Being tactful as a nurse in the workplace.

[brotherbear]

I think one of the most common issues with new nurses graduating from nursing school or being new to a facility is the issue of being tactful. When and where to do or say certain things is crucial especially in the nursing field.

I know for instance a friend of mine, a fairly good nurse who was new to a rehab center mentioned that he got complaints from his manager that he "asked too many questions". I'll just list some tips I gave him that might be useful to orders. You can feel free to add yours.

- When discussing your personal methods you should do so when you are not in mixed company.

- Also when asking questions, try doing this discretely so you dont seem uninformed.

- If you are running late with tasks clear the carts/work stations for the oncoming shift so you they dont end up complaining.

[TakeOne]

I think one of the most common issues with new nurses graduating from nursing school or being new to a facility is the issue of being tactful. When and where to do or say certain things is crucial especially in the nursing field.

I know for instance a friend of mine, a fairly good nurse who was new to a rehab center mentioned that he got complaints from his manager that he "asked too many questions". I'll just list some tips I gave him that might be useful to orders. You can feel free to add yours.

- When discussing your personal methods you should do so when you are not in mixed company.

Personal methods? Mixed company? What methods are we discussing, exactly?

- Also when asking questions, try doing this discretely so you dont seem uninformed.

No, it's so the person your asking (or questioning) doesn't feel put on the spot or have reason to believe his or her knowledge/judgment is being scrutinized by a newcomer--it happens. I see it all the time.

- If you are running late with tasks clear the carts/work stations for the oncoming shift so you they dont end up complaining.

Always appropriate.

[noahsmama]

All I can say is, thank GOD I was a new nurse in a facility that encouraged new nurses to ask lots of questions, and where the "old" nurses, by and large, were happy to answer! I was uninformed about many things, that's part of being a new nurse. IMHO, it's when new nurses try to pretend they know things they don't and are afraid to ask that you have an enviroment in which it is downright dangerous to practice as a new nurse.

Just my $0.02.