Coworker reported me for something I hadn't done = Final warning

[NocturneNrse]

I'm so upset. A coworker (on a different shift) reported to my supervisor (about 1 month ago) that I hadn't finished CAPD with my patient. I distinctly remember this patient, and incident, AND can walk through every detail of my completing her CAPD. She also told my supervisor that I did not know why a patient was on Heparin, which I do not recall b/c I would always find out WHY a patient was on Hep gtt. I just got a final written warning today (I had made 1 med error 2 wks ago, my first and only one - which they said counted as my first warning). This med error was on the final warning as well. I am one to own up to my errors, and always take responsibility for my actions. My issue isn't with the warning about the med error b/c I had made that error and own up to it completely. No harm was done to the patient which is my first concern!

BUT... before I signed this warning, I did make a note that this report of my not completing the CAPD was incorrect, and explained the situation. Also I wrote a note stating I did not recall "not knowing" why the patient was getting Heparin.

I've had multiple problems with this one staff member. She is belittling, disrespectful, and beyond the point of verbal abuse with her outbursts. I don't like her, but am always respectful and professional. In a little emotional state, I nearly went to the floor to confront her, but regained my wits and drove home allowing myself "cool off" time and to get my thoughts together.

I DO want to confront this coworker. I feel that letting this go without mention would only admit any wrong doing on my part AND continue to allow her to act this way toward me. I am a very kind, low key, unfrazzled person - but, this is the last straw with her.

I would like some advice on how others would approach this situation with her. I have a little scripted sentence of what I'd like to say to her, but would like your opinions.

I want to make my point, but I also want to do so professionally. I feel this cannot go without be addressed with her.

Thank you SO much everyone!

[anonymurse]

I too, am sorry for your situation, but I am not understanding your post correctly, so please forgive me....first, what is CAPD? I looked it up and all I could find was a test for ADD or Continuous Periotoneal Dialysis!!

The A is for Ambulatory.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

First of all a med error is not a reason to write someone up. Perhaps you can talk to HR and clarify this, pointing out the most nursing associations and organizations (including the one I work for) treat med errors in a non-punitive manner.

Second, I totally disagree with the notion that you're helpless, should quit, and can't turn this situation around. Management probably isn't going to support you and you need to stand up for yourself and nip it in the budd. It's going to take committment on your part, and perhaps you'll need some coaching or at least read a good book on constructive confrontation.....Google that term.

For example when you feel belittled, say so. "The way you said what you just did made me feel.............". "You reported that I didn't know why a patient was on a Heparin drip, and I think you might have been mistaken, why did you feel this way?"........."I finished up the CAPD on a patient and you said I didn't, can we talk about this?"..........don't fight, don't be angry, be calm and matter of fact, yet stand your ground.

Each and every time you feel slighted, insulted or belittled and don't stand up for yourself you are giving her permission to continue. If each and every single time you say something, it just might stop. They will get tired of you "nipping it in the bud", but you have to be consistent, and you have to stay professional and role model the behavior you want. It's worked for me.

Good luck. Don't play the victim. Don't back down. Don't be afraid to confront. In the end having a meeting with management might help for sure, but reporting employees to management really is not as effective as doing it yourself.

You will come across personalities like this wherever you go and there's no need to run every time. However it's up to you to decide is it a battle worth fighting, or if you're going to surrender and find it not worth it.

Even if in the end it's a losing battle, imagine how empowered you will feel that you stood up for yourself, that you overcame your fears and confronted someone. These will be valuable lessons for you, and the next time you'll be stronger, and the soon bullies will recognize that this is one not to mess with. Empower yourself.

[NocturneNrse]

I too, am sorry for your situation, but I am not understanding your post correctly, so please forgive me....first, what is CAPD? I looked it up and all I could find was a test for ADD or Continuous Periotoneal Dialysis!! Anyway, why would the supervisor give you a final warning for a co-worker's allegation? Did she have some proof that you didn't do something you should have? Does she have special relationship with this supervisor which allows for favoritism? And why would this be a final warning if all you have done is make 1 med error since you have been working at this place?

Yes CAPD = Peritoneal Dialysis

Proof = None that I can think of... the charting of the drained diasylate would fall on her shift after the completed infusion was done because the Diasylate is a close unit consisting of empy drain bag, and full fill bag - that amt would have to be weighed and documented AFTER her infusion... which fell on this coworkers shift. She was aware, I told her that I was going to start the infusion before I left out the door.

No special relationship that I'm aware of. This supervisor is pretty fair which baffles me.

I failed to document a patients B/P in another incident - however this was brought to my attention during the final warning.. perhaps that is why it is "final".

[Hopeful3]

Do NOT confront her! Have a meeting as soon as possible with your supervisor and her! You don't want to be written up for this. Be looking for another job, ASAP or at least something part time. Sounds like this lady has it out for you.

Good luck!

[gentle]

There are tons of companies needing dialysis nurses. Find one and move on. Take the lessons you've learned with you and go. This nurse is a bully and isn't to be trusted. I work with one of those also. I stay far away and try to make certain that I know my stuff inside and out.

And as another poster stated, you will always need a second job. So find one. I have learned to always keep my backup plan ready for use.

[Simply Complicated]

Yes CAPD = Peritoneal Dialysis

Proof = None that I can think of... the charting of the drained diasylate would fall on her shift after the completed infusion was done because the Diasylate is a close unit consisting of empy drain bag, and full fill bag - that amt would have to be weighed and documented AFTER her infusion... which fell on this coworkers shift. She was aware, I told her that I was going to start the infusion before I left out the door.

No special relationship that I'm aware of. This supervisor is pretty fair which baffles me.

I failed to document a patients B/P in another incident - however this was brought to my attention during the final warning.. perhaps that is why it is "final".

Sounds like they are pretty quick to write people up, or atleast that is the way it comes across in your post. I can see being wrote up in a serious situation, or if said nurse is consistently making mistakes. But to do so over every little thing, does not make for a good learning environment. It just makes people afraid to admit and claim their mistakes.

All I can say, is not all places are like this. I've worked for some really great hospitals, with some really great staff. There is always that one person who you don't click with, but that doesn't mean they will be manipulative. But then again, it all falls back to management and how they handle things. They can really set the tone for a work environment. Good luck!!

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I am sorry to hear about you situation. If at all possible seek part-time employment elsewhere. It is my firm belief that nurses should not have just one job. Everyone makes mistakes and it is very easy to get let go for any reason.

Confronting the offending individual won't do any good. I'm quite sure that the "Powers that be" know about the coworker's behavior and turns a blind eye. Good luck.

Also, they probably encourage her to rat people out. I think your manager is an idiot for believing you don't know why someone is on Heparin. And why is she taking the other person's word over yours? I'm sorry to say but I think you need to burn up some of your saved time and look for a new job because your boss wants you gone.

I wouldn't even try please them any more. Of course, you might want to start writing up this first rate B***** that you work with. See how she likes it.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

"Don't confront her. If you're with her alone she'll probably say you touched her or something.

As soon as you find a new job, quit this one. Don't give them two weeks, just quit. Normally I'd never recommend that, but they're obviously looking to fire you, and they don't care what bills you have or how many kids you're supporting."

Agreed. You have got to know when to hold em, fold em, walk away & run. It is a lot easier on your psyche when you trump them and go home with a clean slate than have them fire you for either thing this poster mentions. Youve gotta maintain some strength and power in this. Believe us.

Do not quit without notice if you can possibly help it. Of course, you can call off a lot and burn up your saved sick time that you will otherwise probably lose.