No such thing as a dumb question

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

As Nursing Students, we ask a lot of questions. And, it is important to do so as it shows we are interested, inquisitive, and eager to learn. Some students may think that asking too many questions will annoy the instructor, but not asking can be the difference between life and death. Nursing instructors have also been in the shoes of his/her students and understand the need for questions. So, ask that question and remember, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

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Specializes in hospice.

I'm sorry, I hate that assertion. When you have to sit in class behind the guy who DOES ask all the stupid questions, you'll feel differently.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Red, stupid to you but maybe not to others. When someone is too scared to ask that " stupid question" and a pt is hurt; you will feel different. Be humble, there will come a time you too will have to ask that " stupid question" in the eyes of others or your preceptor.

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Specializes in hospice.

When the question being asked was already answered, during the class period and the person asking is in the front row but not listening, that's stupid.

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I think this cartoon also applies to all the new grads during orientation. Take advantage of the knowledge your preceptors have and ask a lot of questions.

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When the question being asked was already answered, during the class period and the person asking is in the front row but not listening, that's stupid.

My gosh, that is such a huge pet peeve of mine. I personally do most of my learning in class so asking a redundant question that's been discussed and answered thoroughly can get really annoying and for the lack of better terms, disturbs my train of thought/learning. It's even more annoying if they're obviously on their phone texting and facebooking the entire time too. Don't ask questions if you haven't been paying attention. Save it for the end of lecture. Other than that, ask away.

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it is important to do so as it shows we are interested, inquisitive, and eager to learn

I might be nitpicking here, but these are terrible reasons to waste class time on questions. You should ask questions when you don't understand something, not to show off.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I believe this is true but questions have to be educated as well. Never start a question by saying "I have a silly/stupid/dumb question..." I had a wonderful instructor once and she was so smart and assertive, a student started "I have a a stupid question..." And she said then don't ask it. We don't know all the answers but we can learn how to think and how to ask.

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There are sooooo many stupid questions. But it's better to ask them than make stupid mistakes, in my opinion.

However, know that I have a good arm and will bean you in the head if you ask too many in a row. Ain't got time for that.

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Red, stupid to you but maybe not to others. When someone is too scared to ask that " stupid question" and a pt is hurt; you will feel different. Be humble, there will come a time you too will have to ask that " stupid question" in the eyes of others or your preceptor.

I will get over feeling stupid for asking a dumb question but i won't get over if I harmed a patient for not asking it.

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I might be nitpicking here, but these are terrible reasons to waste class time on questions. You should ask questions when you don't understand something, not to show off.

who is showing off?

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I never ask questions when I'm in lecture...most probably because I'm too shy being the center of attention. But when I'm in clinical, and especially when I'm shadowing only one nurse, I ask as many questions as I can. When I was a freshmen student....I was very shy....but now that I'm a Junior, I've learned better, and I ask as many questions that come to mind. For the most part, when I do ask alot of questions, my shadowing nurse seems to take a liking to me! So it's a win-win situation! Ask plenty of questions :D

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