Re: Worst day ever

Tanya Traill — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:18:31 GMT

Thanks for the reply today was a bit better.

Re: Worst day ever

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:52:33 GMT

Aw, I am sad to hear you've had a horrible day. Here is hoping you will feel better tomorrow. Perhaps treat yourself to a little something nice or comforting to make up for it? Here's a hug

Oh I do remember that happening to me too - it's so annoying and somewhat humiliating isn't it? Mind you, it still happens when you're qualified...! This happened to me a few months or so at my new practice - - - the vet had asked for a nurse to assist with controlling a large dog, I offered and the vet looked over my shoulder for someone else... yup...I felt REALLY great. Not! So, once the day had ended I decided to calmly ask the vet why not me? She said that she knew 'x' was very strong but didn't know how strong I am, particularly as I am much smaller built than 'x'. Okay, I understood why but I wanted to show I could do it at least as equally well as 'x' if not better. As actions speak loudly, ever since that day I made a particular point of quietly demonstrating my handling techniques. I now get selected when I am available, and by this particular vet, to assist with difficult dogs. Yay!

There is the point that if speed or experience is of the essence sometimes the learning, and possibly more considered approach by a student / less experienced nurse has to take a back seat to efficiency; so if we are asked to stand aside it may be to protect the patient. Of course we have to do things to get better at them so I totally understand your frustration! But I guess we all have to balance waiting our turn to learn with what is best for the patients welfare.

There is also the darker side where some colleagues revel in thinking they know, (perhaps mistakenly!), more than you do and enjoy pulling rank as a bit of a power trip. In my experience that normally identifies someone who has an inferiority complex and is challenged by your abilities. Thus the only way they can 'best' you is to pull rank. My tip for dealing with that? Bide your time patiently and respectfully show how good you are when any opportunity arises. Never point score. Don't bring yourself down to their level. Just be consistently reliable and a good team player.

Okay, I've waffled on long enough, chicken. Hope there is some comfort in my words for you? Take care of yourself.

Regards.

Ali h

Re: Worst day ever

SmegSlayer — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:17:47 GMT

Stand up for yourself! This happens in lots of places but if the vet is ok with you helping then there is no reason you shouldn't. I can understand if it's an emergency you don't have much experience in e.g. respiratory arrest, c-section etc but there is no reason why you shouldn't then observe these and then help out next time.

is it just one nurse or all of them? if it's just one take them to one side and ask them to stand back even if they see you do something wrong. They can always tell you what's wrong and what's right. If it's all of them then say something at the next staff meeting. The practice is employing you to learn as you work so they are loosing out by the team not letting you.

And if it still happens shout and stamp your feet next time so that they know you're not a person to be walked over! You may be a student nurse but so were they once and sometimes qualified can forget this (a bit like being a qualified driver behind a learner).