Dealing with a difficult co-worker

allnurses Guide · Mar 3, 2005

It's very easy to tell you not to accept that kind of behavior, but having been in your shoes in one way or another, I know it's not so easy when the situation happens again. Afterwards you think to yourself, "I should have said this" or done that. The shock of someone's blast of anger in your face can be very disconcerting, and blow away all your brave intentions of standing up for yourself. If you don't succeed in standing up against it the next time, don't put yourself down, it may take a few tries. What has helped me in the past is role playing the situation in my head enough times that if feels like I've ALREADY faced her down, so that when it happens again in real life, I'm ready. Good luck. :twocents:

LPN1974, LPN · Mar 3, 2005

This is one reason why the LTC facilities can't keep good aides because the older ones try to run over the new ones when they come in, and eventually will successfully run them off. I've seen it happen.

Well, anyway, I don't care if she is old enough to your MOM, YOU deserve the same respect as anyone else, and namely her. What I'm saying is she doesn't deserve anymore respect than you.

Stand up for yourself. Like someone else said, have it ready what your'e going to say, and role play it in your mind several times. You can do it.

I know you will be respectful, but she must be told that she doesn't have the right to yell at you.

GLORIAmunchkin72 · Mar 3, 2005

This is one of the reasons why we have shortage of help. Instead of helping new people we run them off! And then we complain that there is not enough help. :nono:

Hi, all, I feel kind of uncomfortable posting this because I hate talking about people behind their backs, but I think I need help. I work with this other CNA on night shift at a nursing home/retirement home every once in awhile, and every time I finish working with her (where I work, the night shift nursing staff is two CNAs and that's it) on the floor I come home upset. Friday night has to have been my worst night with her. If I made a mistake, or didn't do something the way she thought it should be done, she would yell at me -- literally -- whether we were alone or with the patients . Naturally, I kept getting more upset, and therefore more flustered -- and thus I kept on making more mistakes because I couldn't think clearly. The worst was when we were putting one lady to bed and she yelled at me right there in the room. I finished what I had to do, and left the room, furious and nearly in tears. :angryfire She apologised about an hour before the shift was over, when we were alone. I appreciated the apology, but I don't think that she will keep herself from yelling the next time. I'm 18 and have only worked in the health care field about five months, and only then on Fridays and weekends. I know that I don't have as much experience as she does, but I don't think I deserve being yelled at in this way -- other people work with me, and they seem able to work with me without making me feel stupid. I have been raised to respect my elders, and this lady is old enough to be my mom. How can I address this issue respectfully when she does it again? I don't want to embarress her like she has me.

lizzie58 · Mar 3, 2005

Hi, all, I feel kind of uncomfortable posting this because I hate talking about people behind their backs, but I think I need help. I work with this other CNA on night shift at a nursing home/retirement home every once in awhile, and every time I finish working with her (where I work, the night shift nursing staff is two CNAs and that's it) on the floor I come home upset. Friday night has to have been my worst night with her. If I made a mistake, or didn't do something the way she thought it should be done, she would yell at me -- literally -- whether we were alone or with the patients . Naturally, I kept getting more upset, and therefore more flustered -- and thus I kept on making more mistakes because I couldn't think clearly. The worst was when we were putting one lady to bed and she yelled at me right there in the room. I finished what I had to do, and left the room, furious and nearly in tears. :angryfire She apologised about an hour before the shift was over, when we were alone. I appreciated the apology, but I don't think that she will keep herself from yelling the next time. I'm 18 and have only worked in the health care field about five months, and only then on Fridays and weekends. I know that I don't have as much experience as she does, but I don't think I deserve being yelled at in this way -- other people work with me, and they seem able to work with me without making me feel stupid. I have been raised to respect my elders, and this lady is old enough to be my mom. How can I address this issue respectfully when she does it again? I don't want to embarress her like she has me.

hi, anyone who behaves in this manner can be redirected by: 1. ignore when in the actual situation (silence is golden) 2. get them alone and use the "I will not tolerate you speaking to me like this in a patient situation and in this manner. it makes me angry". this way you'll redirect the reason back to her, etc. if this does not work then take it to your immediate sup. AND always document for your own sake...if it's not written, then it didn't happen. good luck and keep up your good work.