Advice for the new hire (hint: don't show your faults for awhile 😇)

[Emergent]

A coworker and I were discussing a gal who was let go during the probationary period. She was dumb enough to show her slacker side way too early in the relationship.

If you were dating a hot guy or gal, wouldn't you clean up your place before a visit? You wouldn't want to show what a slob you are until you'd reeled him in a bit. You wouldn't criticize his nosy mother, loudmouth brother or irresponsible friend too soon in the relationship.

The same with a new job.

[Neurotic Student]

To anyone....

So does it usually work? Is the person typically receptive and willing to discuss the issue? Or do they just ignore you or worse, behave in an even worse manner?

I'm genuinely curious. I'm graduating in 55 days and I'm trying to gather all the information I can about being a successful new hire. Of course I was taught in school to speak with the person directly first. I just wonder how that goes over.

My main question is....do you think most people are willing to work things out on their own terms? Does it just make the situation that much worse to tell that person you have a problem?

I'm guessing it depends on the individual. Perhaps one should wait and scope out the individual before deciding to discuss the issue?

I've tried it before. The other person got really defensive in our confrontation and started bringing up other things that bothered him (not about me but another team member) but they weren't really relevant at the problem I brought up. He changed slightly for the first several days, then pretty much reverted back to how he was. Same thing happened with another staff that was lazy. They get in trouble, change for the first several days or for 1-2 weeks, and then revert to their old self. They both had worked there longer than I had and were double my age.

I felt that they see me as someone who's young, with less experience than they have and now telling them how/what they should do, and thinking, why should I have to change? I've been doing things this way for years and I've gotten by.

I've read from posts that people will get passive aggressive. I think generally people avoid direct confrontation in favor of passive aggressiveness. Passive aggressiveness is horrible. It fosters resentment and inefficiency. They will often "forget" to do things, even when it is not busy. They "forget" things that should be in their routine. It would be like forgetting to shower.

After my confrontation with that person, it wasn't like we wouldn't socialize anymore. We were still friendly to each other but I know it doesn't always end that way. I felt they didn't see me as having more authority as our supervisor. You know, like how those patients that say, "Is there a supervisor I can speak to?" I love those. They think they're special. Talking to my supervisor won't change a damn thing, but they see supervisors as having more authority, more set in stone. I think it's the same way with my coworkers...but they get so butthurt if you go to supervisors. Well, I told you the problem you should work on and you didn't! What else should I do?

[idialyze, BSN, RN]

That's me too, and the Unit Sec. hates it when I get near the copy machine. I always seem to make it inoperable !

Don't know what happened, I thought I was replying to Emergent, guess my keyboard skills suffer as well!

[Susie2310]

You know, like how those patients that say, "Is there a supervisor I can speak to?" I love those. They think they're special. Talking to my supervisor won't change a damn thing, but they see supervisors as having more authority, more set in stone.

I think you should check your attitude towards patients. If patients can't resolve a situation that regards their care with their nurse, then they are justified in asking for the supervisor, and should do so. This does not mean they think they are special; it means they want their concern addressed and resolved properly/to their satisfaction. Patients do have the right to have their concerns addressed, and as a nurse you are the patient's advocate. I have seen signs posted on the walls of patients rooms advising patients of the number of the Charge Nurse and the Nurse Manager, encouraging patients to call if they have concerns about their care.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

You know, like how those patients that say, "Is there a supervisor I can speak to?" I love those. They think they're special. Talking to my supervisor won't change a damn thing, but they see supervisors as having more authority, more set in stone.

Supervisors DO have more authority.

[kdkout, BSN, RN]

If you're so lazy that you're already a "slacker" while on probation at your first job....well then I'm happy you were "let go." I dont want to work with you.

Give me a break. It's a JOB. Work is required. Think of your coworkers, not to mention the patients!

[shaggysbaby]

As a seasoned nurse and hiring manager I would rather have them show their true colors in the 90 day probationary period as it takes less effort to "let them go" then after that probationary period. Also, she saved you time and effort for you having to pick up her slack.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

In general, you will find what you look for. So go in looking for teamwork rather than bullies. You're more likely to find it.

Don't expect the workplace (or anyone in it) to change to suit you. They were doing just fine until you came along.

If you have an issue with someone, attempt to resolve it with THEM. The manager does not need (or want) to hear every complaint you have about everyone.

But your best foot forward. Not just for the first 90 days, but always.

[SmilingBluEyes]

In general, you will find what you look for. So go in looking for teamwork rather than bullies. You're more likely to find it.

Don't expect the workplace (or anyone in it) to change to suit you. They were doing just fine until you came along.

If you have an issue with someone, attempt to resolve it with THEM. The manager does not need (or want) to hear every complaint you have about everyone.

But your best foot forward. Not just for the first 90 days, but always.

So well said. You are wise.

[Evie429]

It sure do depends on the person.. Sometimes discussing it with the individual makes matters worse. 😩

[ruthrowe]

Have some of you forgotten what it's like to be fresh out of nursing school? I was told by my college adviser to keep my mouth shut, do as I was told and volunteer for everything and I would do fine. That was good advice. There is also little room for discussing anything in school as the instructors teach you by the book. Real nursing is not by the book and it takes a while to figure that out. Instead of being so critical of new nurses, management and preceptors should be aware of a new nurses idealism and learn how to proactively deal with it. That's what leaders do. They will learn soon enough. I, for one, always smile when the idealism comes out. It lets you know that they were listening in school and want to do things the way they were taught. You, as an experienced nurse, are responsible for teaching and shaping the new staff. Their failure is often the experienced staff's failure. Take pride in teaching and shaping the nurses who come after you.

[Emergent, RN]

Uh, this gal was not a new nurse, she'd been around the block as long as I have. She was a new hire.

But, ANY new hire should, at the very least, have enough common sense put his/her best foot forward during probation, when it's so easy to be let go.

[nursekayde1978]

Ditto