Rule of thumb on asking questions in clinicals..or new job orientation

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing school student.

Is there a 'Rule of thumb' in asking questions while in clinicals or at a new job? Do I look it up first in a manual/then ask if I cannot find what I am looking for or vice versa? Or neither? Frankly sometimes which ever way I go, people/coworkers etc... seem to give an attitude or not answer and not care.. I would like to do clinicals the right way at some point. It was every man for himself at my last job, and if I made a mistake I was punished...

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

From your post I assume that you are currently a student? And, perhaps your last job was as a CNA/tech? (Just wanting to get a handle on where you are). What types of questions do you ask? Are they questions that you SHOULD know the answers to? For instance, BP ranges, pulse ranges, that type of thing? Or something more involved? Do you struggle with confidence in your abilities? Prepare for clinicals appropriately and that should help you. Hang in there.

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I phrase questions in terms of answering but wanting to know more...

"I looked at his blood gas levels and notice he is having some respiratory acidosis, can you walk me through these numbers and talk about what we need to do, if anything"

Just like here, on allnurses, if you show you've thought through your question by providing information about it you'll have much better luck (in my opinion anyways)

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Never ask what you can look up unless you've already looked it up and you still have questions. Or you can ask where you can find something. You learn things better by doing your own research, rather than by having a nurse spout it all out for you. You also show them that you're willing to put the work in.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Agree with RUnBabyRun. Add: "I am not sure about this. Can you help?"

Whatever you do, ask the questions. Some people are grouchy no matter how you approach them, but it does make sense not to rely on others too much

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"I'm not sure about this. I looked in _____ and it said _____. Does that apply here because _____? Or am I missing something? Who should I ask about this?"

This shows you are thoughtful enough to try to help yourself, smart enough to get clarification and not bull ahead faking it, and respectful of the other person's expertise.

The only pitfall here is that you will ask a question (like an ABG question) that the person you asked is unable to answer. I find most anger comes from fear; people fear being found out as unable to answer a student question. That's why you give your person an out. S/he can say, "I don't know but let me know what you find out" or "I'm too busy now, ask Jan, she's good at that" or something else.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Carry a notebook or keep notes on your phone or something. When you've asked a question and gotten the answer, make sure you write it down and remember the answer. Most people don't like it when you ask the same question over and over.

Learn what your resources are -- is there a policy manual online? A Med/Surg text book at the nurse's station? Then when you've looked something up and still need clarification, you'll be able to phrase your question in a way that indicates you've looked it up. GrnTea said it far better than I could.

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Always try to look it up yourself first and then ask for clarification from someone else.

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing school student.

Mostly where things are?Or in this case were...How do they(staff and residents) like things done? Current CNA and will be a nursing student...Last 2 jobs, seemed as if they were forced by boss to train me..Hig turnover rate...

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing school student.

Growing up I asked questions and they told me. Folks were impatient,therefore wanted answers now...

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Questions like those, ask people. Asking where to find things is perfectly legit (don't waste 20 minutes looking for a pillowcase). Asking how people like things done can be good, but be specific. Questions like those are different than, "What is Protonix?" "Why are we counting respirations on the patient to whom we just gave morphine?"

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing school student.

Thanks for the clarification.. The reason why I asked is because I have in the past did not know something when in a middle of an assignment or situation and needed an answer to questions and basically got ignored. I was at an assisted living place an group home where it was a 'leave me alone' mentality. I felt like a foreigner... Trying to figure out what is wrong..

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