feeling so stupid....

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I am doing my 'senior focus' in PICU and my preceptor is always asking me questions about labs, ABGs, meds, what to do in emergency situations, what to look for in the pt etc etc. Often times I do not have a clue...and if I do say something I feel like I sound so stupid! ugh...its really wearing me down. Yesterday I got so nervous when priming tubing before the pt was going to be admitted that I forgot to fill the chamber...dumb move. I hate feeling this way, but I seriously love to learn and I like the PICU because of the 1:1 or 1:2 care. I feel that I am saying "I don't know" a little too much lol. I want to make sure that my preceptor knows that I am interested in learning and willing to learn as much as I can. What are some ways that I can prove this?

thanks

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

1. You can start a conversation by saying something like ... "I was reading up on XYZ last night and have a few questions ..." That will show that you are spending time outside of clinical trying to learn. Also, it will help you to have some control over the topic of conversation. Rather than being hit with questions on topics you are unfamiliar with, you will start a converstation about something you have recently reviewed.

You will appear both interested and informed.

2. Don't be afraid to say things like, "Boy, I feel stupid for not knowing that. It throws me when you ask me a question and I fumble around for an answer" -- and say it with a smile -- not as an accusation. Sometimes, it helps break the tension to admit things like that. Once the tension is broken and the air is clear, the 2 of you can move forward.

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I'd also spend time, outside of the PICU, studying the topics that you feel she asks about and work on being more prepared for her questions.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

turn the tables - ask her what policy states how we should ------. She will either answer you, tell you to look it up or say I don't know. But the message is twofold :1 - you are attempting to learn the right way,not just her way and 2 - flex a little,

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Depending on your preceptor, I wouldn't try to 'turn the tables.' I would ask her for a moment, and tell her clearly, directly, and completely what your concerns are just as you've told us. I would express my appreciation for her obvious desire to prepare you through constant quizzing. Finally, I would ask her for advice about what else I could be doing outside of work to polish my skills and knowledge. I think your preceptor will respond to this in a positive way, and although the quizzing will continue, you may be more comfortable with it.

I personally love to be quizzed over things I don't know IF AND ONLY IF the person quizzing me accepts 'I don't know' as an answer and proceeds to explain the concept in a compassionate way. It's all about attitude, and you seem to have the right one, so I'd say you'll be fine.

Regards,

Mukfay

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1. You can start a conversation by saying something like ... "I was reading up on XYZ last night and have a few questions ..." That will show that you are spending time outside of clinical trying to learn. Also, it will help you to have some control over the topic of conversation. Rather than being hit with questions on topics you are unfamiliar with, you will start a converstation about something you have recently reviewed.

You will appear both interested and informed.

2. Don't be afraid to say things like, "Boy, I feel stupid for not knowing that. It throws me when you ask me a question and I fumble around for an answer" -- and say it with a smile -- not as an accusation. Sometimes, it helps break the tension to admit things like that. Once the tension is broken and the air is clear, the 2 of you can move forward.

Right on. There's nothing wrong with saying you don't know the answer but indicating later on that you took the initiative to find it.

I just finished my first 90 days in the emergency department. I can't tell you the number of times I felt like an idiot. But I did just as llg suggested. I kept notes during the day for topics that I could review on days off, then launched the conversation with my preceptor when I came back to work. If she didn't know the answer to my question about a particular topic, we'd research it together during our shift. I was very happy to be told during my review that she enjoyed working with me -- despite her 30 years' experience to my one! -- because she believed I was excited about learning. That meant a lot.

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Specializes in ER.

I oriented in the PICU after 5 years working pediatrics, and washed out. Those nurses know 2 nursing schools worth of knowledge more than me, and trying to keep up would be like biking with Lance Armstrong.

Make a try at an answer based on what you know now, and explain your rationale. She will correct you, and then try to relate the new information to what you already know. You'll end up with more questions, which is kind of the point. It will probably make her day when she sees you making connections. There are no stupid questions.

My point is that you are not supposed to know the answers...but she wants you to think about relating what you see to the knowledge base you have, and then find the holes where you need to do more reading or ask questions. That is the sign of a great nurse, and a safe nurse. The dummies think they should know, or try to make up something that sounds smart...sounds like you are better than that.

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I've been a nurse for 20 years and still freeze up when I am asked a question point blank. It's like I've never been a nurse most of the time.

I just graduated from NP school and before passing the program we had to endure an hour long verbal exam with three of the instructors sitting there firing questions at me.

I failed it the first time, my nerves just couldn't do it! I did pass the second time but I was terrified the whole hour!

Some of the stuff she asks you probably actually know, and just get all nervous when having to answer outloud.

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