Need to Vent: 3 Co-workers from Hell

[imenid37]

I don't want to sound mean, but I am at the end of my rope. I also realize that I am no Saint but...

Co-worker # 1: Always calls out sick and frequently has to go home for a wide variety of reasons. Was scheduled 7p-3A. I as charge nurse told her she'd have to change assignments at 11 p.m. because of the type of staff coming on. I gave her the choice of two assignments. First she started crying and told me she could not would not take L/D triage. Ok well I'll look at the schedule again. Then I come back. Then she tells me she was not scheduled 11p-3A, only 7p-11p. THE SCHEDULE SAYS SHE IS. Oh she cries some more. She's sick. She can't stay. So, I who was only scheduled 7p-11p has to stay. Next day, i work and find out she was c/o'ing the night before to another co-worker that she was working the night in question until 3am!!

Co-worker #2: She must have off every Sunday if at all possible, so she puts herself down to be off if census is low on the Sundays she is scheduled. Often census is low on Sunday, so this person gets off on many Sundays and c/o's if it is busy and she is called back in. She really needs off EVERY SUNDAY, IT'S the SABBATH. hmmm What religion does she think the rest of us belong to? She makes sure she gets to the list first to be off. What an advertisement for Christianity!!!

Co-worker #3: RUDE is the word for this person. Likes to be in the nursery. Often makes lots of noise while you are doing a hearing test if she is not. Puts feet and legs all over the desk and reclines while reading a book. Recently told a patient that a bird did not fly over and put her call light on by accident. Pt. was 40-something lady w/ gyne surgery having abdomial pain. How dare she roll on that call light by accident? This person likes to tell everyone else what to do, yet always "needs help" to do her work and "doesn't know how to do a variety of difficult or unpleasant tasks" when they are assigned to HER, but comes over to tell you what to do if they are assigned to YOU.

I am so sick of these three. Is it me? Do I let them get to me too much? I try to be subtle, but I am ready to take their heads off. Management tells us that we need to settle interpersonal issues amongst ourselves. I hate to report or get anyone into trouble, but I try to behave responsibly at work and I am really sick of these tree wanna-be queens. Any opinions. HELP!!!

[mother/babyRN, RN]

Document document document. You can't be the only person so affected by these people....

[redshiloh]

What's the deal with the crying chick? Does she have depression problems? What happened to being a professional?

Heck, even I act professional(well, at least once a week)

[Sarah, RNBScN]

Document until you are blue in the face. Everytime you document, forward a copy to the unit manager and higher up if need be. Don't let them get away with anything. Be diplomatic but state the facts and "quotes" stated to you. That is the only thing to start first...

Best of luck...

Sorry to say we have them in every profession...

[Buggs]

Sounds like you have gottengreat advice. I have one thing to add. The "church lady" needs to be reminded that the Lord did not stop healing people because it was the Sabbath. Not to make this a religious issue, but if she is going to use her Christian faith, she better get her facts straight. I agree about keeping a log for who should be offered the opportunity to flex down. We no longer have this as we must float anywhere in the hospital. Any way, everyone should have an equal chance at the day off no matter why they want it.

[kwagner_51]

Hi!

Chick#2 sounds to me as though she is afraid of losing her salvation!! I had several preachers drill into my head that if I missed Sunday AM then I was going to HELL!!! They quoted all kinds of Scriptures to back them up. I was young and had been brainwashed. Ask her why she feels the need to be at church. You might be surprised by her answers. She also may not answer because she has no way to really explain it.

Also, you might want to use her Christianity to your advantage. Tell her that Jesus said to help those less fortunate than she is. Every pt in that hospital is less fortunate than she is. Use the example of the Good Samaritan.

I really feel sorry for her, based on my own upbringing. She thinks she salvation it tied to that church building but ONLY if she is in the building on Sunday morning.

Ask her what church she is a member of. Don't be surprised if she says 'Church of Christ'

Hope this helps you to understand where she is coming from.

In His Grace,

Karen

[nursenatalie, ADN, RN]

Glad I read this thread. I have started work as a CNA on the floor in which I will work as an RN. I have noticed many of these "personalities" and hope to handle them well from the beginning. I tend to give and give and let co-workers take advantage of my eagerness to help them. I am conscious of it though and trying to not portray this. I plan to buy some of the books on dealing with co-workers, sounds like they probably would help put things in perspective.