Don't say anything

[lockheart678]

I've recently been approached by my manager in my new job. I'm doing great, and everyone seems to think so, yet they're still complaining about me (yet not to my face) about things I need to step up on. They're really stupid things that don't even matter, but it gives them something to say I've done wrong (they've been reaching for anything they can since day one). I was actually told multiple times that I shouldn't talk to them, and to sit back and listen instead because I don't know them and I need to get a feel for their personalities first before doing anything. That's how I am anyway because they're way too cliquey and I don't want anything to do with them. If it isn't job related, then we don't communicate at all. I was also told I need to respect my supervisor. I've always shown her respect so I really don't know what I'm supposed to do differently.

The issue that put me over the edge that happened today was that they were discussing how a dr was going to do a procedure. We don't have the equipment he needs, so they said he will have to bring his own. I have knowledge of these procedures, and I know they need a particular med in order to do them, so I asked if they carry it. They weren't even sure if they had it. I was thinking it was a good thing I said something. Nope, I was wrong. My manager made a point to tell me that she had no doubt I knew that, but I really need to watch how I say those things around the people who aren't new. It was just a question! Had I not said something, they wouldn't have even known they needed it, and then we would have had problems when we discovered too late that we didn't have what he needed! I'll be doing the procedure, so I'm sure that would have come back on me if I hadn't spoken up! When I asked that question today, I was simply being a patient advocate. The last time I checked, that's my job.

I do know the answer to my situation is to leave, and I'm about to do exactly that. My only thing is, after I finally put my notice in, how am I supposed to put up with these monsters for another two weeks when they know I'm running away? They'll probably be even worse than they are now, if that's even possible. I do my best to ignore it and I know that I'm better than them, but it really wears me down. I also know that the rule is to never burn a bridge, and I'd do exactly that if I were to tell the truth. Is it really best to keep quiet and let them do it to the next person who walks through that door, or should I be honest and tell them that the childish behavior I put up with every single day is completely unacceptable? Whatever I say, it'll only be in the exit interview though. I won't even address this with anyone in my department.

[MattRN81]

My advise. Don't burn the bridge, especially in this economy. Saying something on your exit interview isn't going to change anything, so why bother? Just thank them for the opportunity and move on. I'm sorry you have to put up with that nonsense.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I am not sure why you are leaving. If your manager has issue with your manner/tone and your need to "step up", I would meet with her to further discuss what she specifically means by that (you and I had conversation regarding what I can only assume is the way my communication and what I heard to be that perhaps it is not appropriate to my co-workers. Can you be specific about that? My intent is not to antagonize my co-workers but to get the information I need that I am unable to find. I am assigned in such a way that it requires me to obtain things that we don't carry. I like the complexity of mixing it up a bit, but what it your suggestion on how to be effective?) And if she feels you need to be "re-educated" then come up with a plan to do so.

That your co-workers are bent out of shape over you speaking to them, well, this manager has quite a problem on her hands. But sometimes you have to be the better person. When discussing work, any communication with them should be followed by you with a "thanks so much"--if they believe you to be "tooting your own horn" (as childish a ridiculous that may seem) a thank you can go a long way to establish the fact that y'all aren't playing "Jeopardy" but your need to know.

As far as the procedure--Its all fun and games until you set up a sterile field and doc doesn't have lido--and oooops, there's none in house--YOU were the nurse assigned to do this with the doc, therefore, I would think that I would be prepared to have everything set up and ready to go. If this doc is new, and doesn't realize he needs to bring the med he needs with him, then a quick call to remind doc to bring xyz with him would suffice. If you were unable to find the med, then I would have said to the charge nurse "I am not finding the xoxo we need for the procedure for rm 2323, what is your suggestion that I do? Would you like me to call the doc regardng what he needs to bring?" None of those other nurses were doing the procedure with him (and quite a set up, no?)

Go in and do what you need to do for the patients. Use your charge as your resource for what you don't understand, what you need but don't have, etc. They are a cliquey mess, and it should not be reflective of your practice. If the safety of patients are at risk due to their inability to have professional communication, then and only then would I start a job hunt. If you already have given your notice and they give you a hard time for the next 2 weeks, what have you got to lose--be direct and honest "apparently, I was unable to communicate effectively with y'all, so it just is not a good fit"

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

I disagree. Leaving is not the answer. The answer is stay, and learn what it is they have to teach you here. Calm down, and grow from the what the experience has to offer. You can't leave a job every time you have personality conflict in the workplace.