Help on dealing with interns

Just_An_Illusion · Nov 5, 2009

When you are new, there is a huge learning curve and they sound like they have the 'new nurse jitters' which is completely understandable and expected. If they have been on the floor as long as you have I could understand why you might be frustrated but if they have only been there a month or two, I don't think you are being very understanding. As nurses we should be there to always support one another instead of 'dealing' with each other. You say you are a new nurse. Please remember that you were once in their shoes and you shouldn't be so quick to judge.

blastopore · Nov 5, 2009

Clarification. I was talking about the first year medical interns. I dont' really have problems with the new grads, since I was one not quite long ago.

netglow, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

OP, I understand what you are asking.

I'd just lay it out for them... say, "next time I call you, you gotta get back to me, right?!" before you hand over the fix to their problem once again. Be sure they know it's a two way street, that it's about building a working relationship.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

Enough to keep them from harming the patient.

Just_An_Illusion · Nov 5, 2009

Clarification. I was talking about the first year medical interns. I dont' really have problems with the new grads, since I was one not quite long ago.

Oops, totally misunderstood you. Thanks for clarifying. I completely understand your pain. Be firm with them and let them know what is expected of them. They have a responsibility they must uphold and must realize this is a team effort. If they don't comply, go above their heads. A job needs to get done and the patient can't wait until they get it together.

PedsDrNurseTheo, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, EMT-P, NP · Nov 5, 2009

What I try to remember is that those of us who are nurses working at teaching hospitals have a rare opportunity - we get to model the relationship these new doctors will have with their nursing colleagues for the rest of their careers.

It adds a different dimension to the issue - but we are teachers too. If we can help them learn to form a collegial relationship, rather than an adversarial one, doesn't it benefit nursing as a profession - and patients - in the long run?

just my :twocents:

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

I know that they are new, but how much do you have to help them out? I have some new nurses like me who really like this group of interns. They chit chat with them like friends and help them out with the drug dosages and everything else they need. How much do we have to baby them?
I have problems with them not answering their phone, forgetting to call me back, not knowing the answer to a problem (even though I repeat the problem and try to give suggestions). I don't like to tell the interns the dosage for a medication (I let them figure it out unless its STAT).

Baby them??? Are you having to change their diapers?

Sorry, but helping new MDs adjust to being MDs is part of our job in teaching hospitals.

How do you like floating to different units every few days, with absolutely no orientation to anything, not knowing where anything is, nor knowing anyone's name or position? Imagine doing that for 3 years straight with no vacations, working 80 hours oper week, not including extra requirements, doing some 36 hr stretches per week....for less pay than many nurses receive.

Also remember that the way you treat an intern frequently determines how that intern treats nurses in the future, when s/he has more power and pull?

Also, remember that you were recently new and had to orient to one floor, one group, one hospital system, one group of specialty orders, and one supply system. Was that difficult at times? Well, they have to orient to several facilities, every floor, every supply, etc. perhaps you should try to float to several different units in one night, to experience what the intern has to deal with.

Now, if you were an intern, think about how you would want to be treated?

How I treat MDs is based on having been a traveler. If I have time, I help them. If they order something that does not fall withing safe parameters or goes against the norms of the floor, I let them know and explain my reasoning for why that is not done. If they order something downright dangerous, I notify the charge and often the supervising resident. If they ask me something that falls outside my knowledge base, I refer them to their resident.

In other words, I understand their situation and I treat them how I would want to be treated. And I am thankful that they show the intelligence to ask what nursing thinks and what the norm is.

ellakate · Nov 5, 2009

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to interact with a younger physician. Thank you to all the nurses who taught him well!! He was professional and courteous and took time to explain his treatment philosophy for this patient. Then he took my suggestion and ordered lab. For me, it doesn't get better than that. :specs:

Nccity2002, MSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

I was wondering if anyone can give me some tips on dealing with new interns. I work on a surgical/ortho acute care floor and we get new interns every month. I've been working on that floor for about 8 months and I'm just frustrated with the interns.
I know that they are new, but how much do you have to help them out? I have some new nurses like me who really like this group of interns. They chit chat with them like friends and help them out with the drug dosages and everything else they need. How much do we have to baby them?
I have problems with them not answering their phone, forgetting to call me back, not knowing the answer to a problem (even though I repeat the problem and try to give suggestions). I don't like to tell the interns the dosage for a medication (I let them figure it out unless its STAT).
Please let me know how much I have to help the interns. Up to what point do you stop and let the interns figure out the problem?
Frustrated.....

Remember that collaboration is key in keeping patients safe. Most of my working career had been in a teaching facility, and yes...occasionally you get "that intern" who is not entirely with the program. I am a little surprise of how little patience you demostrate toward those interns, special due to the fact that you are a new grad yourself. Here are a few tips to deal with residents:

1) If they do not return your phone call (after several attempts) ...document it and go up the chain of command.

2) If you get the feeling that an order is unappropriate...Go up the chain of command.

3) If they "forget" to call you back...Incident report, and move up the chain of command.

4) Do not concern yourself with whom they chit-chat.