Charge Nurse Ignores Me

onetiredmomma · Nov 28, 2012

Make sure you have her full attention...stand next to her. When you are finished with your question/ statement and don't get a response, ask her if she heard you. (sometimes with all the chaos going on in our nurses' station I truly don't hear people when they say my name). I would guess you have tried these things but short of screaming her name its all I could come up with! Good luck!

qt2168 · Nov 28, 2012

I have tried that, thanks though. I hope someone has something else I can use!

DoeRN · Nov 28, 2012

Tap her on the shoulder and have her face you and then make sure she is focused on you.

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2012

If its regarding a patient condition/issue change or problem tell her and note in the chart "charge nurse notified". When she's questioned on it she may start listening. Though you probably get on her bad side. How are you telling her? Standing behind, in front, on the side? Is she doing something? Perhaps lightly touch her shoulder and say her name?

qt2168 · Nov 28, 2012

I will be standing at the desk. Shes sitting at the nurse station also and is usually speaking with another nurse. Tapping her on the shoulder would be a bit weird and probably not welcome. Any other ideas?

DoeRN · Nov 28, 2012

It will get her attention. Be assertive. Say excuse me if she is talking to another person then if and when she focuses her attention on you make your statement or ask your questions. Stand near her and if she doesn't hear you when you say this tap her on the shoulder.

Or project your voice if you can without yelling. I have a loud voice naturally so I have to make an effort to soften it. But I can project it if I need too but I'm not yelling.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Nov 28, 2012

As a charge nurse people know if I am not looking at them I am probably not paying attention. I tell new staff to poke me if needed. Not recommending that but get into her personal space:......hard to ignore that!

Ntheboat2 · Nov 28, 2012

I will be standing at the desk. Shes sitting at the nurse station also and is usually speaking with another nurse. Tapping her on the shoulder would be a bit weird and probably not welcome. Any other ideas?

Usually speaking with another nurse? Maybe she's doing with you what I used to do to my kids when they interrupted people who were talking....ignore them.

Really, if she's just chit chatting, I would say, "Suzy, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you." If she doesn't look at you then...um..well, that would be weird. I would probably say, "Can you look at me so I know you're listening?" I don't think anyone in their right mind would still ignore that.

If she does.....ask your manager for a psych consult....on the charge nurse.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 28, 2012

If she is speaking to another nurse, I would stand right beside the other nurse, and wait a moment for them to finish speaking. Either charge will get the idea you want to speak to her, or they will wonder why you are standing there listening to their conversation. When they stop speaking is when you would say "Sorry for interupting, however, ........" If they continue their conversation, and the extent is not professional, I would (still standing beside the other nurse she is speaking to) say "excuse me". Giving charge benefit of the doubt, if she is speaking to the nurse about patients, then you can only concentrate on one issue at a time. If she is speaking about personal chatty stuff, and continues to ignore you, is something else entirely. And needs to be brought to your NM attention.

lisamlpn · Nov 28, 2012

I cannot Advise either touching this person or getting in their personal space. Any touch without consent can be considered "battery" in their personal space could be considered aggression. If you feel you are deliberately being ignored you need to address this by stating this to the Charge nurse. If you receive no response to this, address it with your nurse manager or shift supervisor. Always follow the chain of command. Keep in mind, we will never be liked by everyone, but we all deserve respect. If you have a valid complaint, be assertive and make yourself heard.

Good Luck.

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2012

I cannot Advise either touching this person or getting in their personal space. Any touch without consent can be considered "battery" in their personal space could be considered aggression. If you feel you are deliberately being ignored you need to address this by stating this to the Charge nurse. If you receive no response to this, address it with your nurse manager or shift supervisor. Always follow the chain of command. Keep in mind, we will never be liked by everyone, but we all deserve respect. If you have a valid complaint, be assertive and make yourself heard.
Good Luck.

Being married to a cop I have to chime in. Can someone file battery for a tap on the shoulder? Yes. Will it go anywhere? Sure, the charge nurse would get that psych eval someone previously mentioned. LMAO