How to polite interrupt (co-workers) to get an anwer

Published

Hi,

I love this forum! As a current nursing student I can see that my biggest problem is being aggressive with my questions. Obviously since I am new at this I have questions and obviously since there is a shortage of nurses every single nurse is always busy---everytime I ask them a question I feel like I am bothering them. I've used a couple tips of my own---but does anyone have any tips on asking for other's help without feeling like your buggin them? I know I need to get past this if I am going to be a good nurse b/c as a nurse bothering is neccessary (especially calling the Docs)....just wondered how anyone else dealt with this.

Thanks all, I appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

can you arrange for a time that would be convenient for the purpose of asking questions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

"I hate to bother you, but do you have time for a question?" This type of approach wouldn't bother me at all, and it offers the person being questioned the opportunity to answer at that time or to offer a time in return that would be more convenient.

YOUR job is to pay attention, and take notes if necessary. Asking the same question over and over gets old REALLY fast. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

This is a problem I worry about all the time. I don't think there is an easy answer. If the nurses are having a personal conversation you will most likely have to get their attention and ask your question. After all, business before pleasure. Yes, they will probably be pissed off. But how can you avoid it? When you have graduated and got good at your job you won't have to interrupt people so often and life will get better.

And in the mean time even if they are talking and it isn't a personal conversation you will either have to interupt or look for someone who isn't talking to help you. That is what I do.

Also watch other people and their behavior. See how they manage this problem. How and when do people interupt you etc?

In the end this will work out okay.

Good luck in your schooling

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.

Excuse me works pretty well.

I don't know where I am at people pretty much just talk and even if someone is in a conversation will tend to hear and be more than happy to help out. I'll also walk up to someone and say "hey, can I ask you a question?" The smarta$$es will tell me no and smile. I just ask. I haven't really had a problem. Most people in my experience are pretty happy to help out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health, Emergency, Surgical.

How about in the situation where you've been asked to do something and you can't complete it until you ask your question. I find that I feel like an idiot standing there waiting for an opportunity to speak.

A lot of it would be fixed by a better orientation or being shown how to do things the first time, but people are too busy a lot of the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion