Providing Education and Training on Topics and Skills Outside of Your Comfort Zone

[SilverBells]

As nurses, we are often asked to not only care for patients, but also provide education and training to both patients and other staff.  However, sometimes the education that is needed involves a topic or skill we aren’t the most familiar with, but still must be completed.  Lately, this has been occurring to me on a near daily basis.   I’m asked to provide training on a subject I’m really not familiar with and can think of others who would be better educators, but, for whatever reason, I’m chosen to do so.  What are tips and tricks to providing education on topics that aren’t your area of expertise?  

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Have you ever heard the expression watch one, do one, teach one? The idea is that if you've watched someone do the skill you're ready to do it. And if you've done it, you're ready to teach it. 

Think of it that way. Just make sure you can run through the skills before you teach them. Youtube the Mosby video to make sure you aren't missing anything.

Definitely call the manufacturer and get an educator whenever that is an option.

Sometimes being extremely comfortable with a skill doesn't actually help you teach it. Because you do a lot of things without thinking about them. Example, I draw medicine into a vial for IM or subQ injection every day. I didn't think to tell my student how to take the cap off the vial. I just kind of skipped it because I do it without thinking about it. But when I had to teach someone stoma care and how to change an ileostomy wafer I didn't miss a single step, because I don't do it all the time, so I think about every step. And I reviewed it on Mosby first. 

Don't worry about not being too comfortable with the skill. Being too comfortable doesn't make you a better teacher. 

 

 

 

 

[SilverBells, BSN]

Any tips when you're asked to provide education to difficult-to-please family members? I have a medically complex patient whose family is in need of training regarding various topics.  Unfortunately, the wife is incredibly nitpicky, critical and intimidating.  I personally don't feel comfortable educating her, but wanting suggestions in the event I am unable to successfully delegate this task. 

[Davey Do]

2 hours ago, SilverBells said:

Any tips when you're asked to provide education to difficult-to-please family members? 

Bullying the bully always worked well for me.

In a sense.

I have been very assertive, yet civil and open for questions & comments, and maintain a attitude of charge.

Now, if the learner manifests symptoms of a personality disorder, I take a different tact, such as "I need your help in doing this". I've manipulated some into allowing them to believe they call the shots, which they don't. 

Statements like, "Let's remain focused here" have helped.

Otherwise, good luck to you, SilverBells!

[TriciaJ, RN]

Delegate.  It doesn't matter if you were "chosen".  The important thing is that the training happens, ideally by the best person for the job.

Don't get sucked in again.  Assertiveness is your friend.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Unable to delegate? No. You are the manager, you delegate and move on. Be Yoda - there is no try, there is only do. ?

[SilverBells, BSN]

4 hours ago, TriciaJ said:

Delegate.  It doesn't matter if you were "chosen".  The important thing is that the training happens, ideally by the best person for the job.

Don't get sucked in again.  Assertiveness is your friend.

There's actually a couple of floor nurses who I think would do a better job than me.  However, one of them is an LPN and, unfortunately, this family is particular about "having RNs only."  Another one is great at nursing care and teaching, but her documentation isn't great, so even if she does educate the family, it probably won't be charted as being done.   I also feel that my co-manager would do well with this family, but unfortunately, he has his own issues to deal with.  

[SmilingBluEyes]

57 minutes ago, SilverBells said:

There's actually a couple of floor nurses who I think would do a better job than me.  However, one of them is an LPN and, unfortunately, this family is particular about "having RNs only."  Another one is great at nursing care and teaching, but her documentation isn't great, so even if she does educate the family, it probably won't be charted as being done.   I also feel that my co-manager would do well with this family, but unfortunately, he has his own issues to deal with.  

But who is in charge? You are. LPNs are equipped to educate; so are CNAs. Anyone can provide education within his/her scope and experience. Delegate it!