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Discussion

Help

I know this topic comes up all the time, but there is a personal spin on it every time. I am a RN, BSN, NCSN in a High School Health Office. I've been in this office for 5 years, other offices throughout my district for 13 years. Up until last year I was also an ER nurse per diem.  My work partner (an LPN) started with me last Spring, she has been an LPN for the district for 15 years, with no other experience, but I do have respect for her years of school nurse experience. She was placed here last year because of trouble that she made, she has a reputation of being difficult, it was thought that she would "behave" here, and Admin. was limited as to where she could be placed. Which I feel is lame. For the most part we get along, when we're alone. I usually get along with most people. So the problem is that she butts in constantly, and knows everything!! It's as if she's trying to make everyone think she's in charge here & knows all. Always cutting me off when I'm engaging with someone. If a student or staff goes to her I mind my business out of respect, if they come to me she has to butt in, always. Sometimes when I'm speaking to someone I can't even hear their reply because her mouth is running, or even hear myself think.  She gives medical advice constantly, mostly based on her personal experience, not science/evidenced based, and quite often advice that I do not agree with. She will embellish facts to make herself look important, sometimes lie. She just told me that the RN at the middle school called her for advice on a situation, and I know for a fact that is a lie. She has to know everything I'm doing & who I'm talking to.

 I do not like confrontation, and I have to work with this woman in the same room for the next 5 years, but I find myself becoming pretty passive-aggressive at times. And I cannot bring myself to fluff her ego, she does enough of that herself. I miss working with medical professionals. Both of us never miss work, she took 2 days off this whole school year and I could not believe how much I enjoyed the students all to myself. I love my job, but my work partner is raining on my parade. 

Thank you for any helpful hints, and thank you for giving me a place to vent. 

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    ugh - I'm so sorry you have to work under such conditions.  Perhaps you can set her on a task, such as having her complete screenings (in a different location if possible).  It's hard to shut down people like this without confrontation, but perhaps if you counter her "homespun" advice with real, scientific information it will help push your point to her.  

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    Do you have a separate office space where you can shut to the door to speak with someone/assess? Or simply ask her to step out so you can speak to whomever privately? 

    It may be best to simply bring it to her attention that she is inserting herself where she doesn't belong. If you speak with her privately about it and it persists, calling her out in the moment may be embarrassing for her, but it may be necessary. Perhaps you set up a meeting between the two of you and the admin team under the auspice of health office management so you have a witness when you air your grievances? Make it known that you know you are her superior and that she is giving advice and treatments that are not evidence based nor following school/district guidelines/policy. 

    Regardless, I Hope you are able to work through it. It seems it is a blessing and a curse in school health to have an office buddy!! 

     

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    I am an LVN for a school district and I work with a BSN. This is her first year as a school nurse, but I do respect her years of RN/BSN knowledge and experience. Fortunately we are usually on the same page. We also don't often share an office. We cover 6 school sites between the 2 of us, so I work independently, but I will call or text her if I am unsure or I feel there is something out of my scope.

    We met before school started and discussed how she wants to run things (somewhat different than the previous nurse, of course) and what her expectations were. We reevaluate as needed. Maybe schedule a meeting with her and discuss your expectations. Let her know it bothers yo when she butts, tell her you'll let her know if you need her input. If you can find information that discusses what each of your rolls are, print it out for her. I have attached what I was given, it is of course for California, but you might have something similar in your state. I don't know what to say about the giving anecdotal advice. To me that is not only wrong, but unprofessional. I hope this helps. 

    lvn role.pdf

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    If she's giving incorrect advice,  and you hear it and don't correct it,  I would think you'd be liable if the student/parent/teacher takes it and something goes wrong.   You can verify this with your district lawyer.  I would sit down and have an informal talk with her,  with an impartial witness (HR?) and tell her your concerns.  If that doesn't work it's time for admin and HR in a more formal setting.  She might get mad at you but your license could be at risk. 

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    I wish there was an easy answer. From experience, you can't change someone's personality or behavior. I have experienced this in nurses' stations. I've removed myself and moved on to another position. Is this is an option for you?

    With the current staffing shortage, some facilities just want a warm body in the position.

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