Annoying Employee

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I have a situation at work that I'm having a bit of issue with, and am asking for opinions. I'm a supervisor at work. Recently, we've hired a nurse that has an unbearable personality. So unbearable, I'm finding it hard to even be tolerant. Last week, I went over orientation paperwork with her, and she had to excuse herself to go cry. Twice. Mind you, the paperwork was not overwhelming, a simple checklist. I tried being empathetic, in which she responded her AC at home was broke. She hadn't slept well. I figure ok, some people are just overly sensitive. However, I was told she went to others making it seem as if I myself had made her cry, and perhaps even intentional. I will admit, I have chronic RBF syndrome (no need to deny it lol) but I at no point was mean to her (I would admit this). No BS straight to the point attitude, sure, but not mean. (Mind you, I'm in my last quarter of RN school, kinda dry of a sense of humor right now). At this point, I really want no interaction unless she has a question/concern about our residents or her job duties and responsibilities.

I'm just wondering, especially as a supervisor, how others would approach this issue?? How does one really deal with an employee that you have a personality clash with?

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Being told by "others" isn't a reliable source. Go straight to the source. A simple "Hey, lets talk about what happened last week and clear away any concerns or misconceptions" may be all that you need to do. Its very possible she was just having a bad day and she isn't normally emotional over small things. Or maybe she is and she may not work out but you won't find out from second hand sources. Also, take note to how your coming off to others. We all have stressful times, I just graduated last April and I get it, but you are still going to have professionally deal with workers you may not personally like. Being a supervisor of anyone is a dreadful job, one I would never want in most settings, so I do sympathize with your frustration. Tell her that you should both put that incident behind yourselves and start fresh. Then find out from there what kind of worker she may be. GL!

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You're a supervisor of nurses and you're not a nurse yet? What kind of facility is this?

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I would throw her a life line and point out some positive things about her work. Is she a new graduate? If you're a supervisor, you probably should be willing to bend a little bit. You'll be making your own life harder if you decide that it's something you're not willing to do.

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Specializes in Oncology.
You're a supervisor of nurses and you're not a nurse yet? What kind of facility is this?

I wondered this too, but she refers to residents, so I'm guessing this is a LTC setting. She specifically mentioned being in an RN program. Perhaps she is an LPN supervising other LPNs?

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I apologize for the lack of clarity. Yes it is LTC.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I dunno about others, but when I start a new job I am a very different person than usual - more cautious and more sensitive. Since she is a recent hire, she could just be extremely reactive right now to things that normally wouldn't provoke that response. I agree with others who recommended extending the olive branch and asking, "Hey, what happened the other day? Are we cool?" I always respect a supervisor who is in tune enough to sense when something is going on with staff and addresses it straight on.

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Specializes in school nurse.

Lower the temperature of the building; she is a special snowflake and must not be allowed to melt...

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" I'm in my last quarter of RN school".

What supervisory position do you hold?

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You're a supervisor of nurses and you're not a nurse yet? What kind of facility is this?

Anything is possible in Florida!

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I can leave this page and Google it.......but I'll just stay here. What in the heck is RBF syndrome? Please don't use acronyms or abbreviations unless they are common ones.

I'm not at all creative, can't even guess what it might be?

I'm either sorry about your condition, or don't get the joke?

Otherwise I think your post is interesting, you sound like a great LVN supervisor on your way to being a great nurse. As long as your RBF doesn't derail your career?

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

RBF. Resting ***** face lol. I suffer from this affliction as well

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