How do I handle a patronizing coworker?

[Start2]

Hi Everyone:

Today I started my first LPN position after taking a refresher course and getting a license in this state.

I have been hired to do a job that I am certain I am well-qualified to do and will be able to do it quite well once I have learned the computer system and the software being utilized as I learn quickly and am flexible and willing and able to learn new programs.

The one fly, in what I otherwise found to be a wonderful, exciting day learning to do my new job, was a very patronizing and rude coworker who continuously gabbed about her personal life to everyone around, bragged about her accomplishments, completely ignored a younger coworker who also started today, asked me and others questions of a personal nature, and came off, in general, like a bully.

I would like to think this is a nice person who is just very nervous, but I am having difficulty excusing her behavior in my mind as some of her words and actions were definitely patronizing. Today I ignored her as much as possible without appearing rude and I probably will continue to do so in the future. However, if there is some way I could help to turn this around it would definitely make a much more palatable work environment.

I do not want to escalate her behavior. I just want to do the job I am being paid for to the very best of my ability.

All suggestions gratefully received.:redpinkhe

[sasha2lady]

I think you should continue to ignore her. If you were more established at this place a confrontation may be suitable only if necessary. She may be testing the waters with you but maintain only as much contact as absolutely necessary with her. Where I work there is one nurse who thinks she is a god sent picture of perfection who puts the rest of us down and tries to bully others. 2 others are just sloppy careless and think they know much more than what they do and another one is hateful rude spiteful and obnoxious to everybody she meets. Luckily they work different shifts than me but I always dread seeing them come in or following behind them. I just try to stay away from them .

[Start2]

Sashal2lady:

Thanks for the kind reply...

Today was much better....

[tiredstudentmom]

Sometimes, the best thing we can do or say... is nothing. Especially when confronted by someone who may just be what you say, nervous, testing you... Perhaps they feel threatened or insecure. Whatever the reason, it may be best to let it go and ignore them as you've been doing. Hopefully, it will help halt her behavior and give you a more "palatable" environment as you so eloquently stated.

[caliotter3]

Continue to ignore her as much as possible unless her behavior changes. When she acts like a courteous adult, then respond to her appropriate behavior, otherwise concern yourself with what you have to do.

[Start2]

Thanks Everyone!

[Start2]

UPDATE::

She quit! Today was her last day! She stated that she was too busy to work full time...