First job as a Charge Nurse

stidget99 · Apr 26, 2005

It has been my experience that there are basically two kinds of CNAs. #1 - hard worker, know that they are part of a team, have common sense - in general are great to work with. #2 - lazy, not much common sense, and will do ANYTHING to get out of "playing" their role in the whole scheme of things/make their work day go by as easy as possible.

The #2s are the ones who will do whatever necessary to sabotage you. They figure that they KNOW how things are and don't hesitate to "teach" you. What I have found is that you have to confront them right off the bat. Let them know just exactly how things are according to you, THE CHARGE NURSE. Do it w/ professionalism. If necessary, have a copy of their job description on hand. If you mess up, be ready to take the rap. It's ok to say "oops, sorry, I messed up". But at the same time, you have to be open to what everyone has to say. Many of the old-timers will have wonderful advice to offer.

Initially, be a stickler for the rules. Then, later, you can ease up some. Bottom line, in a situation like this, you have to be the boss. It's your license on the line and even more importantly, it's the safety and security of your residents.

lizscott nurse · Apr 26, 2005

... On 11-7 and feeling overwhelmed! I know this is normal, but.. When a co-worker makes you feel like you really don't know anything then states " oh I remember those days after making snide comments to cover up what she said , she should of not said anything at all! I've never given report until this morning, wasn't showed how to or nothing so did the best I could but wasn't good enough for her that's when she made her comments. I know just need to let it roll off my shoulders like I was told in school in clinicals but after working all night dealing with everything it just rubbed me the wrong way! And how do you handle the CNA's and the little "tests" they like to put you through when you're new to see what they can get away with? I need so advise to help me get through this orientation period.
Thanks

I'm so sorry you had a tough night. It will get better. The crappy abby will either soften up or you'll toughen up or both. It's hard at first, but really

try to stick up for yourself. I've worked with a few anal nurses, one who

would go into a fit when she came in at midnight if there were what she considered to be too many paper cups on the med cart and dumb stuff

like that. It sounds mean...and it probably was...but my co-worker and

I would on occassion add extra paper cups on the med carts before she

came in just to tick her off. We fiqured at least we knew what she was

going to grump about then, 'cause it was always something. We either

talked too loud on taped report, or too soft, etc. etc. I eventually just

got used to her and didn't let it bother me and developed a good working

relationship with this nurse with much effort on my part.

You will toughen up and these type of negative, grumpy nurses won't

bother you as much. Try to find a more positive nurse at work you can

talk with and that perhaps will mentor you.

As far as aides go I've usually not had a problem. I've always let it be

known that patient care was my top priority. And if some of the aides

weren't getting along and weren't working together as a team, I'd call

a meeting and make it clear that I didn't care what there relationship

was outside of the facility... that I didn't care if they never wanted

to socialize together....but while they were working they were to put

the patient first and if that meant you had to team up with someone

you didn't like to get the job done...so be it. I also use humor alot

with my co-workers as well as patients. A good laugh goes a long way

and can really break the ice. Nothing says you can't have fun while

getting the job done.

It is sad so many forget what it's like as a new grad, but thankfully I think

for the most part nurses are happy to help out new grads. Believe me it

won't be long before you develope your own routine for the night, including

report. Hang in there. It will get better.

Nattylpn · Apr 26, 2005

I'm so sorry you had a tough night. It will get better. The crappy abby will either soften up or you'll toughen up or both. It's hard at first, but really
try to stick up for yourself. I've worked with a few anal nurses, one who
would go into a fit when she came in at midnight if there were what she considered to be too many paper cups on the med cart and dumb stuff
like that. It sounds mean...and it probably was...but my co-worker and
I would on occassion add extra paper cups on the med carts before she
came in just to tick her off. We fiqured at least we knew what she was
going to grump about then, 'cause it was always something. We either
talked too loud on taped report, or too soft, etc. etc. I eventually just
got used to her and didn't let it bother me and developed a good working
relationship with this nurse with much effort on my part.
You will toughen up and these type of negative, grumpy nurses won't
bother you as much. Try to find a more positive nurse at work you can
talk with and that perhaps will mentor you.
As far as aides go I've usually not had a problem. I've always let it be
known that patient care was my top priority. And if some of the aides
weren't getting along and weren't working together as a team, I'd call
a meeting and make it clear that I didn't care what there relationship
was outside of the facility... that I didn't care if they never wanted
to socialize together....but while they were working they were to put
the patient first and if that meant you had to team up with someone
you didn't like to get the job done...so be it. I also use humor alot
with my co-workers as well as patients. A good laugh goes a long way
and can really break the ice. Nothing says you can't have fun while
getting the job done.
It is sad so many forget what it's like as a new grad, but thankfully I think
for the most part nurses are happy to help out new grads. Believe me it
won't be long before you develope your own routine for the night, including
report. Hang in there. It will get better.

:chuckle Your post had me laughing about the med cups! Thanks for responding. After a long night with 30 pts. that night and all that happened at the end of the shift I wasn't really in the mood! oh well, tonight will be another night and will be better!

Thanks again

Bless.

Nattylpn · Apr 26, 2005

It has been my experience that there are basically two kinds of CNAs. #1 - hard worker, know that they are part of a team, have common sense - in general are great to work with. #2 - lazy, not much common sense, and will do ANYTHING to get out of "playing" their role in the whole scheme of things/make their work day go by as easy as possible.
The #2s are the ones who will do whatever necessary to sabotage you. They figure that they KNOW how things are and don't hesitate to "teach" you. What I have found is that you have to confront them right off the bat. Let them know just exactly how things are according to you, THE CHARGE NURSE. Do it w/ professionalism. If necessary, have a copy of their job description on hand. If you mess up, be ready to take the rap. It's ok to say "oops, sorry, I messed up". But at the same time, you have to be open to what everyone has to say. Many of the old-timers will have wonderful advice to offer.
Initially, be a stickler for the rules. Then, later, you can ease up some. Bottom line, in a situation like this, you have to be the boss. It's your license on the line and even more importantly, it's the safety and security of your residents.

Thanks for your advice, I'm not giving up hope yet! Tonight will be day three, lets see what it brings! :)

Residentmaid, MSN · Jan 2, 2006

Thanks for the paper cups idea! I may use that! I am a new charge nurse, and so far it has been okay. The worst problem I have is the nurses that follow come in with an attitude. During report The next shift questions everything, and as we are giving report the two main problems shoot "knowing glances" to each other during the entire report. (you know, the "we'll talk about this one later" glance!) Doesn't bother me much, as I know there is one in every crowd.

TX

Shae