I may lose my job because I'm too slow on the computer

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Published  

I have worked as a dermatology nurse for 23 years. Patient flow from treating precancer's, assisting in biopsy's, surgical excision's to allergic dermatitis treatments with UVB. My provider retired and I transferred to a different department at same company.

Now doing remote telephone triage and walk in clinic in basket assistance. I work remote from home. This department has about 6 different programs used in practice. I know Epic but the others are new to me. I have had 4 weeks training and have been working graveyard triage for 2 weeks solo. My chart audits are at 96 % accuracy baseline is 90.

I have been put on a corrective action plan because my computer tech skills are still lacking. It's been so hard to go from the nurse everyone went to for advice on patients. To now my computer performance is not fast enough. I am at risk of loosing my job. I have been updating my skills with touch point, clear triage, MCL and teams. I can use them but not fast enough. I have started to become so stressed about performance it is not helping the situation at all. How can I calm my nerves and continue to learn when have a 2 week timeline to get up to speed. If I do get terminated how do I explain this to new prospective employers. I am not sleeping well and my skin has broken out in stress hives. I really want to stay with Optum. My 401k is 100 % vested and I truely believe in the core values of the company. Do you have any advice for me. Thank you for your time. 

Share this post

+ Add A Comment
Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this level of stress.

It must be tough to feel that your performance is measured by something less in your control, like tech skills. However, your commitment to staying with Optum and improving shows great resilience.

Here are some thoughts to help you manage both your stress and the learning curve:

Recognize Your Strengths and Successes

It sounds devastating to go from being seen as the expert clinician you are to being put on a corrective action plan for technical skills. You've worked as a dermatology nurse for 23 years, which means you're an expert in patient care. You've already demonstrated your commitment to your new role through the accuracy of your chart audits. 96% accuracy with a baseline of 90% is excellent, which you should be proud of. Acknowledge these achievements to remind yourself that you're not failing in the core aspects of your job and practice, even if the technology side is a challenge right now.

Break Down the Learning Process

Since you're working with six different programs, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritize the most essential ones that you use most often and focus on mastering those first. Set small, achievable goals for each day of the week. For instance:

  • Day 1: Master a shortcut in one program.
  • Day 2: Practice using two features in another program.
  • Day 3: Repeatedly use your newly learned features purposefully. If needed, check with your resources for clarification.

Tackling small chunks will allow you to feel more in control and build your confidence with each new thing you master. Trust me, at some point, it all comes together synergistically.

If possible, stay in touch regularly, if not daily, with an educator or preceptor to discuss your progress. This will also help in saving your job.

Utilize Available Resources

Since you have access to resources like Touchpoint, Clear Triage, MCL, and Teams, it might help to designate a time each day for a quick learning s ssion. Sometimes, watching a short video or reading a guide on a program feature can be more effective than diving into it without preparation. Reach out to peers or trainers as well. They might provide shortcuts or tips for specific programs to make your work more efficient.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Stress affects you physically and mentally and blocks your learning progress. Finding ways to relax, even during high-stress periods, is essential right now. Consider practicing some calming techniques:

  • Breathing exercises: Focus on slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and repeat.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups, starting from your feet and working your way up.
  • Take regular breaks to walk, stretch, or do a non-work-related activity. Since you're working from home, taking quick walks will give your brain a quick reset and restore focus. If you can go outside for a minute, that's even better.

Sleep and Skin Care

Stress-induced hives and poor sleep are common in high-pressure situations. If you don't already have a sleep routine, it might be beneficial to signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

  • Sleep hygiene: Limit screen time an hour before bed, avoid caffeine late in the day, and create a calming pre-sleep ritual (like a warm bath or reading a book).
  • Skincare: To soothe hives, apply calming treatments like aloe vera gel or anti-inflammatory creams. Actually, I'm sure you know far more than I do about skincare and treating hives!

Remember Your "Why"

Reflect on why you want to stay. Keeping your purpose in mind can ground you in times of doubt, whether it's the company's values, your vested 401k, or your desire to continue in times of doubt.

Addressing Performance with Your Employer

Schedule an appointment with your supervisor. Given that you've been with the organization for 23 years, you're 100% invested, and you want the job, I'd not hold back. You have nothing to lose.

Be prepared and include these talking points:

  • You are dedicated and loyal. Express your dedication to the company and the role. Tell your supervisor you believe in the core values. Give an example and be specific about supporting the value(s).
  • Acknowledge that you understand how important it is to improve your technical skills. Share the steps you're actively taking to improve your  skills. Be specific: "On Day 1, I master one shortcut, such as (copy and paste keyboard shortcuts, drag and drop, auto-populate, favorite lists for frequently used interventions and assessments, decision trees, etc.) On Day 2, I use two features in another program (again, give examples)."
  • Inquire if there are specific expectations for speed (how quickly tasks need to be completed) versus accuracy. Sometimes, employers give a little more leeway if they see you're committed and improving.
  • Respectfully ask for clarification on your corrective plan of action. What does "up to speed" mean, exactly? How will you know when you are performing "fast enough"? Are these goals measurable? This is not to be argumentative but to have goals you can meet or to show your progress. 
  • Have an Ask. Ask if the 2-week timeline can be extended as you are making progress. You can ask for additional time with an educator if you think this might help. What resources is your supervisor currently providing to help you succeed?

If Terminated, Explaining to Future Employers

It would be a loss to Optum if they let you go rather than giving you time to get up to speed.

If termination occurs, you will know that you gave it your best. The key is to frame it as a learning experience. You must see it as an unplanned but potentially exciting opportunity.

Emphasize your technical skills, expertise in patient care, and the steps you took to improve. Explain that you were transitioning into a role that required different skills (tech skills, in this case), and while you tried your best, the pace of learning the new systems became overwhelming. Stress that you've learned from the experience and have taken steps to improve your computer proficiency.

You may even consider gaining extra training or certifications in healthcare technology to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth. A proactive approach will show future employers that you're adaptable and can grow from challenges.

 Practice Self-Compassion

Finally, remember that no one expects perfection. You're doing your best in a new role with new challenges. It's OK to take things one step at a time, and it's OK to ask for help when you need it. You're an experienced nurse who's successfully transitioned into a remote role, and that takes a lot of skill and adaptability.

 You've shown resilience in the past, which is another hurdle you can overcome. You've got this!

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

+ Add a Comment