Bullying in nursing home w/ nurses kinda?

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I'm a CNA and I work in a nursing home. I love the residents and don't mind the care. But its alot of drama. I try to stay away from it, but it somehow finds me anyway. Here is some of the things that go on. I'm very quiet and I always hear them gossiping about me. The LPN have their favorites. So I get stuck with the assignments that, that person doesn't want to do or I end up doing all the work. They gang up on you and make stories up against you and always playing the blame game. For example, if a patient fall they're looking for someone to blame. A LPN didn't like a Cna and ask the other CNA's and lpn to write a 4 page letter against her. I like the people but I can't stand the people I work with. It's so unfair and i need the job right now. But its alot of drama. If a nurse, speak something untrue against you, how can you go against that? the administrator and DON, are quick to believe them. I've seen so many lose their job because of this...any advice on what I can do or any input at all?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

WOW....

The most I can say to you (which may sound a little flaky) is you MUST start defending yourself.

First, start challenging assertively the assignments if they are heavy; ask WHY you are given an assignment; if you don't know the assignment, assertively find out what you need to to know, etc; if they try to blow you off, STAND YOUR GROUND; if they ignore you, go up the chain; the charge nurse ALL the way up to Administration if they continue to blow you off.

If you overheard an actual fraudulent accusation; unless you have witnessed it, then I would take it to the ombudsman; each LTC has a number for a nursing home ombudsman. Document when such activity is happening, and forward it to the ombudsman or if your place is part of a parent company; then get the higher ups to become involved; if they are independently owned, go to the health department. This is after inaction when a situation like this arises; also be prepared to look for another job; because of this place is how you describe, then be prepared for retaliation; this place sounds like a hostile work environment.

I have found in the 13 years I've worked in this business that ring assertive, careful documentation and commanding respect VERY ASSERTIVELY and showing it (without being a pushover) and focusing on getting the job done gave me few little enemies; or if they disliked me, I wouldn't know because they still gave me respect, or maybe they didn't bother me... *shrugs*

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

This is part of the reason I will never work in LTC again.

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Thanks LadyFree28 so much,great advice!

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I don't have a choice right now. I tried applying for hospitals and etc. So i guess all LTC are like this huh?

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Specializes in Hospice.

There is drama at the hospitals too. I have learned that when you feel like you are being treated unfairly you need to voice that concern with examples. If someone is telling lies about you, go to that person and address it, if you don't feel like you can do that, then you need to talk with you DON as soon as possible.

Is there another nurse at your job that you can trust and confide in? I hope things get better for you.

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