The reverse end of "my preceptor hates me"

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 10, 2011

We don't get this with students in the ER as they observe and don't do any charting.

However, the new residents sometimes require some coaching on computer etiquette. I will politely ask them to move to another computer if they've poached mine. I point out that the I'm obviously logged into it, there are charts sitting there, there are papers in front of the keyboard and coffee cup as well. I then show them where the doctor's computers are and herd them in that direction. Sometimes, it's really crowded and I've had attendings ask if they can use my machine to put in some orders. It's always docs I know and that's fine. Haven't gotten burned on that one. Yet.

Sometimes you have to be firm and say "move".

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 10, 2011

I agree with emt2brn. I say be firm and ask the student to move. We all have tunnel vision at some point, and even more so when we're students. The word "Move" is a lesson in itself.

OP, thanks for loving to teach. You're a rare breed.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 10, 2011

computer etiquette ought to be a "101 class" in both nursing school and medical school! we have physicians (and one respiratory therapist) who will not only poach the bedside nurse's computer but will reboot the computer, thus destroying your data if you happen to have locked the screen (as we're supposed to ) when you walked away to fetch another ginger ale for the patient.

birdie22 · Nov 10, 2011

They probably dont realize what they are doing since they are so focused and stressed about passing their meds, charting a good assessment, not killing anyone, and impressing their clinical instructor that they dont realize that what bugs me the most about them is taking up my computer space. I just nicely ask them if they dont mind using a different computer and point them in the right direction.

Scrubrpn, LPN · Nov 10, 2011

I don't even think you need to "be firm and say "move""....Rather then "hinting" at the student who was clearly oblivious to it...she saw and empty seat and sat down. Just polietly say "hey, I left my stuff here because I really need to get my charting done. you can have the spot when I'm done".. As a student she should recognize that you have priority and if she doesn't speak to her instructor....She'll get the hint.

headinsandRN · Nov 10, 2011

be assertive and tell/ask her to move.

you can offer to print the hp (if it is available on the computer) and she get it from the printer and read it to heart's content elsewhere.

bsnanat2 · Nov 10, 2011

As students, we were always told to give the working employees priority on computers/charts. Address the student(s) individually because this too is a part of their education. Should the student not respond properly, tell their clinical instructor.....that's why they are there. If it becomes a real problem, email your unit manager and copy the education department (especially if you notice that they are consistently from the same school). It is really amazing how fast problems go away when the ed dept. contacts the school. On a one time occurrence, vent and let it pass; if it is a real issue, please deal with it because we may end up working with this same selfish individual. You do us all (and them) a real favor by dealing with it. Go for it!

MrChicagoRN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

She didn't acknowledge me or move when I went to at least move my jacket she was leaning on (on my chair). I tried to hint I needed the spot to chart. When it was obvious she wasnt budging I walked halfway down the hall to get a seat & come back next to her.

Hints are often inadequate. Be direct

"Excuse me, I've been working in this spot, and I need to sit here and complete my work."

But then, I've also thrown groups of resident out of our charting/conference room who were squatting there (not seeing any of our patients) and preventing my nurses from doing their jobs.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

I run into this problem quite a bit, but most of the time it's the docs who are hogging my computer. There is only one computer (with a chair) in the OR that is designated for the circulating nurse to chart, and one computer mounted on the wall (without a chair) designated for the MDs. Sometimes a med student or resident will plop down and start banging away on the keyboard without realizing that my chart is open. I don't hesitate to let them know that they have to move their buns so that I can continue charting. I direct them to the other computer and offer to find them a sitting stool.

Sometimes the surgeons sneak in "real quick" to do some orders or to check on labs while I am running for a requested instrument or supply. When I return, the look they give me is the same look that my puppy gives me when I catch her sleeping on the couch!

It is easy to assume that a student is aware of their surroundings...they are in high gear, right? Sometimes the high gear is kicked into the stratosphere, however!

I remember how overwhelmed I was when I first started clinicals. I was acclimating to a new place/new rules, desperately trying not to get lost (I recently bought a new house and while making a mad dash to the bathroom, I can't tell you how many times I flung the door open...to the closet) trying to focus on my patient while feeling like Forrest Gump, RN, and sweating bullets as I prepared for the grilling I was to receive from my instructor regarding my pt's meds. The nurses' station was sort of a "safe haven". While my classmates and I would never dream of commandeering a space that was obviously being used (we were threatened within an inch of our lives by our instructor if we even thought about our backsides meeting a chair in the nurses' station), I can see how a student would be oblivious to the ettiquitte of the nurses' station.

If the instructor does not give a lesson in ettiquitte, then gently give the students a run-down. It sets boundaries and expectations and saves the students from embarrassment. You will also feel better because you have stated your expectations. You will likely only have to do this once or twice, as the students tend to share clinical experiences with one another.

If you feel uncomfortable with the above scenario, then talk to the instructor directly.

You should NEVER have to work around a student.

Simply Complicated · Nov 10, 2011

I agree it can be overwhelming as a student. It's easy to find yourself in the way, as you may sit somewhere, they direct you somewhere else. Then you get told to move from that spot. I've worked with a lot of students though who will ask "Did you need this computer" when someone walks up. While sometimes you do need to be direct, and ask them to move.. you really shouldn't have to. Especially if you are making it obvious that it was your spot. Sounds more like she just didn't care.

boushie87 · Nov 10, 2011

I am currently a student and if someone pulled a chair next to mine to work I think I'd have the decency to ask "oh were you sitting here? Do you want me to move?" or something like that. To be honest, the second you came back and were around that space, prior to getting another chair, I would have asked the same thing. So I agree that I think it's less students in general and more this specific person was being rude. Some people are just oblivious to other people.