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?
Actually, Marie is always pleasant. And following procedure covers her butt - not something to sneeze at.
Reason why we have that policy (which is about 3 years old) is that in all depts. there were too many he said/she said/they said incidents, and a lot of students had complained about being approached by themselves.
I really don't think it's a bad idea, considering there are certain depts. where a student is observing by themselves. Most already feel a little out of place, being in a new area or such, and then to be approached alone doesn't help that feeling.
Back on topic...To the OP I really don't think what you did warranted such an overreaction by the charge nurse, Don't ever let any one make you feel like you can't ask questions, you are there to learn and you are not gona learn if they are not willing to teach. Never be afraid to clarify something you don't understand in report and please ignore those kind of nurses who are too jaded in their careers to try to pass on their knowledge to future nurses..
Sounds to me like the charge nurse butted in to the conversation and maybe should have had the manners to keep her mouth shut instead. People like that always make me want to tell them that they need to take a "chill" pill! Unfortunately, you most likely are going to run into more than just one rude nurse during nursing school so just remember what you don't want to be like when you get out!!
While I agree that the charge nurse shouldn't have butted into the conversation, I also agree that it is not appropriate for a student to butt into report to ask questions. The off-going shift needs to leave without being detained by a student's questions, especially when they can be adequately addressed by the staff nurse or instructor AFTER report.
So, the charge nurse was out of line. Why, I don't know. Maybe she's had it with slacker students. (Not saying that you are one, just that perhaps she has dealt with some.) Maybe she had just worked 12 hours without a meal break. Maybe she had PMS. The reason really doesn't matter. You were even more out of line to make a smart orificed comment. You should consider yourself fortunate to have an opportunity to make it up to the charge nurse. In the program I attended, you would not likely get a second chance.
In the program I attended, you would not likely get a second chance.
That would be a good program to avoid, then. If it's so unforgiving for someone who made a remark that may or may not have been smart alecky, they sure will be hurting to graduate enough students to keep their program validated by the governing bodies. In times of nursing shortages, we should be fostering those who care enough to ask questions, not squelching them. One little moment of thoughtlessness doesn't justify acting like such a hag toward a student.
It's obvious you did nothing wrong. However, some people have a different sense of humor. I would have taken it as a joke, and kept going. Personally, I would have waited until after report was over b/c if the procedure was something complicated, they would have to go into details and it would have taken longer to give report. However, I don't understand the charge nurse's attitude. She was a student first, and she should understand that you are curious. But, take this as a lesson, learn from it, and keep going. Don't dwell on this. Good luck.
Sadly your learning early that some nurses do eat thier young. It is a lesson for you how not to be as a nurse or a human being for that matter. Most of us have been there and done that. I certainly have. I always love going up to new people and introducing myself and saying "the bathroom is such & such, you can find the coke machine here and etc. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask". I do this at my jobs, church, kids school, anywhere necessary. The world would be alot nicer place if we would work together *vs* being so snippity all the time.
Ofcourse you were going to look the procedure up, but when your orienting with a nurse especially at beginning of shift, there is nooooooo time for looking things up, your supposed to be learning all you can from what the nurse is currently doing. Example being cholesycectomy(sp?????), gallbladder surgery. Then you CAN look it up when you & your nurses get a break later in the morning.....
Best of luck to ya, and most nurses are more than glad to help.
I would ask someone to witness, preferbly your instructor.
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?
Not to beat a dead horse here, but I do have 2 cents to add.
Yes, as a nurse, this will not be the last time someone in charge is rude, condescending, and inappropriate in handling something that shouldn't really be a big issue. So, those who have said to develop thick skin are giving you wise advice.
You have a unique perspective to bring to the field of nursing having had a job presumably outside of healthcare prior to your nursing career. I did as well. And, I have never seen such a "rights of passage" environment as I did in nursing school and concerning my nursing clinicals. Having been a nurse for several years now, I can tell you that some work environments you enter will be more friendly than others. Remember this incident when you graduate and look for a new job. If there are multiple opportunities, look at the manager who is hiring you. Is he/she open to questions and ideas, or is he/she similar to the charge nurse in the facility you are doing clinicals? The management/charge people can drastically shape the atmosphere of the area you work.
I appreciate and agree with the comments of Hairstylingnurse. Also, generally speaking, reflect on yourself. You, on your own admission, may be sarcastic at times. Continue to police yourself on it. It is difficult to be in clinical environments where no one knows that you are more than the comments you make. If you are concerned about the incident in the OP, talk to the clinical instructor and make sure that she understands you were not being negative in any way. She is the one who ultimately will determine your future in the nursing program. As for the charge nurse, I wouldn't address it further with her, as with a meeting with your instructor and all of that, unless you return there and there are more misunderstandings.
Good luck.
lifejourney
Sadly your learning early that some nurses do eat thier young. It is a lesson for you how not to be as a nurse or a human being for that matter. Most of us have been there and done that. I certainly have. I always love going up to new people and introducing myself and saying "the bathroom is such & such, you can find the coke machine here and etc. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask". I do this at my jobs, church, kids school, anywhere necessary. The world would be alot nicer place if we would work together *vs* being so snippity all the time.
Ofcourse you were going to look the procedure up, but when your orienting with a nurse especially at beginning of shift, there is nooooooo time for looking things up, your supposed to be learning all you can from what the nurse is currently doing. Example being cholesycectomy(sp?????), gallbladder surgery. Then you CAN look it up when you & your nurses get a break later in the morning.....
Best of luck to ya, and most nurses are more than glad to help.
I would ask someone to witness, preferbly your instructor.
I haven't read all the posts, but my immediate reaction was that that charge nurse sure wouldn't like me. I frequently ask questions about things I don't understand and can't figure out from the context. I also precept new employees and student nurses on a routine basis. As a matter of fact while I'm typing this, my latest student is reviewing the MAR so she will have an idea of what meds we use here. I will tell students to look things up, but I would have also given a brief explanation of what is involved so that the student (and by extension the preceptor) wouldn't look like they had no idea of what they were talking about. Actions like this are why nurses are regarded as "eating their young." Good luck in your nursing career and remember this nurse when you're the charge nurse and a student asks a "stupid" question. BTW there is no such thing as a stupid question except one that is not asked.
Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN
12,126 Posts
Reason why we have that policy (which is about 3 years old) is that in all depts. there were too many he said/she said/they said incidents, and a lot of students had complained about being approached by themselves.
I really don't think it's a bad idea, considering there are certain depts. where a student is observing by themselves. Most already feel a little out of place, being in a new area or such, and then to be approached alone doesn't help that feeling.