Difficulty with coworker

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new nurse and I could use some advice. I work in an outpatient clinic where we also have Medical Assistants. Part of their job is to submit pre-authorizations for prescriptions. This is not part of the nursing job description; we do not even have access to the online PA system.

I went to an MA today and said “Hi, can you please do these PAs for me?” She said— and this is a quote— “I’m sorry, I’m just super busy. It is finals week and I am studying for my Psychology final so I can’t.” She had her textbook open on the desk and everything.

Okay so obviously, they’re not paying her to study for class, she shouldn’t be doing that. She needs to do her job. The question is, how do I handle it? I was so taken aback that I just said Okay. I’m new and don’t want to get a reputation as a troublemaker. I know that probably I should have a private conversation with her about it— except that I am not her supervisor. It’s not like I’m working in a SNF and she is a CNA, where I would have the right to correct her.

She is known as a reasonably helpful employee, I don’t think she has a reputation for laziness etc.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
35 minutes ago, Emergent said:

There's a other issue, you starting a thread here while at work about something that just happened.

I think you should avoid that. Seriously, that's very ill advised.

Could be that the OP's MA may have decided to take a quick study break and pop on AN to see what was going on, and lo and behold, there's a thread starring someone that sounds suspiciously like her...

10 Votes
Specializes in Community health.
7 minutes ago, Meriwhen said:

Could be that the OP's MA may have decided to take a quick study break and pop on AN to see what was going on, and lo and behold, there's a thread starring someone that sounds suspiciously like her...

Haha well if so, it worked! No, seriously though, now that I’m OFF the clock: you’re right— I was channeling my inner Millennial and posting every experience in real time. I’ll disguise details better next time...

4 Votes

This isn't a magical solution but I learned it here on Allnuerses and it does help. Say, "I need" such and such", not "can you". Then whatever blah blah excuse she gives be a broken record, repeat..."I need these PAs".

9 Votes
Specializes in Community health.
50 minutes ago, brownbook said:

This isn't a magical solution but I learned it here on Allnuerses and it does help. Say, "I need" such and such", not "can you". Then whatever blah blah excuse she gives be a broken record, repeat..."I need these PAs".

That is a great point. You’d think I’d know it already because I have a little kid, and “Can you empty the dishwasher” is definitely less effective than “Please empty the dishwasher now.” I’ll file that tip away, thank you.

2 Votes
4 hours ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

I think this is probably pretty accurate. My workplace is disorganized but it does not seem dysfunctional or toxic. I think the MA figured I am new and that she could get away with things that she wouldn’t normally try.

Update is that about 5 minutes after I left her (as soon as I wrote my post!) , she popped up at my desk and said “Actually you know what, I can do those for you.” I have no idea what made her think twice about it. I am going to let it lie for now— I don’t want to report it since she did come around on her own— but I’ll be prepared, if it happens again I will feel more confident in how to handle it.

While on the clock, you posted about another employee doing personal stuff while on the clock?

I can't be the only one who sees the irony.

Glad it worked out, but as a new employee, you might want to consider how your employer might feel about that.

9 Votes
10 hours ago, hherrn said:

While on the clock, you posted about another employee doing personal stuff while on the clock?

I can't be the only one who sees the irony.

You aren't, trust me.

3 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
15 hours ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

I think this is probably pretty accurate. My workplace is disorganized but it does not seem dysfunctional or toxic. I think the MA figured I am new and that she could get away with things that she wouldn’t normally try.

Update is that about 5 minutes after I left her (as soon as I wrote my post!) , she popped up at my desk and said “Actually you know what, I can do those for you.” I have no idea what made her think twice about it. I am going to let it lie for now— I don’t want to report it since she did come around on her own— but I’ll be prepared, if it happens again I will feel more confident in how to handle it.

I was tested as a new nurse by the ancillary staff. It was difficult as I am a team player at heart and I was outnumbered.

I'm glad the MA changed her mind. But her behavior is still concerning. Don't let yourself be trained into not giving her the PAs, or holding onto her work for her until she feels ready to address it.

Make sure you don't avoid passing her the next PA when she's studying. Hand it over and say "PA for John Doe." I use this method a lot with people who avoid work or balk at assignments. I name what I am handing them as I hand it over. If she tells you no again it does need to go to her supervisor.

Keep an eye out for this one. You're not out of the woods yet.

6 Votes
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
17 hours ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

I think this is probably pretty accurate. My workplace is disorganized but it does not seem dysfunctional or toxic. I think the MA figured I am new and that she could get away with things that she wouldn’t normally try.

Update is that about 5 minutes after I left her (as soon as I wrote my post!) , she popped up at my desk and said “Actually you know what, I can do those for you.” I have no idea what made her think twice about it. I am going to let it lie for now— I don’t want to report it since she did come around on her own— but I’ll be prepared, if it happens again I will feel more confident in how to handle it.

good deal but...passive-aggressive - beware ?

2 Votes

Unfortunately you have to say something to her about it being her job. No way around it.

1 Votes
20 hours ago, brownbook said:

This isn't a magical solution but I learned it here on Allnuerses and it does help. Say, "I need" such and such", not "can you". Then whatever blah blah excuse she gives be a broken record, repeat..."I need these PAs".

Yep, I learned this a long time ago...its works beautifully, most of the time. Tell them what you need, dont ask.

3 Votes
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
On 5/14/2019 at 11:21 AM, CommunityRNBSN said:

Part of their job is to submit pre-authorizations for prescriptions. This is not part of the nursing job description; we do not even have access to the online PA system.

I went to an MA today and said “Hi, can you please do these PAs for me?” She said— and this is a quote— “I’m sorry, I’m just super busy. It is finals week and I am studying for my Psychology final so I can’t.” She had her textbook open on the desk and everything.

Okay so obviously, they’re not paying her to study for class, she shouldn’t be doing that. She needs to do her job. The question is, how do I handle it?

"It is your responsibility to submit these pre-authorizations. You will need to deal with the ramifications of your inactions if you do not fulfill the duties of your job."

I have this sort of spiel in my rote memory and it has worked for me countless times.

Good luck to you, Community!

6 Votes
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
2 hours ago, Davey Do said:

"It is your responsibility to submit these pre-authorizations. You will need to deal with the ramifications of your inactions if you do not fulfill the duties of your job."

I have this sort of spiel in my rote memory and it has worked for me countless times.

Good luck to you, Community!

Especially when it’s his calm Hannibal Lecter delivery...Clarice ?

2 Votes
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