Conflict between staff

[lovemybabes]

I work in a 20 bed NICU. Our supervisor recently resigned because family reasons, but come to find out a group of girls have kind of taken control in the NICU and go above her head if they don't like the answer that we gave them. She has been gone 2 weeks and these 4 girls have taken over many of the responsiblities of the Supervisor.

It has been a living HELL in the unit. They are doing the schedule and causing conflict amongst staff. They, of course, are blaming the last Supervisor on some of these decisions. These women also don't like to work very hard when they are at work.

In the last 2 weeks, I have had many run ins with them. Sent 2 emails to the Manager of the floor, who is suppose to be running the show somewhat, but she has the whole floor, 3 departments. I have met with her twice and she is basicly backing thesse women. I need to be more assertive and speak my mind to them and tell them to stop. At what point do they get in trouble, when should she get involved and speak to them? Why do I have to do her job? We are loosing staff weekly because of them and their decisions. When does the Manager put a stop to it? Any suggestions on how I can approach these women? HELP!!!!

[obprof]

I don't know the answer to your question, but think you should also post it in the "Nurse Managers" section because they probably have a good answer.

Maybe follow the chain of command and go up higher??

[Babs0512]

Wow, you are in a wicked, tough situation. If these nurses are not approachable, and you've already gone to the "manager", then continue up the chain of command. Make sure you have documented problems/schedule changes/ and possible interference in patient care - document your concerns and how these concerns were responded to. Keep in mind, once you do this, you may not be very popular - but even that should go away in time.

I would be most concerned with the patients. If staff is leaving and/or the schedules are getting mixed up, this could seriously cause problems with patient care. I would keep a close eye in this area and document problems. This is the area that will get you taken seriously - and most likely have management act. For example, a schedule change was not brought to the staff attention, and two of four nurses showed up for a shift - doubling your patient load - in a NICU - that is VERY serious.

Good luck dear, you will need it. Blessings

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

If she resigned, they should have named someone to be interim. Are you saying the manager is letting these people run the floor??? Like I said, there should have been someone assigned as interim. Personally, I would NOT approach them, and I am a brave soul. You, and the other nurses that are still there, need to take this up the chain of command, with documentation in hand. This sounds as toxic as anything I have ever seen, I might start looking for another job too if this can't be resolved! Good luck!

[twinkletoes53]

I am very sorry for the situation that you are in. I have worked with staff like that, and it is troubling, stressful, and does affect patient care. Even if you are working with neonates who cannot verbalize their feelings, these babies can respond to the stress around them. They may have more desat. spells, or be more irritable, sleep less, and be inconsolable.

You also said "These women also don't like to work very hard when they are at work"

As other nurses have said, it would help if you documented what these nurses are doing specifically, with as much detail as you can. Include the dates, who was involved, what the situation was, how they responded, if patient care was affected, etc. That way, if they try to refute what you say, you have written notes with specifics that you can refer to, and your credibility will not be challenged.

Have any of the other staff nurses voiced their concerns? And if so, to whom? You all need to keep reporting the situations happening, going up the chain of command. Go all the way to the Director of Nursing, if you need to.

[RNnbakes]

I ll say this is the time to lay low. Unless you ll be identified as a trouble maker. If this job is worth it, stay away from this group and dont confront them. Time will eventually bring a new supervisor that will not let them get away with this.