Complaints already?!

canigraduate · Jul 29, 2015

First, relax.

Second, talk to the manager and find out what the complaints were about and who by.

The complaints may be baseless.

Also, take note of who complained about you in case these are the unit bullies. If they are, you need to know so you can nip it in the bud.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2015

Talk to your manager. If you will be given clear examples of what you did (or perceived to do) wrongly and names of those who were unhappy with you, it is a good sign and you probably can manage the situation by doing things the expected way.

If there will be vague things like "some gals just have concerns about you" without any particular informaton, please think hard about giving them your 2 weeks note ASAP. It is the first sign of bullying which is covered by manager. Because of the latter, you won't be able to "nip it in the bud", you only can minimize your losses by getting out of there before they had their high and all the fun and then terminate you for whatever reason.

The fact that you had stellar experience elsewhere, means nothing, as every unit and every specialty is a separate universe in some sense. If you have to get out of there, make sure it happens by your will, not their, and that your every single classmate knows where not to apply for a job.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

Hello, AllNurses!
I just recently started working as a tech in the ER, and for the most part, it has been an amazing experience. I was a CNA in a hospital for almost 3 years, but after getting accepted into an RN program, I wanted to learn a little more and be exposed to different things. Techs in the ER can do so much more than CNAs on the floor. Techs can draw labs, do EKGs, foleys, straight caths, splints, wound care -a whole lot more than assisting with ADLs and vitals! So far it's been a great experience and I've learned a lot in the month that I've been working there.
However, one of the managers told me today that some staff had been complaining about me and it totally blew me away (mind you, I've only been there about a month). I was in shock. I am a hard worker, and on my last unit I received excellent employee/manager reviews. I am a shy person by nature and so I feel like some of the night staff thinks I'm a mean person and don't speak to anyone because they feel as if I think I have some chip on my shoulder, and that couldn't be further from the truth. When I'm working, all the staff is nice to me, and I'm always offering help; and so to be told today that there are people complaining about me to leadership is surprising.
I am a hard worker and a great team player, and so for people to even to make assumptions about me and go to leadership instead of myself is offensive. This conversation between management and myself shouldn't have even happened. It should have been myself and the individuals directly. Do people not understand what kind of jeopardy you put someone in by complaining to management about them? The times have been rare, but I have always spoken to people directly about issues, and we resolve them together. I'm surprised that these individuals can smile to my face, and act like everything is okay, but complain about me behind my back.
Like I said, in all my previous work history, I've never been reprimanded or even spoken to about my work ethic. This was totally embarrassing for me. I feel like the individuals that complained just don't know me well enough, and if they would have gotten to know me, they would see I am a great worker and team player.
Now I'm feeling like I made a mistake coming to the ER. I don't know what to change to where these people would like me. I do my job, and I help others. I even help housekeeping clean beds and rooms, so I help all areas of the team. I am just worried that the complaints will continue to come and it won't end well for me.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this?
Thanks in advance.

" The times have been rare, but I have always spoken to people directly about issues, and we resolve them together. "

Not so rare if you needed to resolve issues with one month on the unit.

Expound on the "issues".

OneDayAtATime93 · Jul 30, 2015

I was referring to issues on my previous unit of almost 3 years, thanks.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

I was referring to issues on my previous unit of almost 3 years, thanks.

Understood. So what exactly ARE the complaints being brought forward by management?

OneDayAtATime93 · Jul 30, 2015

Just that I am not seen as being proactive enough. However, the individuals who complained did not provide examples to management. Its very vague. I feel I am proactive and gave examples of my critical thinking, rationale and thought processes but management just said individuals stated I wasn't.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

Well, hell's bells! How "proactive" can you be after one month? Seems you are being targeted by the night shift because you "are not friendly" enough. For what it's worth, I was FIRED after 2 weeks orientation because "I did not smile enough." The play nice in the sandbox mentality is alive and well.

Was this a write up, a verbal counseling, or just a head's up from management?

OneDayAtATime93 · Jul 30, 2015

It was more of a heads up. They stated I need to try and venture out and speak more to the staff, to which I responded that this isn't motivation for me to want to speak to them any more than I have to. Maybe its just me, but if I saw that a new employee was shy, I would extend a hand to them instead of being offended that they're not immediately best friends with everyone on the unit and complaining to management.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

It was not very proactive for your coworkers to make this complaint, presumably without any factual information or supporting documentation, without speaking directly to you first.

Sometimes false complaints are made against employees, even physicians, who are so good at the job they make everybody else look bad.

I suggest you talk with you preceptor and ask " how can I be more proactive?"

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

It was more of a heads up. They stated I need to try and venture out and speak more to the staff, to which I responded that this isn't motivation for me to want to speak to them any more than I have to. Maybe its just me, but if I saw that a new employee was shy, I would extend a hand to them instead of being offended that they're not immediately best friends with everyone on the unit and complaining to management.

Agree, but "somebody" ( important to management) interpreted your shyness for uppityness.

You have 2 choices. Resign, or make nice. If you decide to make nice, smile and nod, smile and nod. Bring donuts, ask Missy Sue how her grand baby is doing. It should pass quickly.

Best of luck whichever you decide.

odaat · Jul 30, 2015

Was the complaint of not being proactive solely related to the social aspect of work or were they possibly talking about clinically? Because in the ER proactive clinically is very much a needed quality, meaning you anticipate whats needed and act accordingly without having to be directed or asked every time. Granted this is not a skill you're going to be proficient at in 1 month but you should be making progress towards it.