fellow nurse always "too busy" to help

[jam2007]

I started working in a hospital about 6 mos ago. and the floor prides itself on team work..however there is one nurse in particular that if I ask her for help or have a question her response is "I'm too busy right now..I have to (fill in the blank..pass my meds, go help someone else, rounds are soon, you can ask then...) It is quite frustrating since a) I am a newer nurse 2) not accustomed to busy hospital floor and 3) the way the unit is set up, she is the only one available to me

My dillema is b/c of her positon (she is charge on occassion and she also does our schedules) I am a little wary of broaching the subject w/her. I know a CA on the floor knows her behavior b/c she approached me after the said nurse basically told me that "I'm not the only one here, you can ask someone else you know" and now jokes about it (I"m too busy right now, she'll say as we are in the halls)

Any input about how I may handle this in a diplomatic manner.

[infectionRN]

I would aproach your nurse manager, maybe this nurse should not be in the role of a charge nurse. As a nurse manager myself I would appreciate that you came foreward with this matter. Maybe feel the other nurses out and see what their response is in regards of asking this nurse for help before you speak to your NM. Maybe she does not want to help you, maybe she figures your new and you need to learn.( some nurses think like this unfortanetly)If it were me I would not ask this nurse for help, I would go to the nurse manager and say" is it possible to get some help, I'm a little behind and the charge nurse said she's too busy".

[Jules A, MSN]

I'll be honest, even though this stinks and is unfair, I'd do whatever I could to not ask her jack. I bet there are other nurses that would be willing to help you and that you can help in return. I would definitely help her if she asks but only if I had everything of my own completed. Personally I'd just stay as far away from her as possible unless you think there is something that you need to report to the DON that will cover your butt but imo reporting anyone should be a last resort.

[CHATSDALE]

ask her why she is unwilling to help, does she ever have to require assistance with her hall

nurses helping nurses is the way it goes..we all need a hand sometimes

[espritjolieRN]

When I worked the floor it was that way with almost all the nurses. Always too busy. Well, yeah, it's true we're busy... but come on! People don't seem to realize that when we take a few minutes over and over in a shift to come together our workloads get easier to bear, not harder.

I started helping out others every way I could. When I came out of a room one time and saw an "always busy" RN standing in the hall looking around annoyed, I said, "Do you need some help?" She gave me a startled look and said, "No, I'm just looking for (the CNA) to help me reposition." "Oh, I can help you with that!" I said. Shock and Awe I tell ya. "Are you sure??" "Of course! I need help so much, that I'm always willing to give it out!" I'd say.

Eventually things started changing. Most people were friendlier, more willing to assist each other. Be the change you seek, said Gandhi. Some people will get it, some won't, but at least you've done your part.

Where I work now, this is the norm. We all drop everything to help someone out. It's a natural part of the work environment. There is no one person you cannot go to for assistance that won't treat you as though you made their day just by asking. Seriously. It's healthcare Mecca, I tell ya. And life at work is much better for it.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

it all comes down to work ethic.......i don't sit till everyone can sit. i ask for help ONLY when i need it, AFTER i tried to do it myself. there are always those 'needy' nurses.....they get 3 shots then i get too busy to come to there beckon call. i'll help anyone that actually needs it, however, if they are 'busy' because they can't get their sh** together, then they'll be busy by themselves.

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

you need to find yourself a better mentor.. this nurse sounds like a total avoider. even if this person is charge nurse, i am sure there is another nurse that is just as knowledgeable and willing to help you on the floor. and don't forget your techs, secretaries and CNA's... if some of them have been there a while, they may be able to help you with the ins and outs of the floor too.

if she is out and out rude to you, you can always speak with your nurse manager.... but some people just dont liek to be bothered with new nurses or questions as ive learned in nursing school and you just have to find someone who does.

i wish you the best!!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

When I worked the floor it was that way with almost all the nurses. Always too busy. Well, yeah, it's true we're busy... but come on! People don't seem to realize that when we take a few minutes over and over in a shift to come together our workloads get easier to bear, not harder.

I started helping out others every way I could. When I came out of a room one time and saw an "always busy" RN standing in the hall looking around annoyed, I said, "Do you need some help?" She gave me a startled look and said, "No, I'm just looking for (the CNA) to help me reposition." "Oh, I can help you with that!" I said. Shock and Awe I tell ya. "Are you sure??" "Of course! I need help so much, that I'm always willing to give it out!" I'd say.

Eventually things started changing. Most people were friendlier, more willing to assist each other. Be the change you seek, said Gandhi. Some people will get it, some won't, but at least you've done your part.

Where I work now, this is the norm. We all drop everything to help someone out. It's a natural part of the work environment. There is no one person you cannot go to for assistance that won't treat you as though you made their day just by asking. Seriously. It's healthcare Mecca, I tell ya. And life at work is much better for it.

I agree with this method the best. In addition, what may happen is that even of the stubborn nurse STILL does not assist you, the bonds may be made with the other nurses so well, that she may be the odd ball out.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Different strokes (no pun intended) for different folks. Their (my colleagues) individual strengths are what I draw upon:

1. The resource nurse (the one you can ask a zillion questions and won't get bothered)

2. The worker bee (the one you can ask at the drop of a hat to come and help get your patient cleaned up after a messy stool or a hoist up to the head of the bed).

If I thought that I was to expect a yes response to my demands every time, I'd be surely not playing my cards right.

Good luck to you and your understanding the politics of living the nurse's life!

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I always do the following....

sometimes, I'm done with charting, meds, treatments early...and I'll ask so and so who looks frazzled.."hey, you ok?" I helped a nurse change dressings the last 2 shifts...and I used that capital to ask if she would switch a shift with me in a couple weeks...so now, we're even to me.

You have to offer to get it back.

Also, if I have a question, I always ask "hey, does anyone have a minute for me?" And ask it...we are a TEAM. The floor might be busy, you might have rough patients, but you know you'll ALWAYS have people right behind you backing you up.

[Straydandelion]

I would also just avoid asking that particular nurse for help. A good nurse manager would eventually figure it out also and may have already since the nurse in question is not in charge all the time. Like someone else posted... what goes around, comes around. If you are helpful, you will have others help you also and while the rest of the floor is helping when they can, this nurse may be by her lonesome more times then not or may see the possibilities of being more helpful in turn.