What is your opinion

chicookie, BSN, RN · May 25, 2009

My first thought would be oh crap I killed someone. Because that is the ONLY reason we get called into her office. No pats on the back or anything. That happens in the break room.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · May 25, 2009

I always assume I'm in trouble because like chicookie says, that's the only time I get called into the office. We don't get called in for good stuff!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 25, 2009

At my workplace, management never calls staff into the offices to give commendations or remind people that they are doing such wonderful work. The positive actions go unnoticed while the negative stuff always gets multiplied, blown out of proportion, and talked about repeatedly.

Therefore, my first thought upon being called to speak to management typically will be, "What did I do wrong?"

onetiredmomma · May 25, 2009

It's similar to being called to the principal's office in Jr High.....even though you are 99% sure you didn't do anything wrong there is always that self doubt that we allow to creep in. Trust must be earned not ordered!

RN1982 · May 25, 2009

When I get called into the office I immediately think "OMG, what did I do?". I do have a rep for being outspoken but so far have not gotten in trouble. But when I went for me eval, I was nervous and my manager said to stop thinking that I'm getting into trouble. My eval was good. I think everyone's reaction to getting pulled into the office is "what did I do?"

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 25, 2009

Yep..........that would be my instinct as well. NOBODY gets called into the boss's office for good stuff. But there's usually a reason for that.

As a supervisor, I'm in the habit of commending staff members publicly for good work so that they get to feel good about themselves and be proud of what they've accomplished; on the other hand, whenever I have to counsel someone about poor performance, I'll ask them to step outside or into a vacant office and close the door so we can discuss it in private. I know that I don't want to be corrected in front of other employees, so I don't do it to my staff.

Of course, they all know that when I ask to speak with them privately, it's NOT good..........so I guess I'm perpetuating that "called to the principal's office" feeling too. Hmmmmmmmmm..................

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 25, 2009

Gotta agree, if I'm being called into the office, it's because I did something wrong, or that someone said I did something wrong...

whipping girl in 07, RN · May 25, 2009

ITA with the other posts...it's hard not to feel like you're "in trouble" when your boss calls you into the office. And trusting someone because she tells you to...umm, no. She's gotta earn it!

The way to make it so it's not a negative is to sometimes call someone in to tell them they're doing a great job, but managers, if they do that at all, usually do that in front of others and save the negative for behind closed doors.

2BSure · May 25, 2009

Excellent question. It occurs to me that it would be a great idea to take the time for meaningful and thought out praise (rather than just a little kudos note on the locker). Public praise is great but I guess I tend to be fleeting about it. Yet with criticism I am more focused and deliberate.

Something for me to think about. Thank you.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 25, 2009

Whenever I get called into the office my first thought is like the rest of you have said "What did I do?" Fortunately, my boss is actually very supportive of us, and has an open door policy.

keithjones · May 25, 2009

to your new manager and any nurse managers I would say this: no one works well in an environment of fear! nursing is a learning profession, you should never be made afraid to make mistakes (that fear should already be internal) the added pressure usually leads to more mistakes not less. i agree too that trust is earned not ordered and overcoming an environment of fear will take time and deliberate effort.