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?
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?
What is it about her personality that is unbearable? I was in management for 6 years, and managed staff that I didn't like personally, but still treated them with respect and had to interact with them.
You sound a lot like me, RBF, straight to the point, no sugar coating etc... I have realized over the years that my personality is intimidating to others. I am very conscientious about how I come off to others, sometimes they are the ones with the problem and sometimes it is how I come across to them.
I agree with a PP, going to the employee and talking with her is your best move. You may learn something about how to interact with her in the future and avoid any further misconceptions.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
What exactly is an "unbearable" personality? Sounds like you've already made up your mind about this gal. I agree with the folks suggesting you seek her out, draw her out and try to overcome your initial impression. We don't have to like everyone we work with, but we have to pretend to -- especially those of us in supervisory positions.
LPNs can be supervisors, staff development coordinators MDS nurses and the list goes on in LTC. Since you wil be a supervisor, I would go up to her and ask her about last week.
Sounds like it will be interesting. LTC is not for the faint of heart.
There was some great advice here. Unfortunately, she has since turned in her notice. She had a fall and admission in one night, decided that was too much for her, returned the next night and gave a notice that she would not be returning.
In MN an LPN can 'supervise' an RN in a clerical manner but not clinical.
Same in WI, though I know from personal experience there are ways around that. A former DON promoted an LPN into the unit manager role awhile back and just changed the job title to something that didn't include the word manager. She was the unit coordinator. Same job, different title.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
The OP did not specify that crier was an RN. I'm guessing she was an LPN, and the OP (also an LPN, about to complete her RN) supervises her. Or DID supervise her, as the case appears to be.
Some people are criers - my best bud at work is a great RN with years and years of experience, and one of the best friends I've ever had - but she cries every darned day (sometimes more than once). She can be incredibly harsh to other coworkers, but is very sensitive herself (an odd combo in my opinion).
At times it's all I can do to not be exasperated, others I just take it with a grain of salt. She just is what she is, and I'm cool with it.
Not that I never cry, just not that often.
Your coworker could just be the sensitive sort. Add personal hardships into the mix it could intensify the sensitivity factor.
You never really know just all what a person is struggling with in life. It could be a mother load of tragedies and catastrophes.
I've also found there are some people who just love to stir up trouble for their own entertainment - it could be this employee never said anything of the sort about you intentionally making her cry. Remember that game "Telephone"? The one where you tell the person next to you something, then they tell the next person - and it has a way of subtly changing, so when it gets to the last person the message resembles nothing close to the original statement? It could be a bad case of Telephonism mixed with a dab of trouble maker's delight.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN
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