New Grad Uncomfortable With Confrontation

Nurses New Nurse

Published

I work on a med/surg/tele floor, but currently on light duty from an injury. At my hospital, that means I'm not allowed in patient rooms, period. I'm serving as a temporary unit secretary/monitor tech.

A patient called out requesting juice. Both of the other RNs were busy helping their orientees. I got said juice from the fridge and politely asked the tech to take it to Room such-and-such when she had a minute.

The tech (who was not charting or doing anything else work-related) glared at me and said, "Isn't there anyone else at the nurses' station who can do it?"

The charge nurse was unable to discipline the tech because the tech is not assigned to our floor.

I didnt say say anything to her for two reasons:

1) I've been told I come across as rude when I'm frustrated.

2) The tech is quite a bit older than me and is a longtime employee. Related to #1, I was leery of saying the wrong thing and having the hospital "take her side" if she complained about me.

To me, there's nothing rude about requesting that someone perform a duty they were hired for. Any advice on how to handle it directly should it happen again?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Answer, "No, that's why I asked you."

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Also, it's not confrontation- it's delegation.

Kratoswife

121 Posts

Why was the tech there? Did she float?

You don't know her, yet you immediately go to your supervisor about her?

She has more clout than you. I'm assuming that you are a new hire there. She isn't, so do your best in trying to solve your own problems before resorting to hire ups.

Next time, take a deep breath before responding before speaking, to calm yourself down. Then politely let the CNA that, no one is able to assist at the moment. And if they could just give the patient juice, it won't take too long. Then, thank them then go back to work. Simple.

Specializes in Geri-psych, Corrections.

She floated to us due to hospital wide understaffing. I couldn't understand her attitude because it had been at least 3 hours since a patient had asked her for anything. When she reacted that way, all I said was "no, there isn't." I left the juice on the counter and went back to my post.

My hospital tends to frown on anyone who's not a supervisor saying anything to other employees as far as job performance/attitude. They prefer you to report problems to the charge nurse and let them handle it.

Why was the tech there? Did she float?

You don't know her, yet you immediately go to your supervisor about her?

She has more clout than you. I'm assuming that you are a new hire there. She isn't, so do your best in trying to solve your own problems before resorting to hire ups.

Next time, take a deep breath before responding before speaking, to calm yourself down. Then politely let the CNA that, no one is able to assist at the moment. And if they could just give the patient juice, it won't take too long. Then, thank them then go back to work. Simple.

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