Ever had a older nurse treat you as a lowly new grad?

[<3Nursing07]

I'm having an issue with one of my co workers. I'm currently off of orientation on my floor and everything is going great but I just can't stand working with this one woman. She literally treats me as if I'm her personal tech. I know it sounds bad but I am a NURSE if there is three techs sitting there waiting for work do not ask me to get your vital signs for you. She continues to ask me to get her vital signs for her in passing and I have just completely ignored her and then she finally asks a tech but she continues to do it and its not vital signs alone she "orders" me to get her stuff for her, she tries to get me to do admissions when its not my turn, basically she just wants have an authority over me and I'm sick of it. I've only been working three months and you know I don't know if the best thing to do is go to my manager, I feel like I've been here for only a short period and I don't want to have "drama" starting with me b/c I think it will make me look bad. Funny thing is she has only been on the floor for a couple months also but literally all the nurses are just tired of her. I just want advice on what to do about this situation because I'm not sure how to confront her about this and I'm not sure if i should bring it up too management.

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

When she asks you to do her dirty work, just say, "Oh! My goodness! I forgot I have to do (whatever). Look! Tracey Tech is available!" Then scurry off purposefully.

Or, you could just tell her that you are not her tech, and you have other things to do.

Oldiebutgoodie

[CABG patch kid, BSN, RN]

As hard as it may be, I would advise you to stick to the facts with people like this. Do you guys assign techs to room numbers or RNs? Either way, if she is asking you to do a "tech" job for one of her patients, look at who the assigned tech is for that patient and say "I see Jane is assigned to that room. Why don't you ask Jane to take the vitals, because I am busy with my patient assignment." If she asks you to take a new admit, get out the log and clearly show her why it is not your turn to take the new admit. Point out who would be next in line. She needs to see the rationale behind why you are saying no to these things, although she knows good and well, stating the facts will reinforce your backbone against her.

Not many people like confrontation and I know it will be hard, but if you stand up for yourself now, maybe she will back off and go pick on someone else who is an easier target.

[pheobes718]

I've seen so much workplace bureaucracy. Tsk