Most constructive and non-constructive criticisms

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Apr 25, 2004

What would you say have been the most constructive and non-constructive criticisms given to you as a nurse?

This question was asked of me at an interview for a nursing position a few weeks ago. I must say that I couldn't come up with any decent examples or a decent answer for that matter. :imbar I was just wondering if anyone else has had this one thrown at them.

Just out of curiosity what is your answer?

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 25, 2004

I have NOT received criticism of my work since my first year out of school 7 years ago. But I am self-critical, assessing my own skills, performance, and achievment (or lack of it) all the time. So there are some things I can critique of myself.

I am too hard on myself need to not get upset over things that don't go as planned.

I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to my own work,performance and expectations in outcome.

I need to work a bit more aggressively on my continuing education. (this is a self-criticism). Critical to a successful nursing career is continuing education, whether that be formal classroom training, attending conferences and seminars, or doing CEU work. I need to do more. I am in a scenic-view route to my BSN, but I am going WAY too slowly on this!

Right now those are what that come to mind. I am constantly self-critical, thinking how I could have done things better, or improve, but that is me. I sometimes take it too far, however, and really down myself too much. I need to LIGHTEN UP A BIT!!!!

Hope this helps.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 25, 2004

I have NOT received criticism of my work since my first year out of school 7 years ago. But I am self-critical, assessing my own skills, performance, and achievment (or lack of it) all the time. So there are some things I can critique of myself.

I am too hard on myself need to not get upset over things that don't go as planned.

I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to my own work,performance and expectations in outcome.

I need to work a bit more aggressively on my continuing education. (this is a self-criticism). Critical to a successful nursing career is continuing education, whether that be formal classroom training, attending conferences and seminars, or doing CEU work. I need to do more. I am in a scenic-view route to my BSN, but I am going WAY too slowly on this!

Right now those are what that come to mind. I am constantly self-critical, thinking how I could have done things better, or improve, but that is me. I sometimes take it too far, however, and really down myself too much. I need to LIGHTEN UP A BIT!!!!

Hope this helps.

LydiaNN · Apr 25, 2004

If the criticism is directed at correcting a mistake and making me a better nurse, and is worded in such a way as to have that effect, then I think it is constructive. Even some unkindly worded criticisms can end up being constructive. Unconstructive criticism is non-specific, not addressing something that can be remedied, addressing something that already has been corrected and is just being re-hashed, or based not on commonly accepted professional standards but the personal value system of the person delivering the criticism.

LydiaNN · Apr 25, 2004

If the criticism is directed at correcting a mistake and making me a better nurse, and is worded in such a way as to have that effect, then I think it is constructive. Even some unkindly worded criticisms can end up being constructive. Unconstructive criticism is non-specific, not addressing something that can be remedied, addressing something that already has been corrected and is just being re-hashed, or based not on commonly accepted professional standards but the personal value system of the person delivering the criticism.