Being treated like dirt from the aides...

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Oct 5, 2006

I'm sorry for your terrible shift and I hope things get better.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Oct 5, 2006

For one thing, I've worked with some of the most psychotic b*$#% nurses on earth, but still managed to have a decent working relationship with them. Whether or not you show respect (which I'm sure you do) the disrespect from them is not okay. Let's pretend you're horrid. They still need to respect your position as their supervisor.

Good old fashioned sit-down-and-have-it-outs are good. Then everyone has to say what they think to people's faces instead of behind backs. They need to understand that you're all there for the same reason-the patients. They get the best care when everyone works together.

And then some people are just dense and will NEVER understand anything except that the world is all about them.

texas_lvn · Oct 5, 2006

I agree with lovingtheunloved. Sit down and talk. When I first started, I recd alot of crap from one CNA, simply because I was younger than her and she was jealous that I got my degree. Also, give it some time. And some old fashion sucking up doesn't hurt either. Get some cookies from a local bakery. One of my problems at the beginning was that I wanted to make sure that my CNAs knew I was behind them, I was literally killing myself doing both my job and hers. I wanted her to know I appreciated her, and she took complete advantage of it. Good luck and keep us posted.

MIA-RN1, RN · Oct 5, 2006

My tech tonight managed not to record the vitals she took on my patients! SHe barely talks to me, which I normally don't mind but it really peeved me tonight. So in front of everyone I brought out a patient's chart to her and said "Sally, did you forget to record this patient's vitals?" And I stood there while she took out her sheet and wrote the vitals in the chart, then thanked her and took the chart back !

Then a little while later I needed a pt brought back to the floor and I asked her to go get her. She rolled her eyes, but she went. I noticed four bags of unfolded washcloths on the front counter of hte nurse's station, which is part of her responsiblity to fold and put away, instead of hanging out in the nursery, talking, laughing and singing. She is usualy at the computer as well.

She spends her nights in the nursery where I am sure she helps but then the floor nurses end up doing their own overnight vitals.

She has got into the habit of making an announcement when visiting hours are over and also turning off the hall lights at 8pm. I went to my supervisor about that, its simply not appropriate on a postpartum floor to expect visitors to leave at 8pm when they are coming in as new admits all over the clock. (I tell my patients' visitors that they don't have to leave unless they are having a party in the room and don't invite me lol) And the hospital makes the overhead announcemnet anyway about visiting hours. And I cannot STAND the lights being turned of. Hello, its 8pm and we are adults. t.

Wow, sorry to vent. Meant to empathize but I guess I'm a bit upset too!

RNLisa · Oct 5, 2006

I was an aide for the 3 years I was in nursing school, I vowed that I would treat my aides with respect and say thank you when I became a nurse. I work at another hospital now and I have to say, the aides/unit clerks are WONDERFUL!! If they are busy, I help. I even had an aide say "That's our job, we will do it, you don't have to" when I was getting ice water for my patient, she meant it in a very nice way. They are great, and I am lucky to have them there to help if I need it. I try to do things myself because I have time, or when I have time. It helps them out and they seem to appreciate me more that way.

I hope you have better luck with your aides, maybe you do just need to sit down and talk to them.

Good luck,

blaaveispiken · Oct 5, 2006

I think it should be required for nursing students to work as a CNA even if it is just for a few months. I know there are some CNA's with attitudes, but as has been mentioned, "thank you's" and respect goes a long way with an aide. I've worked as an aide before and loved, loved, loved the nurses who treated me like I too had a brain. Now I'm an RN and will never take a CNA for granted -- they are the work horses and often receive very little recognition. If an aide is in a room with me making a bed, I'll jump in and help -- little things like that can make all the difference in the world in promoting harmony in an already crazy, stressful working environment.

geniann · Oct 6, 2006

I had this same problem when I began at a local LTC facility. I was WAY too nice and they took advantage of me. Finally I had to write some of them up and I also had my supervisor, the DON and myself talk with all the aides to find out just exactly what the problem was. The main thing is that your supervisor and your DON stand behind you and they let the aides know it. Whenever I had another problem with them I would get my supervisor and we took care of it together. It was harder for them to jump on me when there were 2 or us. After a while they learned that I was a good, helpful nurse and they became friendly with me. They would see that I would take someone to the bathroom or change a patient and not make a big deal of it- IF I had time. They helped me and I help them- I think in time you will have the same thing happen. Best of luck to you and just keep doing what is right- you will get through it!

Dempather, RN · Oct 6, 2006

Thanks for all the great notes and support. I did see a difference today.. even though I know I bent a little backwards for one.. I talked to her like I would any other nurse or doctor. She seemed appreciative. I agree though, as with all else -- this will probably take some time. Thanks again.

bethin · Oct 6, 2006

Number one rule:

Never talk down to aides. We may be glorified butt wipers but many of us are working as aides to go to school to be nurses. And please don't yell at the messenger.

I always appreciate when I come to a nurse with a pt concern that she listen to me and acknowledge that she heard me. I know nurses are very very busy but it reassures me that they hear me, they see me, and they don't think what I'm saying is a bunch of bull. Also, a good morning, good night, thank you, etc are nice. But that goes both ways. If an aide is just being down right nasty to you without cause then you need to first pull that person aside and have a talk. If that doesn't work, discuss it with your supervisor.

Oh, and when you see that harried look on aides faces when 5 call lights are going off and vitals need done every 15 mins on the fresh post ops, and you need something--be patient. I tell the nurses to take numbers. The first person who asks, receives unless the next nurse is in need of something NOW. If you ask an aide to get a water pitcher for a pt and another pt is sitting in their own urine, expect a wait.

StudyingNursing · Oct 6, 2006

Talk to them as coworkers.

even though I know I bent a little backwards for one.. I talked to her like I would any other nurse or doctor.

It shouldn't be bending over backwards to talk to your aides as coworkers. Treating them with respect will get you respect and better attitudes.

Nurse`Chief~Chickie · Oct 6, 2006

i agree with too many things here to quote!

1st of all, a positive, mutuallyrespectful work relationship is key, however, don't be too concerned if this takes a while. no matter the title, new co-workers need to feel each other out. i bet you'll soon see who deserves much respect and appreciates you and who will need a firm guideance from you. we know in our jobs that we have definate priorities. you can't be expected to compromise just to win favor. and you should not feel bad for expecting someone to do their own job and take direction as it is intended. you have a role of guidance. (hellooo, our education) accept it and let the respect come in time. i also vowed to never be one of those nurses, and i don't plan on it. do right by your own conscience and the patient, and you will be fine.