Getting your CI's attention

[littlerayofsunshine, BSN, MSN]

So, I am in my first clinical rotation and my CI seems to be disinterested in talking to me. We were supposed to be able to review charts, ask questions, during the day when we are not busy with our patient. When it was my turn to look at my patient's chart, she seemed really bored and dismissed me as soon as another student came along. I still had questions, but I got the message and just left. I've seen her spend a long time with other students discussing their patient, looking at their chart, explaining everything in it. Even in post-conference, she asks other students lots of questions. When it's my turn, I give my spiel and she just says a couple of things and moves on.

I am being very conscientious - looking up information ahead of time and explaining what I have learned about my patient and her conditions. I do everything that the others do, but the CI just seems to give me a token amount of feedback.

I am super respectful and professional. I want to learn from her, but there is a definite lack of interest on her part. Just FYI - I am the oldest student in a group of young ones, but we are all 2nd bachelor's students. I do come prepared and work extremely hard the whole day. I have put 100% plus into this so far, but I feel kind of disappointed that I'm being blown off like this.

What am I doing wrong? Is this a personality clash?

[ashulee89]

I'll put my two cents in here :)

Honestly, this may be the complete opposite of what you feel right now. For example, I know at my job(non medical) my boss doesn't see a need to hound me to do my work or guide me because he sees my productivity. However, to the people that cannot keep up, he focuses on. It could very well be the same in your situation. You keep up, do everything and more, and maybe your instructor notices that. Maybe she has a higher confidence that she can leave you by yourself a little more. I haven't started clinicals just yet, so I can't completely see eye to eye with you.

If it were ME, I'd either formally tell her I would like to set up a time to speak, or catch her when she can't really walk away, which seems a little more difficult. Sometimes the only way to open peoples' eyes is to directly confront them face to face. Let her know that you'd like a little more insight from her to make sure that you are doing the best you can do. Get her opinions. You never know, it may change things.

Hope that helps!

[SnMrsSmiley]

great response ^^ i agree. Email her and ask to meet her in her office one afternoon on a non clinical day. List all your questions and any concerns you have with your clinical work and talk to her about it. She probably has enough confidence in you that she doesnt feel the need to take up too much time with you... BUT if you request a meeting and sit and ask all the things you need she will realize that perhaps you need a little validation and help clarifying things too.

please excuse my spelling. its been a long day and I have little energy to go back and check myself :)