How to approach a GNA about taking long breaks....

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I work with a GNA that is extremely lazy and often take extended breaks during her shift. She is only required to work 5pm-10pm. She often takes 1-2 breaks that are 45minutes to 1 hr long. She is only allowed a 20 minute break. It seems that whenever she is away I get stuck answering call lights which puts me back in meds, treatments and documentation. I don't mind answering call lights at all but it just really irks me that she is not on the unit to help with the residents. She has a very bad attitude and I'm just trying to figure out what exactly should I say to her today when we work together today.I want to get rid of this behavior right away. I want to be firm but not nasty at the same time. Any suggestion ? Thanks in advance.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

At the beginning of the shift, meet with her and say:

"I'd like to try to plan my evening. When when would you like to take your 45 minute break this shift?"

This reminds her of the break policy and allows her to question it if she chooses. It also avoids confronting her about past behavior but gives her an opportunity to start fresh. Then ask her to find you and let you know when she is leaving and when she is back on the floor. If she isn't back in 45 minutes, go find her and say "Oh,I noticed your break time was over, and I really need help with X. Let's go there together."

If this doesn't work, you might have to be more direct by saying "I wanted to remind you that our break policy is one 45 minute break per five hour shift. I really need you to stay on the floor and be working unless you are taking that one break." The next step would be to speak with the charge nurse.

Ashley

[SweettartRN]

It's called a write up.

It gets the point across without being nasty and you can bring it to the attention of others as well.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Tell her you need her present other than the one twenty minute break or you will write her up, and she will not be paid for the time she is off the floor.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

What everyone else said. Tell her straight. "I need you to be on the floor, so I can get the things done that I need to get done, and call lights are answered. Your break is 45 minutes. Thanks for your help."

The end. If she still doesn't comply, the next step would be a write up.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Thanks ! I just need the reassurance. I have to admit I'm a little timid when it comes to these things. I will go definitely tell her that she needs to come back to the unit on time so that I can get my work done too.

[MouseMichelle]

what everyone else says, a write up after you've tried to deal with it on your terms and it didn't work, a write up is good. It's not excusable to go on longer breaks than is written in the policy. You of course need to get your work done, put her in her place, if it doesn't work, write her up and keep writing her up until something is done.

[kool-aide, RN]

I agree, talk to her first, so if possible you can salvage a work relationship with her. If not, write her up at start a paper trail.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

At the beginning of the shift, meet with her and say:

"I'd like to try to plan my evening. When when would you like to take your 45 minute break this shift?"

This reminds her of the break policy and allows her to question it if she chooses. It also avoids confronting her about past behavior but gives her an opportunity to start fresh. Then ask her to find you and let you know when she is leaving and when she is back on the floor. If she isn't back in 45 minutes, go find her and say "Oh,I noticed your break time was over, and I really need help with X. Let's go there together."

If this doesn't work, you might have to be more direct by saying "I wanted to remind you that our break policy is one 45 minute break per five hour shift. I really need you to stay on the floor and be working unless you are taking that one break." The next step would be to speak with the charge nurse.

Ashley

Perfect advice. Look up the break policy too and have it handy. That way if she questions you about it, you have it in writing. Be prepared for "But xyx nurse never tells me that!"

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

As a charge nurse I once had a CNA who took multiple "smoke" breaks, lasting 20-30 minutes each. One shift I started writing down the times she left and returned. By the end of the shift she had figured out what I was doing. I added it up and gave it to the supervisor who had a talk with her. The CNA never said anything to me about it but she knew I was watching. I was sick of having to cover for her. If she does not want to work I bet someone else does.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I think you might want to bring up to her company policy. At most of the places I've worked as a CNA/GNA, you are only allowed a 15 minute break (paid) if you work more than 3 hours. It sounds like a good portion of her shift is being spent on break Sigh....people like her make all aides look lazy.

[nfdfiremedic, BSN, RN]

The bst thing to do, as has been suggested, is to ask her at the start of the shift what time she would like to take her 20 minute break. Also, ask her to notify you that she is leaving and when she has returned. This is probably the best way to get the message across without making her defensive and/or making her feel like you're accusing her of anything. If this doesn't work, you're probably dealing with an individual that just doesn't care of they get in trouble and you will need to escalate this to a higher level (charge nurse, manager, etc.)