Not knowing the answer in front of a patient can feel uncomfortable - especially in your first year of practice. But safe nursing isn’t about having every answer memorized. It’s about knowing how to respond with honesty, professionalism, and clinical judgment.

In this 5-minute episode, we walk through a simple four-step framework you can use when a patient asks something you don’t know - plus how to recognize when a question moves from simple clarification to a clinical safety concern.

You’ll learn:

• Why honesty builds trust more than guessing
• A simple bedside response you can use immediately
• How to differentiate between informational questions and clinical concerns
• When and how to escalate safely using structured communication tools like SBAR

Because you don’t need to know everything — you need to know how to respond safely and confidently.

1. Acknowledge the question (“That’s a great question. I’m glad you asked.”)
2. Be honest (“I don’t have the exact answer right now.”)
3. Commit to action (“I’m going to check your chart and confirm with the team.”)
4. Close the loop (“I’ll come back in about 10 minutes with an update.”)

Not all questions are equal. Some require clarification and follow-up. Others require assessment and possible escalation.

When clinical interpretation or patient deterioration may be involved, structured tools like SBAR help ensure safe, clear communication with the team.

Therapeutic Communication in Nursing Practice

Foundations for Success in Nursing – Communicating with Patients

Communication Strategies in Nursing (including non-therapeutic responses and avoiding false reassurance)

AHRQ TeamSTEPPS – SBAR Communication Tool

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

In this episode, Regional Educator Robyn interviews David and Jordan, Clinical Practice Educators at RIH, for a practical and engaging conversation all about documentation.

Join us as we break down essential documentation processes, explore the ins and outs of electronic health records, and discuss the standards that guide high‑quality nursing documentation. David and Jordan also recommend resources, along with tried‑and‑true tips and tricks to help new nurses chart clearly, confidently, and efficiently.

Whether you’re just starting your practice or looking to strengthen your documentation skills, this episode offers insight and guidance you can put to use on your very next shift.

Documentation

CLINICIAN LIBRARY

Training & Education

In this quick 5‑minute episode, Regional Educator Robyn highlights key considerations when caring for patients who are pregnant. Designed especially for new graduate nurses working in areas outside of perinatal services, this episode focuses on recognizing early signs of concern and understanding when to involve the Most Responsible Provider (MRP) or a perinatal‑trained nurse. This episode offers practical guidance to help ensure timely assessment, safe care, and confident clinical decision‑making when pregnant patients present in non‑perinatal settings.

In this Gimme 5 episode Kelsey shares details on the IH fleet vehicle resource. Did you know there are fleet vehicles for your use? Are you planning on travelling outside your community for work or education? (maybe coming to one of the New Grad Program Skills days?) Listen in to learn more about how to book a fleet vehicle with IH- and what you should and shouldn't do with it.

Resources:

Fleet Vehicles [IH] - Home

Welcome...or welcome back! The New Grad Nurse Transition Team with Interior Health in British Columbia, Canada is BACK with fresh content for all new nurses. Whether you are here with us in the Interior region or abroad, we are so excited you are tuning in for Season 3. The team of Regional Educators are ready to bring you bi-weekly content to help you feel supported and connected to a community as you transition from student nurse to new grad nurse. Ready? Let's go!

Thinking about stepping into teaching? This Career Compass episode dives into what it means to become a nurse educator. We talk about the transition from bedside to classroom, the qualifications you’ll need, and the realities of shaping the next generation of nurses. Perfect for anyone wondering if education is the right career direction for them.

In this Gimme 5 episode, we shift from acute kidney injury (AKI) to its chronic counterpart — chronic kidney disease (CKD). You’ll learn how CKD is defined and staged, how it differs from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and what that means for nursing care in acute settings.

We’ll also cover how to identify complications, adjust medications safely, and prevent further kidney injury at the bedside. Plus, we’ll highlight when and how to suggest nephrology referral and introduce the supports available through CKD Clinics across Interior Health.

This episode is perfect for nurses who want to feel confident caring for patients with CKD who are not yet on dialysis.

Show Notes:

Referenced Guidelines and Resources:

• BC Renal Agency – Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Clinical Resources:
• CKD Common Prescribing Questions for Patients with CKD not on Dialysis
• Renal Analgesic Brochure
• Kidney Care (Non-Dialysis)

• IH Form - Regional Kidney Clinic Physician Referral (plus guidelines) (form #826448)

• Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) - BC Renal
• BC Guidelines - CKD Diagnosis and Management
• UptoDate - Patient Survival and Maintenance Dialysis
• Ontario Renal Network - Discussing Prognosis with Patients on Dialysis

Key Takeaways:

• CKD = kidney structure or function abnormal for ≥ 3 months.
• 1 in 10 British Columbians has kidney disease — many undiagnosed.
• Hypertension and diabetes are the top two causes.
• At GFR < 30, many meds require dose adjustment — review with pharmacy.
• Prevent further kidney hits: avoid nephrotoxins, manage fluids carefully.
• Confirm referral to a CKD or Nephrology Clinic before discharge.

In this episode of New to Nursing, we interview two of Interior Health's Clinical Mentors Lori Burchett and Danielle Rusheleau. Our guests shine a light on the vital role of Clinical Mentors in supporting new nurses and draw on their own beginnings as new grads. They share personal stories of their new grad journey — the challenges, the learning moments, and the relationships that shaped their practice. Together, they offer thoughtful advice and encouragement for nurses just beginning their journey in the profession.

Whether you’re a new grad finding your footing or a seasoned nurse supporting the next generation, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical advice, and heartfelt reminders about why we do what we do.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Interior Health. The experiences discussed are personal and intended for reflection and learning purposes only.

Show Notes:

For more information on Interior Health's Clinical Mentor Program, check out the Mentorship Community of Practice on the InsideNet that is linked below.

Referenced Guidelines and Resources:

• Mentorship Community of Practice
• 10 Tips For Mentoring
• Feedback Conversations