What do you think

[elfinM]

The other day at work the charge nurse said she was giving me my 6th pt. I am a new grad, on the floor for 3 months and it is a tele floor. I was not happy, but said ok. She did not give me that pt. Later in the day I was talking with a pt who was crying and upset over outside stressors and I have been working with her to develop plans for her care with her. The charge nurse told me I was spending too much time with that pt and that I needed to walk away from her. She also stated that she had to manage my whole team while I was in there and the aides were "going crazy" being busy. I had checked on my whole team prior to going in to see this pt and the other pts were all asleep, the aides denied being busy when I asked them, and that the charge nurse was at the desk the time I was in the room. I was sitting within ear shot of all my patients and had a phone on me (we carry them so anyone can get a hold of us.). She informed me she hadn't got lunch or breakfast, (many days when I haven't being new). I offered to take her pt from her and she refused. Now not my problem I offered. I am so angry at this. I want to come to work and do my job and not harm anyone. I didn't find this exchange professional in the least, if I had done something unprofessional please let me know to correct it. This charge nurse has made it clear I am not her favorite person, mind you I was not hired to make friends, but to take care of pts. Any words of wisdom?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think there is one important piece of information you left out of your explanation. ... How important is this charge nurse for your career? Is her disapproval going to hurt your career in a significant way? or in even a little way?

The reason I ask the question, is because the answer would be a key determinant in my response to this situation. If you think she is a danger to your career in some way, then you need to take some steps to protect yourself. Make sure you are on good terms with your manager (or whoever else is your official "boss") and that your boss knows that you are doing a good job. Depending on the specific personalities involved, you might want to have a sit down meeting with her or the unit educator and discuss your performance, asking to help you identify their priorities and asking for any tips or suggestions they may have to help you move to the next level of skill (without complaining about the charge nurse to them.) Another option would be to discuss the situation unofficially with a senior member of the staff who you trust to give you some insight into the various personalities involved -- someone who knows the unit politics who can advise you.

On the other hand ... if you don't feel this charge nurse is any real threat to your career, then it may be best to simply let it go. Accept the fact that not everyone in the world is going to like you and move on. Some fights are not worth fighting.

How is your relationship with the other experienced nurses on your unit?

Good luck,

llg