Acused of no compassion

[nurseofficegail]

Hi, I am a rn in a clinic, been there 2 years, was called in for a mtg last week and given 2 months probation and told that I am not showing as much compasion and caring as I did when I was first hired. I don't see it, but they do, so I have to adjust to their reality. How do I improve my compassion and caring when I feel that I don't have a problem? How do I prove that my compassion and caring have increased after two months? I really want to work there and work with this doctor but I don't know how to prove something that can't really be measured, you know? Any ideas?

Thanks.

[CHATSDALE]

once another nurse were accused of keeping the med room after our shift..this was on a 3-11 shift in a ltc..we had little to do the last couple of hours except to clean and gossip which i can do while cleaning...seemed that the real reason was that a pay raise was do for everyone because the company had taken over 6 months previous and very few got a raise

however putting someone on probation for a vaque complaint does raise questions

OP, did you ever get any specfics?

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

It sounds to me that they may be trying to get rid of you because of your injury. I hope you don't let them bully you. I agree with the poster who thought you should talk with your union rep (if you have one). I would also ask them to put specifics down on paper, sign, and date included. Would it be too bold to inquiry if they are doing this to get rid of you because you were injured on the job? I'm not sure, but maybe if they know your onto them, they might back off. Sounds like grounds for a lawsuit if it continues with no proof. Good luck to you. Please keep us all posted.

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

I would bet money its all about the injury thing. Tired of the workman's comp, tired of their liability, afraid of a lawsuit, etc. I would make a note of everything they say and ask for a copy of any paperwork related to this "accusation" of non-compassion. And be looking for another job. No matter what you do, they will be looking to send you on your way.

[GallopinGal48]

Did they give you specific incidents that you could respond to or analyze on a case by case basis? It's hard to generalize that you're not "as compassionate" as you used to be. I would politely ask for specifics so I could respond, rebut, or improve my service.

[traumahawk99]

at some point, we all burn out. i try to talk to patients about anything but nursing for the most part, and it seems to work well for me. i always tell myself "it's just a big party" and i'm there to try to have a good time. i think patients pick up on that in a positive way. no one wants to dwell on being sick. be upbeat!

whatever happens, happens. you cannot go on emotional roller coaster rides with patients and families. i just try to give the families space, and i say "i know this must be a hard time for you". it's a canned response, but seems to work wonders.

get family members coffee. say "is there anything i can do to make you more comfortable?" to patients.

you don't have to be the nursiest nurse, but a little attention like this will have patients telling management what a wonderful nurse you are!

it might also be that the nurse who told you this is an absolute power tripping ass :).

[Scrubby]

If you are being accused of having no compassion by a manager then shouldn't there have been a process of documentation by your accusers? Otherwise she's just going by rumour/gossip.

It sounds to me like your being targeted. My supevisors and managers seem to do this sort of thing as well, it's just a form of bullying. I was in a conflict situation with a coworker who was friendly with the supervisor. The supervisor tried to get at me with 'people have complained that you don't have any enthusiasm and i'm too negative, i always take first meal breaks blah blah'. I asked her if she had any documented any of these complaints and she said no. I then told her well it can't be too serious if it hasn't been documented and it amounts to nothing but hearsay. I then asked her why nothing has been said my 'supposed' problem, no initiatives to help me regain my enthusiasm etc. She has never tried this sort of crap on me again and if she did then i would probably go to the union over it.

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

I agree with the other posters that (for whatever reason), your employer is trying to get rid of you. I've been there, done that too....and if you live and work in an "At Will" State (like I do), they can pretty much do as they please and legally get away with it.

[rosebud5656]

Find another job and then in the middle of a really bad day just leave. You would not use this job as a reference anyway.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Our facility identified some behaviors that demonstrate caring. Maybe if you practiced those you would "show" compassion. Introduce yourself, call patient by preferred name, use appropriate touch, respond to patient in same tone (if they are sad you respond accordingly) and give factual information every time you go into room. (I am here to check your IV, your test will take place in less than an hour, I wanted to see if your temp was down now----) Also, refrain from talking negatively (or at all) about patients at the nurses station. Don't take this too personal. Maybe it is just your nature to keep things in - but patients are customers and they want to KNOW you care.