New Nurse having trouble with Techs

I think the poster needs encouragement.Sometimes that is all it takes

This may not be the popular opinion but I think that when the OP is asking a tech to help her with something, she needs help, she's not asking so they can kiss her butt or somehow to make them feel like she's superior. Regardless of the fact that they may not like it, she is an RN now and because of that she has certain responsibilities and has the right to use a tech for help, correct? Enough massaging people's feelings, what - now the OP is going to be afraid to ask a tech for something unless she's majorly sucking up first? That's garbage. The ones who have the problem here are the techs, in my opinion, whatever their insecurities are, the ones who will suffer in the end are the patients who don't get the care needed in appropriate time.

I'm not saying anyone should be demanding or rude to anyone else, regardless of each others positions. But I don't think this OP was rude to anyone, certainly doesn't seem that way.

She's using a tech, a CNA, because she needs ASSISTANCE with patients. What does CNA stand for???

I believe you're correct in that I was too harsh re: my comments on this nurse and respect. What got me going is that she stated that she paid a lot of money, stress, etc. for it. I did have that same problem with one of the PCT's when I graduated from school. I basically ignored the problem and asked someone else for help or did it myself. The PCT did come around once she realized I was not going to stop politely asking for help and in not helping me she was not doing her job (and I also think she discovered that I was not completely incompetent as a RN). Other nurses will noticethe PTC not taking responsibility and it will come down on her, as it is her problem and what goes around comes around.
What I am trying to say is that I really don't think it's a lack of respect and the RN should not be looking for it. I think it's a matter of the PCT not doing her job and not taking responsibility for it.

Many nurses gave you excellent advise, my opinion is for you to change Dept., preferably a staff that don't know you. When I graduated a few of my friends worked in O.R. But when they became RNs, the Dept head had to put them in a completely different O.R. Bldg. They knew they were not going to be respected. At my job, PCTs are hating on other PCTs are trying to get into nursing school. There not even in the RN program yet. That just the way it is.

I take a very stern but fair approach with my CNAs/Techs, whatever you want to call them.

I help them any chance I can get, I will answer the call lights when I can, I will get water when I can, change briefs etc.

I have an understanding with them, when available ie not while I am passing meds I will help them...even if that means I have to stay late to chart. The only thing I ask of them is to do what I say when I say it within reason. Be a leader, you don't have to roll over for them nor do you have to be a slave driver.

Address the issue with them, personally I would not bring this up to the supervisor until you have personally addressed this with them.

I regularly get praises from my aids because I will answer lights or do a brief change. You don't have to do all their work for them, just let them know that you are not above what they do. When there are issues, go to bat for them. At my place there was an issue just recently and I brought the issue up the to DON personally on their behalf. Small issue but it bought a ton of political capital with them. Doesn't take much, just let them know you are the team leader and you will help them.

I'm having the same trouble where I work, but I made a mistake of handling things myself (i.e: confronted the tech myself) and now I have a "bad reputation" amongst the techs. Looking back, I took it too personally and was too prude & naive in thinking that everyone's a professional here and we can solve problems 1:1. I'm learning things the hard way, and I hope you don't make the same mistakes I did. :P

There's bound to be some hazing especially when ancillary staffs have been there for years and you're just fresh out of school. They want you to acknowledge that they have more experience than you and want your respect. (plus a lot of times they're much older than you) So suck it up, do everything yourself and hopefully they will see that you mean business and start helping you out. When they teach you new things or correct you, (even if it's something you already know) either laugh it off or just say "Thank you." However, if they challenge you about something legal regarding patient care, don't back down.

If you had a 200lb patient with stage III decub who needed repositioning and the all ancillary staffs ignored you, then talk to the charge nurse, but not in accusatory manner, but as a patient advocate. ex: "Hey, I have a pt who is 200lb with stage III decub who really needs to be repositioned, but I could not find any help at this moment. Can you help me out?" S/he will either come and help you him/herself or find someone to help you out. Always go through the AHN or whoever is in charge and don't take matters into your own hands! Use the system!

I think it's a good idea to always explain why you're delegating as well. I once asked a tech to put a pt on a bed pan because I had to triage a pt who complained of chest pain, but she complained straight to the AHN that I was just talking to the pt and didn't put her on a bed pan. Sometimes, you never win...... So yes, it sucks, but unfortunately, it's part of real life nursing as a new grad. Good luck!

I was a tech...and I always try to be nice but I am above all a patient advocate and if a tech thinks they would get by with that they would be dead wrong...Sounds like they are being disrespectful I would write them up...or have them written up...Never appear to be weak...

I am working as a tech right now in a neuro intensive care unit. I know exactly how you feel, as I see other techs (not myself of course ) give the same attitude. Giving us a 10 min warning is appreciated, especially in the morning when we have 10 people to bathe! I think it really depends on the people. We have a CNA and he is under union contract and seems to think he can go on 5 hour breaks whenever he wants! UGH!

Stick it out as much as you can, if not, move to a different unit, unless you truly love the unit you are working on now.