Bully Scrub Techs

Windyhill, BSN · Feb 17, 2019

Anyone??

JackChase1212, MSN, APRN · Feb 17, 2019

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. I have encountered some very difficult scrub techs in my career also, and when they have the ear of management it can be hard to deal with. I am a circulator. I would address the issues with management regardless, and document every incident to keep privately in case the issue gets worse. Documentation will increase your credibility. I have in the past asked management to mediate (so they can witness) discussions with the tech to address specific issue directly. That helped in one circumstance. Good luck.

Windyhill, BSN · Feb 17, 2019

Thank you

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 17, 2019

Do you have your manager's support? Are you following policies and procedures? Are you doing things correctly? Are you certain that this is the person talking to your manager about you and that she is telling lies? Because your post isn't specific enough to support a charge of bullying.

Talk to your manager and express your concerns, but it could easily go badly for you. So be prepared for that.

ORoxyO · Feb 18, 2019

I've been here many times before, coming from some rough inner city hospitals. It was the goal of many seasoned staff to see how far they could push it. They enjoyed breaking people. I experienced this myself and mentoring new staff as an OR educator. I had people in my office crying constanly at some rough places.

What seemed to work for me was standing up to these people. You don't have to be rude or angry, but sometimes just stand up for yourself. Show some spunk. Ask the person flat out what is wrong with your actions. Ask them what their deal with you is. Be confident and show them that you know what you are doing. (And make sure you actually know you performing safety and properly). Most them buckle over when confronted. This person is probably insecure and is trying to make you look bad, but can't handle it themselves.

Another way is to kill them with kindness. Be as polite and chipper as possible to their face. Be overly gracious when thanking them for their "advice"/criticism. It will drive them bonkers that they are unable to get to you.

Most importantly, NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU CRY. They feed on it.

twinsmom788 · Mar 9, 2019

On 2/17/2019 at 6:21 PM, ORoxyO said:
I've been here many times before, coming from some rough inner city hospitals. It was the goal of many seasoned staff to see how far they could push it. They enjoyed breaking people. I experienced this myself and mentoring new staff as an OR educator. I had people in my office crying constanly at some rough places.
What seemed to work for me was standing up to these people. You don't have to be rude or angry, but sometimes just stand up for yourself. Show some spunk. Ask the person flat out what is wrong with your actions. Ask them what their deal with you is. Be confident and show them that you know what you are doing. (And make sure you actually know you performing safety and properly). Most them buckle over when confronted. This person is probably insecure and is trying to make you look bad, but can't handle it themselves.
Another way is to kill them with kindness. Be as polite and chipper as possible to their face. Be overly gracious when thanking them for their "advice"/criticism. It will drive them bonkers that they are unable to get to you.
Most importantly, NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU CRY. They feed on it.

This is excellent advice. You have every right to be there and do what you were hired to do. DO NOT be intimidated by the grumpy ones. Stand up, be professional, and most of all don't let them see you sweat.

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2019

21 hours ago, twinsmom788 said:
This is excellent advice. You have every right to be there and do what you were hired to do. DO NOT be intimidated by the grumpy ones. Stand up, be professional, and most of all don't let them see you sweat.

Even more so, techs work under MY license. I run the room and I am ultimately responsible for what happens. I had one once that, when I asked to count before the patient was brought back, got very nasty and threatened “I’m calling corporate.” My response was something to the effect of “you do that, I’ll dial the phone for you but you can do it after the procedure, now count please.”

I love a good day when I have an awesome tech (I’ve had the pleasure of working with some phenomenal folks.) I can look at the assignments, see who’s scrubbing and get a spring in my step. Or not.

on ‘kill them with kindness?” Absuloutely. Especially as a newbie, when the “bully” grasps that you do respect thier skills, etc. it can help. Also paying close attention. Flip those laps on the field when you observe they are running low. Stuff like that.

Remember, though. Above all...the room is your responsibility. I can’t stress that enough.

Kevin657 · Mar 21, 2019

If I were you,I would *** them.

schoolnurse13k · Mar 23, 2019

Omg this very thing is happening to me. I am no longer a school nurse just an FYI, I am a new circulating nurse. I have been at my current position for 4 months and am being bullied and harassed by one scrub tech in particular. The *** thing is that we are a small ASU and only have two techs so I have to see her and work with her nearly everyday. I've already brought it to my charge nurses attention and she escalated it to management. We've been in my directors office twice, but she seems to have managements side and has turned things around to look like i'm part of the problem to. It's infuriating. To top it off I'm 8 months pregnant and being bullied at this point in my life feels almost like a way for them to get rid of me. I'm at my wits end and am contemplating going on maternity leave early just for the sake of me and my baby. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Hang in there.

RickyRescueRN, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2019

Sounds like you have an unproductive/ hostile work environment on your hands. I'd recommend that you write incident reports, keep notes of dates, times, what was said, how you escalated it to your immediate supervisor and their response. If there is no improvement , go directly to HR of your hospital and be very clear that this behavior has been ongoing. If they do nothing about it, you will have a solid case for legal action against the employer. If you are a union hospital, get your union representative involved. Best of luck,

LovedRN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2019

You have union? Talk to the union if you have it. Supervisors/managers will do something about it when it comes to the union. Good luck.