Help I think the charge nurse wants me out

Nurses Relations

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Hey guys..new nurse here and just started working a few months and the charge nurse has been at me since week one. The first week she told everyone "oh look she just hired my replacement". Things have gotten worse. Just this week..I came in early to do work the Nurse Manager asked me to do and when I got to the floor she yelled at me at the nurses station about how unprofessional I am in front of everyone including nursing students. She continues to pick at me telling me how everyone talks about me and how I am not wanted on the team. But from what I hear and see it doesn't feel like that because people I work with always so nice and invite me to go out with them. I don't know what to do..I get along great with the nurse manager..she has helped me always since day one. She has taken me under her wing and wants me to advance. Please help.

Specializes in Home Care.

I'd talk to the nurse manager about the situation with the charge nurse. Then request a time for the 3 of you to meet and hash out any conflicts.

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This happened to me too!

Does your company have an "Employee Dispute Resolution"? If so, start there. It's like an Employee grievance form that goes to your supervisor and they have to act upon it and provide you with an answer on how it will be corrected. If you don't hear from them in x amount of time (whatever the policy is), the charge nurse retaliates afterwards, etc. then you go back to your Sup and even over their head if necessary. You may have something else called a Corporate Compliance hotline that you can call up as well.

I advise you to take part in your Employee Assistance Program too for whatever thoughts you have been having due to her assy-ness. You are worthy, you don't have to be disrespected as such, and somebody needs to knock this @$%^ off her pedestal.

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This happened to me too!

Does your company have an "Employee Dispute Resolution"? If so, start there. It's like an Employee grievance form that goes to your supervisor and they have to act upon it and provide you with an answer on how it will be corrected. If you don't hear from them in x amount of time (whatever the policy is), the charge nurse retaliates afterwards, etc. then you go back to your Sup and even over their head if necessary. You may have something else called a Corporate Compliance hotline that you can call up as well.

I advise you to take part in your Employee Assistance Program too for whatever thoughts you have been having due to her assy-ness. You are worthy, you don't have to be disrespected as such, and somebody needs to knock this @$%^ off her pedestal.

LMAO I love people from texas!!! YOu go girl!!!! AHHAHAHA

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Specializes in Emergency.

Agreed with the above with one addition - I would simply try to work it out between you and the charge nurse FIRST (as you are the new employee - although that's NOT an excuse, plus it builds your character if you can work things out.) And then, if after several attempts it doesn't pan out, then go to your supervisors/employee dispute resources.

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Specializes in Health care.

For the first time you should ignore it. If it occur again, you should protest against that or try to leave this job.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I love you newbies. Going to change the world are we???

Bullying? Maybe. Attitude problem?... probably.

There are about 5% of all of nurses that don't play well with others. They exist in ALL institutions and organizations everywhere. A newbie goes into a new position and everyone else seems to be getting it done but them... they are the exception. They are that the lucky individual that seems to have it rougher than the rest. Ha!

You guys post your dirty laundry out on a public forum, what? Looking for a big pity-party? Group hug???

Although they might help you feel better here in the short-term they haven't helped you and great deal have they? Far be it for someone to have you do a little soul searching and identify what in YOUR personality might be a problem. A little introspection goes a long way.

This isn't directed personally at you. It's for ALL of you that seem to thing all the managers and charge nurses are "out to get you":

Funny how things seemed to run just fine before YOU came along... Look to yourself for answers. Stop holding out your hand for others to pick up and tell you it's going to be okay. Grow up and be an adult. ALL of this is petty and unprofessional... but I guess that's what women do to each other in groups.

My money is on the OP being unemployed in the next 3 months without some attitude adjustment. Seen it 100 times. The rest of you can keep reassuring her.

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Wow :) Ummmmm can I give you a hug ER nurse? you seem like you could use one :)

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whatever the dynamics are, you should definitely talk with the cn...

none of this running to the nm first.

you need to assertively tell cn to stop belittling you, and "what can we do to have a professional, working relationship"?

if, after that conversation, she continues...then go to nm.

it's just going to look bad, knowing that you're nm's pet, and 'crying' to her when something goes wrong.

time to man up and handle it like an adult.:twocents:

good luck.

leslie

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Hey guys I appreciate the advice so far. I appreciate different prospectives on the issue. But to update you..yes I did go to the Charge Nurse first MANY times alone away from everyone and have been trying to make things right. I promise I have and I hate that this is happening! I don't want her to lose her job and I don't and I respect the nurses I work with and feel that I can learn much from them as I work with all experienced nurses. I want to work in peace with everyone for a great, positive work environment. I want to make things better I really do.

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

The open door policy which most places have would obviously like you to speak with the person directly but you are free to go above if you feel threatened or harassed.

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.
Hey guys I appreciate the advice so far. I appreciate different prospectives on the issue. But to update you..yes I did go to the Charge Nurse first MANY times alone away from everyone and have been trying to make things right. I promise I have and I hate that this is happening! I don't want her to lose her job and I don't and I respect the nurses I work with and feel that I can learn much from them as I work with all experienced nurses. I want to work in peace with everyone for a great, positive work environment. I want to make things better I really do.

Then go to the nurse manager. It's what we are here for!! Best of luck

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Specializes in ICU.

Keep a journal, bullying is not tolerated. I had a coworker who was bullied by a charge nurse. He would purposely give her hard Icu pts, when she would get behind he wouldn't allow us to help her. He would stand out side the room and belittle her. She was knew to nursing but not to working. She kept a journal of all interactions, then took it to HR and said I want a transfer and I want it today. She got it.,. Stand up for yourself. Don't let them get the best of you.

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