A staff nurse enters the room in which you're giving care to a patient in traction. She calls you aside and states, "I've watched you all morning. You don't seem to know how to do anything right. Look at you now! You're bathing the patient and it's almost time for lunch." An assertive approach would be to say

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Saying "You're right. I am still bathing the patient. She was in pain earlier. I waited until her narcotic made her more comfortable" assertively tells the staff nurse that the student has used critical thinking in arriving at a course of action. The statement "I'm sorry you think I give poor care. I'm still pretty new, and I'm trying hard to learn" is passive. Stating "I've watched you, too. You've criticized every student. Is this some game you play?" is aggressive. Stating "I hope you won't report this to my instructor" is passive.

A Staff Nurse Enters the Room in Which You're Giving