Do you have co-workers like this?

[FabulousGirl]

Hi , I'm a CNA and I just started working in a new LTC facility. I like the job so far, its very physically and mentally rewarding. My residents are great and now that I've been at this LTC for a few months, things are finally starting to become less intimidating. I remember being so scared and anxious my first few days. I look back on it now and want to laugh at myself.

I do have one small problem, however. There's another CNA on my floor during my shift that tries to take advantage of others. New people especially. I was actually warned about her on my first day of Orientation.

This was a huuuuge problem for me when I started. I'm a 7-3, but most says in the beginning, I'd be tehre until almost 4 because someone would ask "Ohh, could you get the vitals on Resident 304? I never got to it. Also, even though I'm on on way out the door, I left someone alone in the bathroom, could you check on them?" Or "I know you have the early lunch today, but I'm gonna go ahead and go first because I have errands to run".

Now, not all my co-workers are like this, just this one, who is notorious for leaving people alone in the bathroom, just so they don't have to deal with them. The CNA who hepled me through Orientation wasn't kidding when she warned me about that one particular CNA.

It's gotten to the point where I avoid her at all costs. I don't want to have to do things like that, we CNA's are supposed to be a team. How can I approach her or my supervisor without sounding whiny? I don't want to cause unecessary drama in a place I'm still new at.

[nightmare, RN]

You are just going to have to tell her,'I'm sorry I can't attend to....because I have to do......'' Let her know that you are not a push-over before she walks all over you.

[mochabean]

If this co-worker is like this, why is she still working there?Why hasn't anyone talked to her about this??????

[coltsgrl]

she has a pulse is why she is still there! as sad as that is...

the old addage to go by here is...people can only treat you how you let them treat you. everyone is soooo worried about stirrin the sh!t...who cares, really? everyone is saying behind her back, but no one is doing anything...except starting a new conversation about the same ole' stuff about her. say your peace, tell her that you see her do it all the time and it really gets to everyone, not just you. and when she asks you to do something that she should be doing, just tell her no, i think you have time to finish it, but let me know if you need help once you're in there. everyone needs to quit being so scared of slackers! call em out...thats why they keep getting away with what they get away with.

dr. phil...."keep doin what your doin and you'll keep gettin what you're gettin"

to expect anything else is insane

[ecmb]

Hi ,I don't want to have to do things like that, we CNA's are supposed to be a team. How can I approach her or my supervisor without sounding whiny? I don't want to cause unecessary drama in a place I'm still new at.

You do not owe this CNA any justification for not doing HER job. When she approaches you with a request to do her work for her, just say "I'm sorry. I'm not able to do that." and walk away. You do not need to expand upon your answer by telling her all that you have to do as part of your job.