'm hoping things will make more sense when I start. I just really don't want to be a nuisance to my coworkers, but I also know I need to keep my patient safe. I just want to know the proper way of going about asking for help.
Every clinical instructor and preceptor you will ever have would much rather have you ask a question than have you assume you know how to do something and potentially harm a patient.
My first piece of advice: Take a deep breath in and release.
I'm from Canada, so the nursing schools might be different here depending where you're from. Typically students aren't thrown to the wolves. In my experience, you start with one patient and work your way up to a full assignment as you progress (I'm familiar with a 4 year RN program). That way you can learn your basics like assessments, giving meds, etc and then time management when you start to have more than one patient.
Ask your questions. If you're looking for supplies, ask your peers or have a look at the supplies in your down time. If you don't understand why you're giving a medication, research it and then confirm with your instructor/buddy nurse before giving it. If you think there's something wrong with your patient and you can't put your finger on it, tell your instructor, buddy nurse even if they're busy. It's all about prioritizing. I personally love to answer questions, but if my patient can't breathe or is puking blood, I will not answer your question on where you can find a box of tissues on the unit. But if I'm charting, I'll tell you where the tissues are.
Units are all different. Some are supportive, others aren't. And there's not a specific time where you stop asking questions. I still ask questions and a nurse that's been working for decades on our unit does as well. Sometimes you encounter something you've never seen like an interesting cardiac rhythm, etc.
Again, you're not going to be given six patients on your first day. You should be given time to research the diagnosis, medications, lab work, history your patient has and understand why they're in the hospital and what the plan of their care is. It seems quite overwhelming, but with each class and clinical that passes, you learn and you grow. Good luck in September, you got this :).
You don't ask 'a bunch' of questions at a time. Ask a quick one now and then. Look things up sometimes. Do CE's. But there are no stupid questions - at least, that's what I tell others, and what I tell myself when I ask them. None of us know everything... I think the ones to watch out for are the ones who think they do know everything.
I have people shadow me at work occasionally and I love when they ask questions. HOWEVER, be aware of the timing. When I'm feeling around for a vein to place an IV, don't ask me "Why are you going there? Why don't you use that vein?" I'm trying to focus! Or if I am taking a medical history and a person mention a disease you have never heard of, please don't ask "what is that?" in front of the patient. The condition might be uncomfortable to discuss with or in front of the patient.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
"I know these questions seem ridiculous". You are questioning your questions.
You will know who you can count on. I was charge nurse for 20 years. Got questions from nurses, doctors , family and administration... all day long. I answered everyone to the best of my ability.
Deep breaths. No question is stupid.. ask away. Someday, you will be the one to answer them.
P.S. Please don't refer to yourself or coworkers as "girls"... you are all grown up.
There IS such a thing as a stupid question. Asking the same question over and over without retaining the answer is stupid and annoys nurses, even charge nurses and preceptors. If you have to ask more than twice, write it down.
Stupid would be asking the physician where to find a rectal thermometer (the nurse, CNA or supply associate would be the correct person to ask), the manager how to chart this blood pressure in Epic (because she may audit the charts but really doesn't chart blood pressures -- ask the nurse or the CNA) or the Social Worker how the phone works.
And for the love of all that is holy, please ask intelligent questions. "I'm supposed to give blood -- what do I do?" Is NOT an intelligent question. Ask instead "Mr. Globin has an order to type and cross and transfuse two units. He has a consent on his chart, the Blood Bank says the blood is ready and I've pulled up the protocol for transfusion and I believe I have everything I need, but I've never given blood before. Could you go over this with me to make sure I'm doing everything correctly?"
Tenebrae, BSN, RN
2,021 Posts
This a thousand times yes.
I had a student the other day who was standing infront of the patient information board asking me which room Mrs Such and such was in.
I'm like 'turn around, open your eyes and look'
If its something about medications/patient care, I may ask you to hold on if I'm in the middle of something however will try to answer your questions