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, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
On 5/14/2019 at 3:22 PM, 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".

Exactly. Don't express it as being optional when it isn't.

2 Votes

I'm thinking the co-worker has an AN account. At the same time, the irony of posting while at work about her also not doing her job while at work is hilarious!

1 Votes

She didn't change her mind d/t seeing this thread. Because if she had seen this thread and was any kind of a real maneuver-er, she would've known how best to use it behind the scenes. ?

I think she is probably and okay person who thought better and took an immediate step to rectify a wrong choice.

(Dear MA, if you are reading this, you did the right thing and good luck on the psych exam!)

4 Votes
1 minute ago, JKL33 said:

She didn't change her mind d/t seeing this thread. Because if she had seen this thread and was any kind of a real maneuver-er, she would've known how best to use it behind the scenes. ?

I think she is probably and okay person who thought better and took an immediate step to rectify a wrong choice.

(Dear MA, if you are reading this, you did the right thing and good luck on the psych exam!)

?

Yea, I have conversations in my head too.

MA-I can't do that I'm busy studying.

Me: "Regardless, It needs done within the hour, figure it out" walk away.

If not done, then report MA.

Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.
On 5/14/2019 at 7:47 PM, 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.

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

I must have missed where she says she posted on the clock. And who here can say they've NEVER done personal things on the clock? It's not out of the realm of possibility that the OP head a few minutes down time.

Hi there! I recommend pulling her aside in a nice way and letting her know how you feel that you can't do certain tasks which is why you need her to help. If she gives you an unfavorable response and it happens again I would inform your superior with the intention of rectifying the situation as it is inappropriate and bad for patient care for her to turn down a task that only she can do. That way, you gave her a fair attempt at fixing the situation without the superior. If you make an enemy out of it, I recommend you always handling yourself with grace and professionalism and know that in your heart you meant to harm despite how others may perceive you. I know these situations can be difficult to handle. I wish you the best with it.

You can also say I'm sorry that your busy but this does need to be done. Any way that you can help me? (In my experience that has helped when faced with NAs or others who meet me with resistance)

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