New CNA with New Job... What would you do?

[MystyqueOne]

Hello All,

I am going to try to keep this short. I got my CNA license in January and my friend that works in hospice care had bragged all about how good of a person I am and how well I do at my jobs to her boss. The day I got my license, I got an interview and hired on the spot. I was also 8 months pregnant at the time. I worked hard at my job and did exceptionally well. So much so, that my boss wanted me back after my maternity leave as soon as possible and told me that she loves me. So, when I came back after about six weeks off, I was assigned to this group home that none of the other CNA's liked (there are a total of five of us). I absolutely love it there and my job. (They didn't like it due to the owner trying to tell them "how to do their jobs", when I take the time to listen and absorb as much as I can.) Well, ever since I came back from maternity leave, I have been dealing with a ton of drama. First... I never see any of the CNA's because I am the only one that goes to this group home and they have their own patients to see. I only see them during the once a month meetings that are mandatory. The only person I speak to (besides my boss and nurses as required) is my "friend" that helped me get this job (which also is one of the CNA's). Well, I found out that the other CNA's are upset with me due to some rumors that my "friend" has been spreading about me (she, herself, told me that she, of all the CNA's, has the biggest mouth). Things like that I'm not doing my job well and saying things about the other CNA's and such. I usually just blow them off and don't let them bother me since I know I never say such things and I never see them (yet, alone know them). She calls me up after she's had a few drinks and tries to "constructively criticize" me about what I should be doing with my job or what I shouldn't be doing (even though her and I don't work together, either). When asked about why the other CNA's would be upset, she tells me she doesn't know. She is the only link between me and the other CNA's since I don't talk to them or see them. My boss knows all about all these rumors, she is setting up mediation with every single CNA. My "friend" also had issues before I came on board regarding her actions...

Well, a couple weeks ago, I made a mistake and took orders from a doctor over the phone. It's a complicated situation regarding family and such and the caregiver had handed the phone to me. Long story short, I took orders over the phone and immediately knew I had made a mistake. I immediately called my boss, after documenting everything said, and self-reported my mistake. She had to make a paper-trail regarding that incident, but nothing happened. Well, one of the CNA's that just got hired on a couple of months ago decided to read my notes (which my boss was wondering why they were reading my notes to begin with) and made a complaint with the board of nursing (knowing that my boss already knows about it, but didn't even discuss with her, first). So, I'm upset for a couple of reasons. My boss had already taken care of the issue. I had learned my lesson immediately when it happened. I'm afraid for what the board will do with my license. ...And I'm super stressed out about all this drama that keeps coming to me. My "friend" continues to call me up, saying things like that she loves me like a sister and that she's just trying to help me or warn me. ...But, yet she never says anything about her being happy or proud of what I'm doing in my life. She had told me that she is envious of me because I've had a baby when she wants one and I'm going to nursing school when she can't. I try to motivate her to do those things so that she can be happy.

I've been in tears over this a number of times.... I absolutely LOVE my job (without all the drama) due to it's flexibility and the patients! I'm also starting nursing school next month (July). I need this job for both financially and experience, but I'm not sure if it's worth all the drama.

So, my question is: What would you do??? I just don't think I'll be able to find another part time CNA position that pays as well and that is flexible around my school and breastfed baby. What would you all suggest???

Also, what could the state board do with the complaint about me taking orders from the doctor (worling out of my scope of practice), but self-reported?

I'm stressed, worried, anxious, and excited all at the same time! What a confusing life I have at the moment!

Thanks for all you have to offer. Please be gentle!

[tishirajan]

Just go in there and be honest about everything. Honesty is always the best policy. Your supervisor will know if this "friend" is trying to pull a fast one. Just remember, you're the one that is in the right. This other person will have lots of explaining to do and will pull every trick out of her hat to make herself look good.

Just stick to your guns and you'll do fine :wink2:

Good luck!

[nyteshade, BSN]

I agree with praying mantis and morte, I really don't think anything will become of the license thing. They bring up very good points, you didn't carry anything out, you reported it, issue is internally resolved. Most importantly like they said no harm was done. I kinda feel the doc should have made sure he was talking to somebody that was able to take his orders too! It looks a little foolish on his part not really verifying who they were shooting orders at...but that's a whole other thing right there!

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I would confront her. But that is my type of personality I would look her in the eyes and say,

"you suck" LOL but seriously I wouldn't play the whole I don't want to make you mad game. Life is too short to be concerned with other people and their issues. During mediation I would let her know it too. I would say something along the lines of what I said before. "I am here to do a job and if you have problem with me you need to discuss it with me and not go around bad mouthing me." Show her that you won't stay quiet!

GOOD LUCK!

[mochabean]

I would change jobs and get rid of that so-called friend. Everyone you work with sounds like they're unhappy with their lives and are trying to get some satisfaction by being catty and putting you down. You have to stand up for yourself and not worry whether someone will like you or not. As long as you live you'll encounter someone who doesn't like you. Keep your head up and move on!

[squeakykitty]

I'm the type that would say "ENOUGH!!" with a 'certain' look in my eye.

I just found out yesterday that the nursing home in my area is in trouble with the state for not having enough staff. I know exactly why they don't, and if they call me offering me a job, I'll tell all of them there a thing or two about teamwork in the next CNA staff meeting. Too many good people have quit the place.

[AOx1]

Since you work together, it's key to be a professional. One thing I've found works well is to not participate in any gossip myself. That includes listening to it.

For example: "Wow, that Jane is such a witch, let me tell you about what she did!"

Me: "That's not been my experience with Jane at all. You should discuss your feelings directly with Jane."

People that tend to talk about others are often known for their ability to start problems. Stay far away from them. But don't ever attempt to argue with her. It's like that saying "Never wrestle with a pig. You just get dirty but the pig likes it." People who need to do this are like pigs. It makes them feel better to start drama. Distance yourself professionally and personally. Don't take their calls at all. If she seems to want an explanation, just let her know that your goals are different. She sounds as if she may have a bit of an alcohol problem if she does this when she drinks.

Be a "broken record" if they try to lie. For example, if you go into the director's office and she tries to lie about you, don't argue, yell, or get visibly angry. Just repond with something neutral, like "Those statements are not correct. I would be happy to provide a description/documentation of what I do during a typical day, and how many patients I care for." As a CNA, you may be documenting many things, a.m. care and showers, feeding, etc.

Don't rise to the bait. She will look like an idiot for trying to start fights, and the truth about these type of people has a funny way of coming out. There is a great Eleanor Roosevelt quote "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Don't participate in any way in her games, and your boss will recognize that you are a professional. Let her "hang herself" so to speak, those types usually do.

[pattymac]

Sometimes it's ok to look people in the eye and say.. "you aren't good for me"

[MystyqueOne, BSN, RN]

Thank you LivetoLearn! You all had excellent advice. The mediation went well. My boss had laid down some ground rules that we both had to sign. She also warned us that if anything like this comes up again, she won't get rid of just one of us, she'll get rid of both of us! So, now we're linked! We have known each other a couple of years prior to this job, so we have made a pact that from here on out, we ONLY speak to one another about one another and no one else! Thanks again to all of you!!!