Touchy Situation Possible

Repat · Jun 21, 2004

Oh, oh... I am sure that you can do it. But! You are not there to "teach them to be better peds nurses". You may want to look at it as giving new insights into old situations, or keeping the staff up on new developments, or even as being a resource person for any questions they may have. Working in a "top ten peds hospital" probably has given you many technical skills. I suspect, though, that the first skills that will be tested in your new job will be "people" skills. Why not begin with meetings to ask the staff what their views of their strengths and weaknesses are? Addressing some of their concerns first may go a long way to easing the transition. I am sure you will do well!

cincygirlpnp · Jun 21, 2004

Ooops! I didn't mean "better peds nurses" in that way! (see, this is what I mean- inadvertantly saying something that can be misconstrued). I'm trying to help them feel more comfortable taking care of the moderately ill child. Staff is used to pt's with gastero, dehydration, and other easy peds Dx. Croup made them nervous. I love this group of nurses (they taught me my basic peds stuff!).

cincygirlpnp · Jun 21, 2004

THanks for the idea of a staff meeting. Actually have that planned. I'm going to do inservices on all shifts so the night people won't have to come in extra. Hopefully that will help me get some bonus points with some of them.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 21, 2004

I think you'll do great...you sound very professional and responsible. Good luck....btw you are so right about having inservices on all three shift - goes a long way!

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 21, 2004

A little story that might help....When a new grad at a major Boston Hospital, I was on the night shift face to face with a Jamaican woman who had worked there for 25 years prior to my arrival . So, she had seen new grads come and new grads go. Plus, that was the floor I had done my clinical on and the time as a graduate nurse. It was just she and I in report my first night as an official RN...I was terrified. She was looking at me in a way that scared me half to death...Almost as if she was thinking, Just try and tell me what to do...Now I think that might have been my own fears BUT, that first night all I could think of to say was, "Norma," "I am supposed to technically be in charge, but we all know who is really in charge of this place." "Could you just make sure I don't screw things up?" My sincerity and sheer fright endeared me to her and the time I was there she remained her quiet self but watched out for me, not because she liked me any better than anyone else, but because I had been honest and respected her as well. Why not do the same...It is YOUR fear and anxiety that is bothering you..Just say Hi guys, thanks for teaching me all you knew..You did such a great job that they are sending me back here with suggestions I probably already learned from you way back when...Get them on your level. Make them want to be there helping you...Gives the group of them and you, pride in the accomplishment, not the least of which is the success they might feel at cultivating your interest and accomplishment in the pediatric field. Congrats! Hope you let us know how it went...

Repat · Jun 21, 2004

Great idea about meetings all three shifts - I work only weekends, and I am always marked down on my reviews because I don't attend unit meetings, which are announced on a Monday for the Thursday coming up. So, even if I were to drive into work extra, I never got the notes!! Anyway, I am in a new job now where they seem to have that figured out. It makes a huge difference.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Think of the situation in terms of "How can I help you?" "Is there some way I can be of service to you in my new job?" "Is there some information I can get for you?" etc.

If you keep that "I am here to help you" attitude and remember that you still have a lot to learn (from them), you will probably do fine. You want to avoid suggesting that your mere 2 years away has made you an expert. In 2 years, you have learned a few things -- and that is terrific -- and you would like to share that with them and help them. But 2 years does not an expert make: so, be careful about suggesting that you are a better nurse than they are and belong on a pedastal.

Good luck,

llg

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2004

I would approach it as a time for "sharing", rather than teaching. And I would try to get them to tell you particular problems they are having, or what the ideal shift would be like. Put those on a board or easel. Then, as you work thru your teaching be sure to checkoff the things you covered that interested them. That makes the learner feel like you really listened to what they needed. They may open up to you better. Also, you might say you want to state that you appreciate how they augmented your education and you are glad to have the opportunity to repay them by sharing what you have learned since you left that facility. All comes down to attidude. Smile a lot. That never hurts.

angel337, MSN, RN · Jun 22, 2004

you advanced your education for a reason. you now have knowledge in areas that many nurses don't and that is what your np education provided you. you sound self assured and confident, don't worry about intimidating the staff. you may have one or two that may make a snide remark, but it may be due to jealousy. i experienced a similar situation when i became manager (not nursing) over people that were 20 years older than me. i treated them with respect, welcomed their suggestions and eventually they got used to my position (i was only 22). i believe most of your coworkers are mature enough to understand your new role. you will be just fine. congratulations and best wishes in your career as a pnp!! :balloons: