Advice Needed

[chevyv]

I work in a county psychiatric facility as a rn. My unit consists of 1rn, 1lpn, and 3-4 cna's. The lpn is newer and is proving very difficult to work with. From doling out prns without rn approval, antagonizing pts, to going over everyones head to complain about the cna's being lazy (not all true but some laziness). Also, this person calls docs with issues that cannot be addressed over the phone let alone by the lpn when there is always the rn present. I have spoken with her, corrected her, tried to get her to think long term and yet nothing sinks in. Met with my nurse manager (more than once) and had to write her up (which I've never done before). I'm frustrated with a job that I love.

I've spoken with the other rn and that person feels pretty similar. I feel like I've tried every tactic to get through to her, but I'm missing something. I've gone down the route of safety, figureing out what the desirable outcome is right now and how to get there safely and effectively, and lastly going directly to me per policy. How do others deal with coworkers who seem to want total control over everything and yet still run your unit as a united front?

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

As for feeling bad about documenting that leads to someone else's dismissal....we all like to see people win. But, it is her actions, not yours that are leading to her dismissal. She is carrying out problematic behavior, and you are simply writing it down, as well as writing the counseling that you have used to try to correct it. While there, she may sense she is the target of an action to fire her. BPD's...part of their game is to "split the staff", as you know. Beware until she is out the door. And have all your documentation saved, with copies for yourself, and in order, because when she is fired, this is just the type of person who will file a wrongful termination suit, or harrassment, etc. etc.