I am currently participating in an evening clinical, on a med/surg floor. This is my second quarter; my previous clinical was in a LTC. I am really excited (and nervous) to be in school, as this is a career change for me. I always have made sure to thank all of the nurses and/or techs that I work with, and understand how important it is to maintain a good relationship with the facility the students are assigned to. Anyway......the other night I was standing next to the nurse I was assigned to, listening as she received report from the day nurse. When they got to my patient, there was a comment made about a procedure. Our instructor has encouraged us to ask questions about things we aren't familiar with, so I asked "what is a ...". (I had already introduced myself to the nurse, identified which patient I had been assigned to, and she seemed open to sharing information). There was another nurse, with her back to us that turned quickly towards the group, and said "don't answer that, make her look it up". I chuckled, and said "of course I have to look it up". That was the entire exchange, but it turns out that nurse was the charge nurse, and she complained to my instructor about my response. So, even though I meant NO disrespect what so ever, she was certainly ticked off. I couldn't have been more shocked when my instructor held me over after class, and told me this. At this point I explained the situation to the instructor, and guaranteed that I would apologize to the charge nurse. My intention was to simply ask to speak to her in private, and offer a sincere apology. Not because I am trying to get out of trouble with my CI, but a real apology, as I never meant any disrespect, and appreciate the opportunity that working on her floor presents to me. My question is......would it be better to do this one on one, or would it be better to have a witness? If I ticked her off enough to have her report me to my CI, do you think it wise for me to talk to her alone? Odds are that I will be back at that hospital in the future, and I want to offer the apology, and lay low for the rest of the quarter. What do you suggest?
In my opinion the only thing you may have done wrong is interrupting report. You are a student and can and should ask questions! That's why you are there - to learn! I think you should have told the RN that you are going to read up on the procedure, but was wondering if she could tell you just a little about it. There are nurses who love to teach and some who don't. That's ok, teaching is not for everyone. I would not apologize to her, let it go and hope that next time goes better! Good Luck!
There is no reason for her to be so rude to you...she sounds anal-retentive to me. However, sounds like she could make life hard for you so apologize but have a witness!
It is very unrealistic to expect students to "look up" everything---ask your questions!
I am sorry to say, that charge nurse had an ego problem. There will always be those who try to make themselves look better by making others look bad. Unfortuanatley, this happens WAY TOO MUCH in nursing. I am so sorry that it is allowed. I myself do not think you did anything at all wrong. I have NEVER treated anyone (student or orientee) rudely in over 20 years of nursing. It sickens me the way I see people treated in this profession. It would be totally unacceptable in any other line of work, so I don't know why it is allowed to go unchecked in nursing. All I have to say is get ready for more, because after nursing school you have to go through orientation and more learning. I suggest you remember what this feels like, so when you become the one with the power, you use it well and with kindness.
We're told to take any issues to the instructor and the student at the same time (after paging the instructor to come up).
So you are saying that no matter how small an issue you would still go directly to the student's instructor rather than talking it over with the student first?
I don't think you did anything wrong. The charge nurse must have absolutely no sense of humor. I would ask your CI what to do if anything and follow her advice. Good Luck.
So you are saying that no matter how small an issue you would still go directly to the student's instructor rather than talking it over with the student first?
No, what i said is we were told to take any issues to the instructor and the student at the same time (after paging the instructor to come up).
yes, indeed...hhhmmm what a pleasure you must be to work with!
The fact that we're to talk to the instructor and the student at the same time about any issue is a part of our policy hospital-wide. It has nothing to do with whether i'm "a pleasure" to work with or not.
The fact that we're to talk to the instructor and the student at the same time about any issue is a part of our policy hospital-wide. It has nothing to do with whether i'm "a pleasure" to work with or not.
sure, I understand that, but overall, from reading your posts, it just seems to me that your general attitude towards students is a negative one, and I don't understand why...
sure, I understand that, but overall, from reading your posts, it just seems to me that your general attitude towards students is a negative one, and I don't understand why...
This thread's not about me, therefore i won't address this.
RN and Mommy
401 Posts
In my opinion the only thing you may have done wrong is interrupting report. You are a student and can and should ask questions! That's why you are there - to learn! I think you should have told the RN that you are going to read up on the procedure, but was wondering if she could tell you just a little about it. There are nurses who love to teach and some who don't. That's ok, teaching is not for everyone. I would not apologize to her, let it go and hope that next time goes better! Good Luck!