Help with a poor nurse manager

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · May 30, 2011

Vent away!

May I also suggest you take on the attitude of a friend with this person. When he/she passes meds, say "if anybody isn't able to take them right away, bring them back and mark them so we don't get in trouble with the inspectors."

"On weekends I do this treatment this way." and point out the important points.

One time in a tauma code I told a doc he'd contaminated a chest tube, and as I handed him a new one, I whispered in his ear "put the other end in first."

I've used this technique with Drs as well as subordinates for years and it's always worked well. The worst that could happen is that you do get fired, but you were looking for a job when they hired you anyway, right?

Good luck, hope this helps. Any feedback or followup would be appreciated.

greenfiremajick · May 30, 2011

"The worst that could happen is that you do get fired, but you were looking for a job when they hired you anyway, right?"

Just one of the many things you've written that make me laugh and enjoy your posts, d!

Vent away!
May I also suggest you take on the attitude of a friend with this person. When he/she passes meds, say "if anybody isn't able to take them right away, bring them back and mark them so we don't get in trouble with the inspectors."
"On weekends I do this treatment this way." and point out the important points.
One time in a tauma code I told a doc he'd contaminated a chest tube, and as I handed him a new one, I whispered in his ear "put the other end in first."
I've used this technique with Drs as well as subordinates for years and it's always worked well. The worst that could happen is that you do get fired, but you were looking for a job when they hired you anyway, right?
Good luck, hope this helps. Any feedback or followup would be appreciated.

mcleanl · May 30, 2011

Vent away!
May I also suggest you take on the attitude of a friend with this person. When he/she passes meds, say "if anybody isn't able to take them right away, bring them back and mark them so we don't get in trouble with the inspectors."
"On weekends I do this treatment this way." and point out the important points.
One time in a tauma code I told a doc he'd contaminated a chest tube, and as I handed him a new one, I whispered in his ear "put the other end in first.".

I love this response!!!! You are a class act!

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 30, 2011

All right friends, here's my problem... I'm a lowly LPN new to the facility and not 100% sure who is friends with whom.

Parrot,

I think you're pretty darn important. You are certainly NOT a "lowly" LPN. You are a nurse and a darn good one!

All the best,

Diane:nurse:

kiszi, RN · May 30, 2011

As an LPN for 5 years who takes pride in my title, I was going to comment on the "lowly LPN" remark as well. LPNs are nurses too, and often in LTC more or less run the show. But to the original topic:

It can be a touchy matter for a newbie nurse to offer advice to one who has been there awhile, no matter how delicately things are worded.

The sad thing about LTC is that these things happen all the time. Meds left with a competent patient or a dressing change left undone are poor nursing practice. But do they warrant reporting? I think not. Leave the reporting for things that put the patient in immediate danger. Meanwhile MYOB and if you happen to see a pt. with meds at the bedside gently remind him/her to take them. You may very well get a response such as "honey, I always wait until after I eat to take my pills."

INparrothead · May 30, 2011

Thanks for the replies everyone. The "lowly LPN" remark was being sarcastic. I'm darn proud of my work and what I do, but I think most of you understood where I was going in terms of how we are treated at times. The bad thing is, it's not always competent patients I see with the pills on their tables. I could go on and on and on and on, but then I'd just bore everyone here. And it is all about being the "newbie" that makes me hesitant to do much. Unfortunately, I see no way I can sleep at night if I take the MYOB route. I guess the moral of the story is that for all the good we do, sometimes life still sucks at the end of the day.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · May 30, 2011

Thanks for the note. Paul

pednursedeb · May 30, 2011

re:lowly LVN: In the first place you are not a lowly LVN. I was a LVN for 9 years before goin back to school and getting my ADN.

Keep in mind that a lot of managers haven't worked on a unit for years and have lost a lot of their nursing skills and organization. In reality, you could probably work circles around him/her. Ask your coworkers for help. I'm sure they would be moore than willing. I don't know what I would do without mine. We help eachother out all the time. Sometimes you just need help. Try that and see how it helps and don't be so hard on yourself. Good luck!

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · May 31, 2011

Any EMT, LPN, RN ever notice a person wasn't quite right and check their glucose, finding a critically low value? Ever do CPR and have the patient regain vital signs before arrival at the hospital, or arrival of the code team? Ever make a suggestion to a doctor resulting in a profound improvement in a persons life? When a doctor says he can't get a history because the patient's asleep and you notice on the monitor he's also in V Tach?

In school we study life, ever so difficult to define because it's a process, not a material thing. Can you buy life, say get a glass full (never mind tequila)? No, because life is just a process from "cradle to grave."

So whatever your license level you've, improved the quality of a patients life, increased a patients lifespan, or brought a deceased patient to life? Why you must be a God to wield such super human power! You've done what most people consider impossible, and done it all in a days work. So why do you call yourself "just a nurse," "a lowly LPN," or belittle yourself in any way? The word "just" should never be associated with a person who can bring the dead to life, keep the dying alive longer, and bring comfort to the suffering.

We should shout from the mountain tops, I am a nurse! I am an EMT! I bring the dead back to life!

leslie :-D · May 31, 2011

to stay on topic, i'd sure appreciate hearing others opinions as to how to handle scenarios presented.

seriously, i'm going to :throcomp: if this turns into yet another rn/lpn debate.

it gets old. :twocents:

leslie

eta: ok...so this thread was on page 2, when i read it.

but i choose to let the message remain, since it happens so frequently anyway.:)

leslie

pednursedeb · Jun 1, 2011

I'm not sure about the Rn/LVN thing. I was a LVN First then went back to school for my RN. I am proud of both. I do think I get a little more respect as a RN, but I have worked with excellent LVNS that have taught me many things.

I don't think physicians listen to us sometimes when they need to.When they do listen, the results are usually better.

I work on a pediatric, ob/gyn, overflow unit. I do think the specialists do listen moore. The pediatritions actually read my notes and ask me how I think the patient is doing. It makes a big difference as to how well they do or if they go home or stay a couple more days. I guess we trust eachother and that's nice. If I call them and say they need to get their now they do. Their is no hesitation. That's a reall good feeling.

It is frustrating when no one listens. I hope things change for you.