Hovering (a tiny vent)

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My instructor stresses to us (CNA students) the importance of being assertive and confident when dealing with residents, co-workers, and family members. Last night during clinical, I was paired with a young lady who was very passive and she hovered. I cannot deal with hovering. She was clinging on to me for dear life. :eek:

Now, I am not one to complain about a problem and not be part of the solution. I tried to coach her and help her start a rapport with the residents and the staff at the facility. Unfortunately, that yielded no positive result. To make matters worse, she was a bump on a log until our instructor came into a room to observe. :smackingf

I know an important part of nursing is being a team player but it was just frustrating.

That is all. :cool:

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Specializes in LTC.

Go ahead and vent away. :D

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Thanks! :clown:

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I agree, vent away!

In such situations, it's difficult to confront the elephant in the room, isn't it? Maybe that's what needs to happen though. If she's hovering and it bothers you, tell her. If she's being a bump and it bothers you, tell her. Neither behavior will help her become a better caregiver. You could be doing her a great favor by letting her know you notice how she's behaving and it's not appropriate. Sometimes the leaders have to do that for the followers.

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I agree, vent away!

In such situations, it's difficult to confront the elephant in the room, isn't it? Maybe that's what needs to happen though. If she's hovering and it bothers you, tell her. If she's being a bump and it bothers you, tell her. Neither behavior will help her become a better caregiver. You could be doing her a great favor by letting her know you notice how she's behaving and it's not appropriate. Sometimes the leaders have to do that for the followers.

I tried and tried again. I made suggestions and offered to help but every single time we entered a residents room, she would freeze up and would not leave my side. :uhoh3:

I really want her to find her comfort zone but it's wearing me out!

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

What I meant was that you might need to just point-blank tell her how she comes across...away from other people of course. Helpful suggestions aren't helping so more directness might be necessary. "Matilda, you're hovering and in my personal space. When you do that I feel ____." "Matilda, you're just sitting there. Do _____ or you'll never learn anything!" "Matilda, I'm not going to cover for you in this. You have to do your share."

If you already did this, never mind. :D

I do wish you luck and lots of assertiveness. Know that you are learning while she isn't. That could be the treasure in all of this. You're also getting experience with teaching and delegating to a difficult peer....

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Where I work (in NICU), I often find that our babies' family members tend to hover. I love teaching and I'm all for explaining what I'm doing and answering questions, but sometimes people really do invade my personal space.

What I try to do is to give them a simple task that involves them positioning themselves on the other side of the patient. "I'm going to put the blood pressure cuff on this arm. If you don't mind, I'm going to have you stand on that side so that you can take the temperature in just a second." Or something like that.

Good luck to you! It sounds like an exhausting problem if it goes on for an entire shift. Will you be paired with this student a lot?

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You're right. I haven't flat out told her that she's in my space and it makes me uncomfortable. I'm sure it will come up again tomorrow night. I will be direct and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice. I'll keep you posted. :)

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@EricJRN

It kind of depends on how the chips fall. We are a small group, so we pair up frequently.

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is it possible to takes turns entering rooms? that would solve the problem pretty quickly. you could even talk to your instructor about it being a little awkward (without throwing said person under the bus) when both of you walk in, and you were wondering if you could take turns at least a few times just to get comfortable going in alone. that may not be an option.

let's assume it's not. some people have dominant personalities. use that and say, "hey, when we go into this resident's room, i'm going to let you talk. i'll walk in behind you and you can introduce us. i'll let you lead." that may be what your partner WANTS. if she declines and gives a "no, you do it" then talk to your instructor if you think that's necessary. if it were me, i'd probably just be thankful that i was getting the experience/practice and realize it's going to be her loss in the end.

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I definitely agree that you need to be direct.

I took CNA clinicals twice (once was a couple years ago, the most recent one was to refresh those skills).

The first time...I was that girl.

I do have compassion for her because I know how awkward it is to approach strangers assertively, especially when that means pulling their drawers down or something. She may already know what she's doing, at least to a degree, and feel bad about it. I know I did; it made me feel like crap.

But never did anyone really kick my butt. They "hinted" a few times, but that was it. I finished the clinical feeling guilty and mediocre.

The second time, I still felt very shy and nervous, but took so much more initiative - this time, it was for real, and I had to be strong enough to overcome that shyness and insecurity. It worked. A few embarrassing moments, sure, but I came out with more confidence.

She may not feel that way - she REALLY might not feel that way before the end of the class. It's imperative that someone tells her in blunt terms what the problem is. Not only is it going to be best for you and your classmates and the residents, it will be better for her! This is a learning experience, so she should learn from it!

If you are able to explain to her the reason why you're confronting her this way - because she's not learning what she just paid money to learn - this should sufficiently soften the blow. You ARE looking out for her, even if you are also looking out for yourself.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Just try to be more patient... She seems to look up to you as an example.

I'm sure it's super annoying....it would drive me up the wall. Just give her time and I'm sure it will work out on it's own!

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