Being second guessed by long time nurse

Nurses General Nursing

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I am currently a nursing student entering my senior year of school. I work at a hospital in my home town. Over the weekend I was on a team with an RN on the 11-7 shift. She was watching me like a hawk and treating me like I don't know what I'm doing. I know that I'm a student and still learning but I have worked in the hospital setting for 2 years and as a CNA in LTC for 2 year. I feel confident in the aide role that I'm in. When I don't know someting, I ask for help. That how you learn. Once last rounds were done I was busy documenting my I&O's and she kept asking me if I had documented something. I know that it is her responsibility for things to be done correctly with our team of pts. I don't need her to hold my hand. While she was bugging me day shift was coming on so there was no where for me to go and tell her to get off my back. Now I wish I would have been more assertive so that it doesn't happen again. I might see her tonight when I get done working the 3-11 shift. Should I confront her or just let it go. I'll take any suggestions.

Nothing worse than being treated like you are stupid. I have found that most of the time when someone treats you that way, it is usually due to their own lack of confidence.

I myself would probably tell her, in a very non confrontational way, that I heard everything in report...just as she did...and I know my job and know it well...let her know that you know she has alot to worry about in her position and you will make sure that she doesnt have to worry about your end of the job being done....you will do that for her. Let her know that you admire the fact she cares so much about her shift running smoothly, and the work being done correctly, let her know that you so enjoy working with a RN who pays such attention to detail, Stroke her big dumb ego a little (as painful as that may be) and she will slack off of you. I have often found this technique to work quite well. There is no confrontation involved, thus no hard feelings...and a pleasant work environment.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Sounds like it's just her anal personality. She might be flabergasted if you told her how she made you feel, because she's probably completely clueless. Maybe just a little more assertiveness on your part would help. Not confrontational, but just let her know how you're feeling. You probably aren't going to change her much, she's probably always been like this and always will. She's always going to use the old tired excuse "my license is at stake..". LOL

Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

And sometimes...it just pays to suck it up and grin and bear it. If that is what she needs to do to organize herself, then so be it. You are going to run into lots of people like that and there is nothing you can do.

Maybe beat her to the punch and tell her who has what and what your plan is...may stump her :chuckle

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I like how BittyBabyGrower thinks!!!

Maybe beat her to the punch and tell her who has what and what your plan is...may stump her :chuckle

i really like that solution bittybaby (wow, say that 5x fast)...it will keep her informed and appeased; i think that's a wonderful idea.

leslie

maybe she has been burned in the past? in any case i agree about beating her to the punch. Let her know what your plans are for the shift and that you will holler if anything comes up out of the ordinary.

I am currently a nursing student entering my senior year of school. I work at a hospital in my home town. Over the weekend I was on a team with an RN on the 11-7 shift. She was watching me like a hawk and treating me like I don't know what I'm doing. I know that I'm a student and still learning but I have worked in the hospital setting for 2 years and as a CNA in LTC for 2 year. I feel confident in the aide role that I'm in. When I don't know someting, I ask for help. That how you learn. Once last rounds were done I was busy documenting my I&O's and she kept asking me if I had documented something. I know that it is her responsibility for things to be done correctly with our team of pts. I don't need her to hold my hand. While she was bugging me day shift was coming on so there was no where for me to go and tell her to get off my back. Now I wish I would have been more assertive so that it doesn't happen again. I might see her tonight when I get done working the 3-11 shift. Should I confront her or just let it go. I'll take any suggestions.

It is one thing to do your job but overkill is another. I feel she means well but it makes you uncomfortable. You could approach her in a non confronting way and stress I appreciate your assistance and if I have any questions I will come to your first. Once she realizes that you are competent in your role she may ease up too. She may have gotten burned by a previous co worker and is really diligent in not letting it happen to her again.

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