Ep 4: Questioning Attitude? Or Questioning WITH Attitude? The Skill Nurses Need More Of

 What happens when nurses stop asking questions? In this episode, Jen and Heidi explore the concept of questioning attitude—a term often used in other high-risk industries, but is not well applied in labor and delivery nursing. We talk about why a questioning attitude is not the same thing as negativity, conflict, or “being difficult,” and why curiosity and critical thinking are essential for safe bedside care. From protocols and routines to unit culture and hierarchy, we unpack the subtle ways nurses can be conditioned to stop questioning things that deserve a second look. This conversation is all about building the confidence to stay curious, think critically, and engage more deeply with the “why” behind clinical decisions. Because good nursing is not just about following directions—it’s about understanding what’s happening, recognizing when something doesn’t fit, and being willing to ask questions when it matters.   🔥 Why This Matters Healthcare is complex, fast-paced, and highly protocol-driven—but patients do not always fit neatly into algorithms or routines. When nurses lose the ability (or psychological safety) to question what they’re seeing, important concerns can be missed and critical thinking can erode over time. 👉 A questioning attitude supports safer care, stronger clinical judgment, and more thoughtful bedside practice.   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro + what is “questioning attitude”?02:30 – Why high-risk industries teach questioning culture05:00 – Nursing hierarchy and psychological safety08:00 – The difference between curiosity and conflict11:00 – Protocols, routines, and critical thinking14:00 – Real-world bedside examples16:30 – Final takeaways + staying curious in practice