Nurse Marge in Charge

Dear Nurse Marge,

Did you know that nursing school is far more amazing than it was when *we* went? They provide a much better education than anything we older nurses had access to – and surely there’s nothing to be said for decades of real world experience!

Do you have any words of wisdom for dealing with know-it-all new grads? We seem to be blessed with a particularly “brainy” bunch this time around. I have to admit that they’re driving me crazy. Every nursing intervention I’ve come up with myself is sure to get me in trouble!

Signed,

What Do I Know

30 Year RN

Dear What Do I Know,

I know this advice is going to be controversial. Some people are going to hate what I have to say. I’ve seen nurses battle over this very topic for hours. There have been internet flamewars that can be seen from space, all fired up over my next bit of advice. But if you want words of wisdom for dealing with know it all new grads, it’s this:

Chew Gum.

I don’t care if it’s Doublemint or Juicy Fruit or Orbitz or even old school Hubba Bubba. Any flavor will work. But when new grad season hits, every nurse with more than 15 years experience needs a pack of gum in their pockets, readily available. Pick your favorite. Be prepared.

And when that know-it-all-new-grad leaves you needing to bite your tongue, chew a piece of gum instead.  Every one of us was a new grad once, even if it was a really long time ago…and I’m sure that I caused at least a few sore tongues myself!

In time, experience will work its magic, just like it did on you and me. Know-it-all-nurses become nurses who know what it’s important to know – everything, that is, except for how to deal with the *next* generation of know-it-all-nurses. For that, you need experience.

And gum.

Good Luck!

Nurse Marge