Discover how to effectively seek constructive feedback from your nursing supervisor to enhance your skills and patient care in this essential guide for nurses.

From my experience, all the organizations I have worked with have a systematic way of work and development/performance management. However, I rely on getting informal feedback from my line managers rather than waiting until a certain time. I received feedback not necessarily during the performance review or evaluation, but rather during day-to-day engagement. Furthermore, I always used the official avenue for such reviews to reflect on the feedback I've gotten and reflect more. I always receive feedback with good faith and intention to use that as an opportunity for me to learn and be a better employee.

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What do you do if you need constructive feedback from your nursing supervisor?

Seeking feedback in nursing is crucial for professional growth, yet it can be daunting to approach a supervisor for constructive criticism. Understanding how to navigate this process effectively can help you enhance your skills, provide better patient care, and foster a positive work environment. Whether you're a seasoned nurse or new to the field, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in your career development.

1 Prepare Well

Before requesting feedback, it's important to prepare. Reflect on your performance and identify specific areas where you desire guidance. This self-assessment shows your supervisor that you're proactive about your professional growth. When you're ready, request a meeting at a convenient time, ensuring there's enough privacy and time for a meaningful conversation. Approach the topic with openness and a genuine desire to improve, which will set a positive tone for the discussion.

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Abubakar Mohammed Yerima

Area Programme Manager, Norwegian Refugee Council
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From my experience, all the organizations I have worked with have a systematic way of work and development/performance management. However, I rely on getting informal feedback from my line managers rather than waiting until a certain time. I received feedback not necessarily during the performance review or evaluation, but rather during day-to-day engagement. Furthermore, I always used the official avenue for such reviews to reflect on the feedback I've gotten and reflect more. I always receive feedback with good faith and intention to use that as an opportunity for me to learn and be a better employee.

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2 Ask Directly

When seeking feedback, clarity is key. Directly ask your nursing supervisor for their insights on your performance, specifying the areas you're focused on. This direct approach shows respect for their time and acknowledges their expertise. It also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the feedback you receive is relevant to your goals. Remember, your supervisor's observations can provide valuable perspective that might differ from your self-assessment.

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3 Listen Actively

Active listening is essential when receiving feedback. Pay close attention, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Show appreciation for the input by nodding or offering verbal acknowledgments. This demonstrates your commitment to understanding their perspective and signals that you value their guidance. Keep an open mind; even if some comments are challenging to hear, they can be instrumental in your professional development.

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4 Reflect & Clarify

After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on what was said. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This reflection allows you to process the information and consider how to apply it to your practice. It's important to understand the intent behind the feedback and how it relates to your performance and patient care. Clarifying any confusing points ensures that you have a solid foundation for improvement.

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Corinne Akers, RN

Registered Nurse | Freelance Health Writer | Content Crafted by a Nurse’s Expertise
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It can be difficult to get criticism, even when you know it's necessary. It can be easy to become defensive or put your walls up when facing constructive criticism, so it's important to take a deep breath and actively listen to the advice! Be present in the conversation. Ask questions! Ensure your questions are answered fully so you can use the advice to improve your work.

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5 Set Goals

Utilize the feedback to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals will guide your efforts to enhance your skills and performance. Discuss these goals with your supervisor to ensure they align with departmental objectives and to secure their support. Setting goals not only demonstrates your commitment to improvement but also provides a clear roadmap for your professional development.

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6 Follow Up

Following up after the initial feedback session is crucial. It shows your supervisor that you've taken their advice seriously and are working on the areas identified. Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss your progress and any further guidance you might need. This ongoing dialogue creates a supportive environment for continuous improvement and strengthens the professional relationship between you and your supervisor.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Latifatou OLA

infirmière Diplômée d'état
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Déjà il faut savoir le pourquoi il y a cette rétro action ? De là en allant voir le superviseur il pourra faire ressortir les points faibles et forts et de là il faudra faire une comparaison par rapport à une auto-évaluation déjà fait en avance. Par mon expérience professionnelle il faut toujours avoir ou fixer des objectifs pour s'évaluer et ensuite penser aux différentes solutions possibles

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What do you do if you need constructive feedback from your nursing supervisor?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Prepare Well

2 Ask Directly

3 Listen Actively

4 Reflect & Clarify

5 Set Goals

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

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