Started new job...treated like imbecile

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  1. This is a discussion on Started new job...treated like imbecile in CNA/MA - Nursing / Medical Assistant, part of Nursing Student ... So, I got a job as a sitter at local hospital. I had a great first day, staff helpful and...

    by Apr 3, '12
    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...
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    by yooper13 Apr 3, '12 12:57 am
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    interceptinglight likes this.
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  3. 11 Comments so far...

  4. Apr 3, '12 by
    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.
    Catlover71, CinDRnyc, nguyency77, and 2 others like this.
  5. Apr 3, '12 by
    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.
    pnut8377 likes this.
  6. Apr 3, '12 by
    Gotta love those thermometers.
  7. Apr 3, '12 by
    Of course you told her this.
  8. Apr 3, '12 by
    Quote from caliotter3
    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
    interceptinglight and Paws2people like this.
  9. Apr 5, '12 by
    Quote from Newcna
    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!
    Paws2people likes this.
  10. Apr 5, '12 by
    Quote from yooper13
    Didn't have to...the fact that her superior knowledge of temperature-taking was, in fact erroneous, said it for me
    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. :spin:
    yooper13 likes this.
  11. Apr 5, '12 by
    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.
    pnut8377 and Catlover71 like this.
  12. Apr 6, '12 by
    Quote from Kribensis
    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.