Can I refuse to work w/ a certain CNA?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 16, 2006

The management will probably view it very badly. Talk to them about the problems you have with this particular CNA and let them help you resolve it in an adult, professional way.

You can't run a unit when this person won't work with that person ... and this other person won't work with another person ... etc. etc. etc.

Employers expect their employees to resolve problems, not cause more problems by refusing to work with certain colleagues.

llg

mom and nurse · Jul 16, 2006

I would say it depends on the facility. At our facility the RNs and CNAs rotate every 3 or 4 weeks so we are usually not with the same CNA for more than that length of time. This came about since certain nurses worked better with some CNAs and vice versa.

Are you a student? If so then perhaps tell your instructor about your CNA issue.

chadash · Jul 16, 2006

I agree with the last post, I just don't see how you can refuse to work with a certain colleague. It has to be one of three things:

1. the CNA is unfit, and a difficult employee in general, and needs to go

2. there is a conflict in personalities, and management needs to attempt resolution, an experience that could be positive for all concerned

3. you are not really comfortable with how things are handled at your facility and it may be time to explore other options

flashpoint · Jul 17, 2006

Most likely not...I have only seen one case where management went out of their way to make sure two people were not scheduled together. One of the RNs I used to work with is married to a police officer...he shot the husband of one of the CNAs...the husband stole a deputy's car and was firing the deputy's rifle at police. The CNA was really angry and simply refused to work with the RN...the RN had concerns about her safety and didn't want (but didn't refuse) to work with the CNA.

Take comfort...there is a high turnover of CNAs...too bad the good ones leave too.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 17, 2006

One of the RNs I used to work with is married to a police officer...he shot the husband of one of the CNAs...the husband stole a deputy's car and was firing the deputy's rifle at police. The CNA was really angry and simply refused to work with the RN

Am I the only one who has a problem with that??????

peds4now, RN · Jul 17, 2006

In any profession it is unacceptable to refuse to work with someone else in the company. You do not have to just sit back and put up with bad working conditions, however. If you have tried to settle your differences with the CNA and could not, you need to ask your manager to sit down with both you and the CNA and help you work it out. This is very humbling, but almost always works. BOTH of you will have to objectify and tone down your complaints against each other in front of your boss. Will you love each other after? No, but you may be able to provide patient care together. You may just have to pick up the slack if this CNA doesn't do such a great job since everything s/he does is actually your responsibility. Refusing to work with the person will make you a troublemaker though and may mean your days there are numbered.

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 17, 2006

:rolleyes: As a shift supervisor, I have had instances where someone asked me this very thing. What I do is this: first I ask them why, finding out as much details as I can. Then, I meet with the other person seperately; again, learning as much as I can about THEIR side too. Last, I meet with them together, stressing the fact that we are all adults and that I value both of them as employees and I want them to be able to work together. This does not mean they have to like eachother or meet after work for drinks, but as adults, they should certainly be able to compromise when it comes to the workplace. This has always worked in the past, although if one employee's husband shot the other's husband... well I dunno...

I would meet with your supervisor and explain what is going on, and stress that you are willing to compromise. Maybe he/she could mediate a conversation between the two of you and you can come to an agreement. After all, you will find many instances in your life where you have to work with people you can't stand. That's just the way life is.