what is a good way to ask for help on-the-job?

roser13, ASN, RN · Feb 12, 2015

How long have you been working?

Are you still on orientation?

RNperdiem, RN · Feb 12, 2015

Look up what you are about to do in the policy and procedure manual. Print it out and read it. Ask the charge nurse if he/she would kindly go with you when you are about to perform said procedure.

Are you out of orientation?

wanderlustnurse88, RN · Feb 12, 2015

Better to ask for assistance than to make a mistake.

Gooselady, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2015

This question makes a lot of sense to me. I've been 'asked' for help, such as "You need to help me in room 407!" And then I've actually been ASKED "Do you have time to come and check something I've done in room 407?"

I like this question because when your colleagues are already busy with their own work, asking them to give away even MORE of their attention is a big deal. Most nurses are glad to help, even if you aren't the most diplomatic 'asker' but in the medical environment, couching your requests for help with expressions of respect (for the other person's time and business) and gratitude (for focusing on your needs momentarily) is very important :)

So while I was writing this, 'respect' and 'gratitude' popped out as important qualities to express when you are asking for help. There's no need to flatter or kiss up to a nurse you need help from lol, it's just a simple way to support each other emotionally in a tough job.

"Could you come check the way I 'y'd in those IVs?" is fine. If the person you need help from is looking a bit wild eyed and overwhelmed, go to another nurse. Pay attention to their body language. If everyone looks like they survived a bomb blast, go to the charge who's job it is to help you no matter how blown up she is

"You look so busy, I'm sorry, but I really need an experienced nurse to look at this for me". That communicates your awareness you are asking MORE out of the nurse than she/he's already giving. Communicating this awareness says you are empathetic and really DO care how the nurse is doing.

It doesn't matter what you say so much as that you communicate respect and then gratitude after you get the help. "Thank you SO much. What you said makes tons of sense." or "I appreciate your time, I know you're busy, thanks a lot". No big production, just gasp it out as you run to answer your next call light.

I've worked with staffs that seemed to loathe each other and staffs that really looked out for each other. I don't need to tell which one I preferred. In my last job, I was charge RN a lot, and had many new grad RNs. I went out of my way to sort of set examples for them of 'how a good team works together'. Even if I wanted to bite the head off the next person who asked me ONE MORE THING I refused to allow my facial expression or tone of voice blast out onto this new nurse who's fault it wasn't because she was confused about the MAR. I asked them for help or assigned patients to them with the same respect and gratitude I gave to the old farts like me.

You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Not that flies are all that great but you get my drift.