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Last Issue's Dilemma:

How do I help "green" nurses grow?

I almost fell off my chair when I saw the dilemma from the "newbie" complaining about veteran nurses. As one of those old-timers, I sometimes ask a new nurse to do a simple task so I can provide a treatment that requires experience. And I've corrected new nurses who've done something wrong. I have to ensure quality patient care. But how can I do this without offending the newbies?

-- Lorraine, RN

Show and tell them how to "blossom"

Lorraine, your primary concern is your patients' welfare. And from your perspective when you ask a new nurse to do a task or point out something he or she has done incorrectly, you're trying to ensure optimal care.

But the newbie may feel like you're being unfair or picking on him or her. Why? Despite the confidence the new nurse may try to exude, chances are he or she is really insecure and afraid of making a mistake.

So, how do you get the newbie and you on the same page?

Our readers suggest you:

• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Work on your approach.

Demonstrate professionalism

As an experienced nurse, you have a wealth of real-world knowledge no newbie could have learned in a classroom. Share that hands-on experience willingly and whenever you can.

Sandra Perebzak, staff nurse, gives pointers on how to do this.

"Demonstrate any treatment that requires experience. Then, let the new nurse do an easy task. Before going into a room for a procedure, ask the newbie to explain how he or she is going to do it. You can privately critique the person later."

Dennis Munyandamutsa, RN/M, explains why your role is so important to a newbie.

"We all learn from our mistakes. So if a new nurse provides a treatment that requires experience, it must be done under a veteran nurse's supervision, at least two or three times. After that, he or she has the required experience."

Melissa Shepard, RN, also thinks learning by doing is a good idea.

"Explain that the procedure is more complicated and needs know-how to do, but also offer to let the new nurse assist or observe so he or she can learn. Then, have the new nurse do the procedure the next time -- maybe with you as the assistant or observer. Make the newbie feel like a part of the team, not someone to take all the awful jobs. Help out when you can. And always remember you were once a newbie too."

June Phillips, LPN, reminds you of the plus side of helping out a newbie.

"Please train the newbie in all tasks so he or she can tell others about how you helped him or her learn the task, whether it's simple or more complex. Once the newbie learns the task, you'll be free to do other things -- maybe even getting a promotion."

Work on your approach

In nursing, as in life, "how" you say something to another person can be just as important as "what" you say. In fact, it can make the difference between someone tuning you out and turning to you as a trusted adviser.

Liza B. Aquino, caregiver, speaks about this from personal experience.

"As a caregiver, I've also been corrected and even bothered by what someone has said and how that person approached me. The best way to tell someone how you'd like a certain thing done is to communicate in a manner whereby he or she would feel your concern not only for the patient but also the newbie. A new nurse will then appreciate your effort and motive. Although a nurse is new to the field, he or she also wants to ensure proper care for clients. Be a role model to nurses so they can follow your example."

Kimberly Kuster, LPN, shares her recollections of being a new nurse herself.

"Having recently been on the newbie side, I appreciate a 'please' or 'thank you,' given with a smile. I also appreciate knowing it's just not 'grunt' work I'm being sent to do, but something useful and helpful to the RN overseeing me. So, give a simple explanation like 'Gee, Jane, I need your help, please, so I can set up the transfusion on Mr. Smith.' As a society, we nurses sometimes forget the basics of being considerate to our co-workers."

An anonymous reader believes merely telling a newbie to do something isn't enough.

"We often forget to explain to the newer nurses why we're asking them to do menial tasks. Most nurses tend to explain why you're being pulled in another direction when they're already heading to do that dressing/medication. But taking a moment to have these exchanges beforehand is worth it to establish a good working relationship. If possible, save that more complex task for when the newer nurse can observe or help; it is the only way they will learn how to do such tasks."

Julie Cooper, RN, encourages you to work at creating a true rapport with the newbie.

"Be approachable. Watch your tone and your body language around the new nurses because what's 'implied' sends a message, as well as what you say and how you say it. Try to read the new nurse's body language and what she's not saying. Then, smile and offer the newbie encouragement. Maybe you could also share a short, funny story about some type of mess-up you made when you were a new nurse. Being empathetic to others (no matter who it is) makes them feel validated and more at ease.

"Who knows? A new nurse's love for people and the nursing profession may overcompensate for any inadequacies he or she may still possess. And don't forget, given the opportunity, even veteran nurses can learn from a newbie."

Lorraine, although you may occasionally get attitude when you ask a new nurse to do a task, try to remember how it felt when you were the new kid, and you might get some idea of where he or she is coming from.

Share your knowledge in a professional, understanding manner, and work on your communication. Your rewards will be worth the effort -- when this newbie becomes a valuable member of your team and the nursing profession.