I blew my cool today

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

I had three admissions coming and the MD on the floor. I had four discharges to get ready for later in the week, two drug seeking elders in pain with behaviors, one LPN write up to finish and had just secured ten minutes to eat at my desk. My charting is behind, my care plans are even worse. I didn't even get to see any of my forty patients today. During my ten minutes to wolf down my sandwich, the ADON sent a new employee (RN super) who is on orientation to my office with an incident report that needed a care plan update documented. She said to me "I was told by _______ to not leave until this was done, so you have to do this right now". And. I. Lost. It. I told the poor new girl that she could go back and tell _______ that if she wanted to come down here and stand over me and micromanage she was welcome to, otherwise I would get to the report as soon as I had eaten and will gladly bring it down to her office. Oh it hit the fan. ______ came to my office and we had a great talk about my attitude. Honestly, how dare she send someone to stand over me like that!! I routinely put in a 50hr week for a 37.5 hr salary. I put out good work. I assess my patients and do my best to lead my floor by example. But this was just unreal. I've never been treated like that. It was demeaning and I felt like I was being supervised like an errant child. I have ten years and a BSN. I'm ready to throw my badge on the floor and walk away.

[lovinlife11]

Sounds like you had a stressful day. And a manager who is less than understanding. Sometimes it's better to move on. Good luck to you!!

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

It was just beyond stressful. I feel my ADON sent a clear message. She feels I am a subordinate, not a colleague; and that I am expected to drop everything to deal with her requests because ER deadlines are more important. Maybe I'm too forward, but I believe I am a colleague, to her, to the DON, the Administrator, and the Doctor. It's a small place. We work closely. The only one I'd ever drop everything for is Doc. Because he would never tell me to, he'd only ever ask. If she had come to me and said "hey, this is due today and I'd appreciate it if you could have it back to me in twenty minutes" I would have said "absolutely". I'd never treat my LPNs or CNAs like that. They are my peers. I am above or below no one.

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

Today I had a very good talk with my administrator. I shall be taking over the MDS department soon so here's to change and all the good it may bring.

[lovinlife11]

Awesome news!! Sometimes a change of pace is all we need! Hope it all works out for you!

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

Thank you. I've been unhappy for months. Hoping that returning to something I'm skilled at gives me some satisfaction.

[SleeepyRN]

Today I had a very good talk with my administrator. I shall be taking over the MDS department soon so here's to change and all the good it may bring.

I'm really glad to hear that. It sounded like more than just a really bad day, and that you needed change in the career department. So congratulations!

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

Thanks Sleepy. I think maybe I just don't at well enough with others. My husband says that. I do we'll in the solitary role that MDS provides. Plus, I think it's less stress - which I will need. I hoping to start classes in the fall for FNP - part time program. Awaiting the admissions decision.

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

*dont play well with others. Typing on my phone :/

[Overland1, RN]

"Attitude" (as in bad attitude) is a lazy way for an administrator to deal with underlying problems. I still recall many years ago as a new nurse when a nurse manager said she wanted to talk with me about something. I actually stopped by to see her on my day off and was on the way back from some other business (was dressed in jacket and tie). She told me that she had heard that I had a "bad attitude". I asked her where she heard that from, and she (of course) became very vague refused to say. My response was simple and to the point (my style)... I smiled and told her that a very wise man once advised me to believe none of what I hear and only some of what I see. She then realized that maybe her "management by gossip" style would not work with me. I then reminded her that if she has any concerns or questions about me, that she should please come to me with those concerns and questions first, and we would discuss them.

Got gossip? I don't want to hear it. Got drama? Count me out. Have issues or problems with me? I am very easy to approach and discuss things with. Be polite, be honest, get to the point, and I am all yours.

I swear, most "nursey-nursey" types, especially in (mis)management have no idea what to make of me.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Someone who's (professionally) direct and doesn't play games baffles a lot of people.

I have similar experiences.

[savoytruffle, BSN, RN]

I just have no patience for any of that. The drama, politics, micromanagement. My directness puts off a lot of people. They don't know what to say and become defensive. I don't sugar coat, I just say what I see. I lay out my expectations. I am respectful with everyone- until this happened. The BS doesn't work with me. I've said what's on my mind, and it wasn't well received at all. One of those things was that i feel I was hired to manage, but then not allowed to have any control on my unit. The same ADON has, in the past, come down to my unit and held meetings with my nurses and aides while I was out, instead of speaking with me about any of her ideas and concerns first and letting me handle it. And yet she swears she is not micromanaging. I like this facility and the administrator, but I enjoy nothing about working in this nursing department. Moving to MDS (I'm an AANAC RAC-CT) will give me room to breathe. Otherwise, I may end up bucking the system as much as possible and making things worse.