How to take constructive critisism...

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Hello all,

On our unit they are trying this thing with not official write up's but just little reminders about things. Such as you didn't fill out a vaccination form upon admisson in room 1220 for example. We also have Press Ganey at our hospital. That is always a joy when a pt. is all mad that they have to be there and take everything you say out of context. So what do they do?? Write you up in the survey which we get copies of or something. Then guess what is in my box? I have a hard time taking this seriously sometimes when it is nothing I could have changed or did something different to improve myself or my job as a nurse.

On the other hand, it is in my file and they keep track of them till you get 5 of them in a catagory then a verbal warning. Whatever that is?? I have a manager that thinks it is their duty to take you over to the side and "get your side". One it is a pain in the behind, when you are working all night and just want to go home.

One time a person got one of these because 2 pt's thought she wasn't nice enough and then at the same time got employee of the month!!! How twisted is that????

Well ladies and gentleman do you have any advice for a person who wants to say stuff this where God split you and go on, but on the other hand wonder what is going on that they have to do this in the first place???? All replies are welcome.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

ANSWER to the ??

How to take constructive criticism...

With a CLOSED MOUTH, OPEN MIND and a SMILE. (Not really kidding here :eek:)

BUT, it sounds like you just have one of those workplaces that so many of us have had the "pleasure" to be in. Press-Gainey is a nightmare.

I think the "reminder" is a good idea, IF not nit-picked to death. But I see the potential for abuses...

As to the "get your side", most of the time "your side" really does NOT matter. The facility is going to do what they have to to keep the "customer" happy. HINT: You are not the customer. ;) I even heard a manager tell a "customer" that "we will deal harshly with that nurse!" It wasn't me, but I wish it had been and I had overheard that - I would guarantee that there would have been lots of "harsh dealings". The main one would have been the "holes" in the schedule. :)

So, I don't have too much good advice EXCEPT:

I use a 30/30/30 rule.

IS this something that will

* effect me beyond the next 30 minutes? IF NOT. Let it go.

* will it effect ANYTHING (advancement, promotion, raise?) past the next 30 days? IF SO - I do ensure a response.

* In the next 30 seconds do I need to do this for a patient or they will die/detoriate rapidly? Then I WILL drop everything and GO at once.

PERSPECTIVE is a tough thing.

I PRAY to never have to return to hospital nursing. Yep, it took a while - but I just cannot deal with the BS factor. It is an honor to truly care for the truly sick - but, the system is sick with how little it cares about the nurses!

Good Luck!

Practice SAFE!

;)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I really like the 30/30/30 rule. That's a good one.

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Specializes in Emergency.

[quote name=NREMT-

I use a 30/30/30 rule.

IS this something that will

* effect me beyond the next 30 minutes? IF NOT. Let it go.

* will it effect ANYTHING (advancement, promotion, raise?) past the next 30 days? IF SO - I do ensure a response.

* In the next 30 seconds do I need to do this for a patient or they will die/detoriate rapidly? Then I WILL drop everything and GO at once.

[/quote]

What a great rule! It really puts things in perspective. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neuro.

Well put NREMT,

Confused, I too have a hard time with constructive critism, and I tend to let it really get me down.

I think that NREMT gave some very good advice, not just for you, but for myself also!!

Good luck~

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Specializes in ICU, now in Palliative Care Home Health.

That's a great rule! I just emailed it to myself(my way of remembering things online).

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Happy 4th of July!

At least what is left of it. I like the 30/30/30 rule I sort of use that now. If there is not anything I can do about it now or improve on something than I let it go. I appreciate everyone that has answered. I have been working this week and couldn't get back as fast as I wanted. We have a huge fireworks display in our area. I couldn't count how many trauma's came in last night. Again I will try to not get myself down on these reminders or what not. Go on and smile! Life is too short to let something like this get the best of us as nurses. We work too hard to have someone impose their feelings about themselves hurt us. Have a safe and wonderful holiday. :)

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