co-worker issue

[mountainnurse]

I have been working at this hospital for 1 year and from the very first day I met this person it has been clear from her end that we are not going to be friends. She was very cold when I attempted to get to know her, and commonly rolled her eyes while I was talking. I realize that I am not going to get along with everyone, and I figured she had some issue with me being a new grad and just let it go. She has lots of friends on our unit and so do I and at first we just ignored each other. The problem is I feel like lately I have to let something go every time I am unfortunate enough to work in close proximity with her. She is rude and condescending and it seems to be escalating.

The last time I worked with her we had a situation with a pt and a code was called. The pt condition improved by the time she had come over and in the middle of this situation she proceeded to tell me that I should not have called a code (pt was not breathing) all of this while several people including my charge nurse were trying to help the pt. A couple people asked what her problem with me is, and I have no idea! We never even talk to each other unless we absolutely have to and I am always pleasant and professional. Instead of helping us with the pt, she stood there and degraded me on exactly why she thought I shouldn't have called the code in a non constructive manner. I tried not to react, but I am sure I snapped back.

At this point I feel like it has gone beyond just not liking each other and has begun to affect pt care and I need to say something to her, but I am not sure how to approach the situation. I don't need her to be my friend I just want to have a professional working relationship. should I sit down with her and try to clear the air?

[lpnflorida]

I am sorry you are having to deal with this. Aside from trying to talk to this person directly the other alternative is to speak to your supervisor or DON. Hostility does not need to be tolerated.

[pink85]

I would speak with her with your supervisor there in a closed meeting.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Clearly there needs to be a meeting with HN, this nurse and yourself. You should write her up for unprofessional conduct for her conduct during this code situation. I am surprised the CN did not tell her to leave the room and "discuss" her attitude and actions with her in a more private setting.

This is clearly a hostile working situation, she sounds like a "joy" to work with. Please, keep your professional attitude at all times when there is the slightest chance of dealing with her. She will be a thorn in your side until she is dealt with by management.

If it continues you need to consider your other options. Like a transfer to another unit. Good luck.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

When people start being confrontational and questioning your abilities and decisions publicly like this, that's a clear sign that their behavior has escalated to the point where something MUST be done. I ditto what has already been said.

[mountainnurse]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I think I will try to speak to her and try to find some resolution between us and if she is not receptive then I will ask her to sit down with one of our CN or admin and figure it out. I am not sure if the CN talked to her about it since it was CRAZY busy that night and there were a lot of other things going on in addition to this situation but I felt like she should have. I don't think it will come to me having to leave the unit because of her. We are a very busy ER and have lots of staff so hopefully we can work together more peacefully and avoid each other in the meantime.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a good plan. Good luck!