HELP, Coworker stays really late and is distracting

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

Maybe just kindly tell her that you would like to chat, but you dont want to get behind with your work. Or when you start your shift just say something like, "time to get to work!" and walk away so that she doesnt have the opportunity to start a conversation. Maybe she doesn't realize that she is distracting you. I can be a chatty Cathy and have had people tell me that they need to get their work done. I not offended, I am just the type of person who can talk and do other things at the same time. Good luck!

rosey2007 · Mar 3, 2011

Sounds like you may want to talk to your DNS about what going on.

missladyrn · Mar 3, 2011

Remember how hard it was to be new? Just talk to her about it nicely. Tell her you would love to help but you are really busy. Be kind. And support her. How long ago did you start at the LTC? How hard were your first few months? I would let her stay to check and recheck, just do not get stuck chatting with her.

Blackcat99 · Mar 3, 2011

I worked with a nurse who always stayed late and bugged me. I tried to be nice about it but she didn't get the hint. I finally had to completely ignore her. When she tried to approach me I walked far away from her.

morphed · Mar 3, 2011

Sounds like you may want to talk to your DNS about what going on.

Wow, that's a bit harsh to go to the DNS before even approaching the coworker, don't you think? If it were me and I was doing something that someone objected to I would appreciate them coming to me first. That way I could take the opportunity to fix something I was doing wrong or explain/defend my actions. This type of thing where people go to the DNS without even hearing out their coworker is what makes some work places hell holes.

steelydanfan · Mar 3, 2011

She is new, inexperienced and needy. Basically, she is behind on her work, and needs to stay late for that, but she also may be staying over to oversee and evaluate your reaction to her work. Thus the stories, the delaying tactics.

You cannot allay her fears, but refusing to engage with her beyond report is probably the best tactic.

If all else fails, a gentle reminder that "You have signed off, We've got it.",

might help.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

I agree with the other posters, just tell her you have to get back to work and ignore her. I just want to add that I really respect LTC nurses. I sometimes have enough to deal with with my two patients. I can't imagine 60.

MouseMichelle · Mar 3, 2011

I would tell her something like this "I'm sorry if I sound like a witch right now, but I really need to get off in time at the end of my shift tomorrow, so if you have any questions about paperwork I would really suggest you talk to our DON asap as it sounds like you need more orientation" If she then starts to chit chat say again "like I said I really have to get to work and start my shift okay? Have a good night". If it doesn't stop you need to talk to your boss.

Michelle

wolfpackRN · Mar 3, 2011

I'm new into LTC, and I know I ask questions, but I get my answer and then do my work. But how else am I going to learn? But if she's hitting you up for answers the entire time she stays after, maybe reference her to her nursing school books, or just tell her, "I would love to help you, but you know how crazy it gets around here... I need to start my duties. Have a good one."

tiroka03, LPN · Mar 3, 2011

She isn't a new nurse, just to our facility. I am glad she wants to do a good job. I wonder if she needs more training. I don't want her to get in trouble, and hope she speeds up. But she is giving meds late, and waking up my sleeping patients who then are up and into trouble. I don't have enough hands on board to keep it up and keep it safe. I am running my tail off trying to calm the unit down. It keeps me from spending more time accessing and helping and doing paperwork. I am not looking for a time to put my feet up, just time to sanely do my work.