Started new job...treated like imbecile

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

So, I got a job as a sitter at local hospital. I had a great first day, staff helpful and supportive, except for ONE person, and it just made me laugh. I did vitals on a patient, but there was no thermometer. So later, a thermometer was procured from another unit. She brought it to me and asked me from the door to take the patient's temp--no problem! I took it: 29.8 C...Took it again:30.2C. She waited impatiently by the door while I took it 6 or 7 times. Finally, frustrated with me, she suited up (patient was on MRSA precautions) and stomped in, commencing to give me a hissy/***** lesson on taking a forehead temp, telling me EXACTLY how it's done. I am a nursing student, graduating in 4 months; I am fairly confident that I know how to take a temp. So I was inwardly THRILLED when, after her little tantrumistric lesson, she got a temp of 32.4 (or something). Did she apologize? Of course not!!! She just said, "something is wrong with this thing!" ...REALLY?!?

You know, just because I am in a position that is "lower" than your position, you do not need to treat me like an idiot. Yes, I am learning, but if you know something that I don't, perhaps you could share, rather than looking down on me (and treating me badly)...

...This kind of thing will help me in the future...

:lol2:

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There will always be someone (no matter what the type of career/job) who thinks they are "better." You did the right thing by not reacting to her. Think of it this way, her tantrum DID teach you something-- that this is NOT how you will behave to new people when you are in her position one day.

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Specializes in LTC.

I've been at my job for 4 years and people still treat me like an imbecile on a near-daily basis! lol. I work in LTC/Rehab so most of the time it's the therapists.

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:hug: Gotta love those thermometers.

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Of course you told her this.

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Of course you told her this.

Didn't have to...the fact that her superior knowledge of temperature-taking was, in fact erroneous, said it for me :D

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There will always be someone (no matter what the type of career/job) who thinks they are "better." You did the right thing by not reacting to her. Think of it this way, her tantrum DID teach you something-- that this is NOT how you will behave to new people when you are in her position one day.

Right on! Amen!:bow:

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Didn't have to...the fact that her superior knowledge of temperature-taking was, in fact erroneous, said it for me :D

Now, now it requires "..critical thinking skills.." no one else can possibly possess unless you are as great as the person claiming they have critical thinking skills.

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I find myself drawn towards being humble, especially in the medical field. There is an infinite amount of things to learn. If that angers you or makes you feel aggressive, you blew it. It should invigorate and excite you, and make you more willing to listen and or if necessary, explain things to others. Not bark out commands.

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I find myself drawn towards being humble, especially in the medical field. There is an infinite amount of things to learn. If that angers you or makes you feel aggressive, you blew it. It should invigorate and excite you, and make you more willing to listen and or if necessary, explain things to others. Not bark out commands.

Exactly. I LOVE listening to people who have been at the job for awhile. These people are a wealth of information.

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Exactly. I LOVE listening to people who have been at the job for awhile. These people are a wealth of information.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW that I have a ton to learn, and I wasn't trying to say that I know more than her (or even close!) I also love to learn from others...we ALL will keep learning new things for as long as we practice...my point was, she didn't need to be so rude to me (and she was exceedingly rude).

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Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW that I have a ton to learn, and I wasn't trying to say that I know more than her (or even close!) I also love to learn from others...we ALL will keep learning new things for as long as we practice...my point was, she didn't need to be so rude to me (and she was exceedingly rude).

Yes, you have those who ruin it for everyone else...the lady probably has superiority complex for feels she has something to prove ;/ It's no fun!

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