How would you handle this situation?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 31, 2014

Is this an assistant DoN/licensed nurse or nursing assistant ? If not a licensed nurse why is she requesting medication order changes?

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

You need to write her up, however that looks officially in your organization. People like this get away with things because they intimidate people. Do not be intimidated. You are the professional nurse. She is an aid. Act with the authority and responsibility that comes with your license.

toomuchbaloney · Aug 1, 2014

If my DON is going to ignore her unprofessional and ignorant comments then I am going to address them directly.

"You didn't do this correctly, why don't you..." is met with my reply of "I don't recall asking your opinion on that subject and am not interested, frankly".

Yes, write her up at every opportunity. Even if you are busy and these things take time that you don't really have, MAKE TIME to write her up.

Do not entertain her ignorance or critiques of your professional performance. Remind her of the pecking order and feel free to point out any difficulties, delays, or dumbness in her care habits. Look for things to delegate to her.

I am not advocating being mean to her or acting as a bully. However, it is clear that she needs something else to focus on and you are in just the position to provide that.

jrt4 · Aug 8, 2014

I disagree with the majority of what most are saying. I have been in similar situations. This person has an aggressive personality and feels entitled to work there.

The first discussion I would have with her is to tell her how her behavior is making you feel. If you start blaming or being aggressive then you will get the same behaviors back.

Show Compassion and empathy but also demand respect and accountability...It generally makes employees feel embarrassed when you tell them how their behavior is impacting other. Blaming and judging will not help. Make the expectations clear and let her know the consequences if the behavior does not change. And FOLLOW THROUGH.

allnurses Guide · Aug 8, 2014

First question, did you actually insert the cath correctly? If you didn't, then it's a good reminder to perfect your technique. If you did, than take the opportunity to educate the UAP.

Nibbles1 · Aug 8, 2014

I had a similar problem. I requested a meeting with the DON/CNA and myself. I discussed the problems. I had the DON go over the job description of a CNA. I got backlash from the CNA. DON did nothing. CNA was calling family members to "inform" the families of lab values, med changes, and her "professional" opinion of what I should be doing. I quit. If the DON doesn't have my back, then so long. The aides literally ran that nursing home. They now have a ton of sanctions against them. Good luck!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 9, 2014

Jul 31 by Xxlaliz
What do you do or how should you react if an assistive personnel tells you that you did not insert the urinary catheter correctly and should go back to school and learn......
This is an older lady who believes she knows it all, often comes to me asking me to
over medicate "difficult" patients because she doesn't have "time" to watch over them. She has even tried to persuade the MD so that he increases doses of Valium. I have talked to my DON about this but im ignored every time. She is driving me crazy, I have been very polite to her but she constantly acts like this and it's driving me crazy.....Help!!

DID you insert the catheter correctly?

However obnoxious the delivery, was there a nugget of truth in the assistive person's comment? If there was, then obviously she was right to correct you and you know that. You might want to work with her on her delivery, however.

If you are positive that you inserted the catheter correctly, have you addressed you issues with this woman WITH this woman? Or just with your DON? If you haven't addressed your issues with the person you're having issues with, no wonder your DON is ignoring you. TALK to the lady already! THEN, if you are unable to resolve your differences, go to the DON.