I need advice, please.

[matchstickxx]

I have my annual review coming up later this week. A couple of days ago, I overheard part of a conversation which leads me to believe my review will not be a good one. My mid year review was very good so I am just stunned about what I overheard. My old supervisor, who did the mid-year, retired and the person who will be doing my review barely knows me.

The position I am in recently changed and I was one of a couple of people brought on board to cause some of the change. The changes weren't my idea, but occurred with the increase in number of people in this position. The "old guard" has always seemed to regard me as temporary and I think some of these people are trying to undermine my work. None of them liked the changes and had only been tolerant of them because of the now-retired supervisor's support of the changes.

There is another "newbie" to the position on the night shift and she has had the same "you're only here temporarily" feeling I have been getting.

I guess my question is how do I handle a negative review? I have never had a bad review and do not know how to respond to some potentially serious negative feedback, especially when I don't know exactly what that feedback may be. I do feel as though some info was omitted from my orientation but I have no way of knowing what I should know until the situation arises and I don't know what is supposed to be done. It gets to be very frustrating for me and I feel that any little mistake on my part is being brought to the attention of my current supervisor by the "old guard" and some of their sympathetic friends.

Obviously I can't go into the review saying "Susie" and "Nancy" are out to get me and didn't orient me to everything I really needed to know to do this job effectively.

BTW, for those wondering why I just don't move on....I really do like my job and many of the people I have day to day contact with at work.

Thanks for the opportunity to ramble and rant about this. I am just so upset about this that I can't think straight about how to minimize potential damage. I really am afraid of being let go or demoted even though I think I have been making progress toward or met all of the goals from my mid-year review and have never even received so much as a verbal reprimand for anything at work.

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

I think I have been making progress toward or met all of the goals from my mid-year review and have never even received so much as a verbal reprimand for anything at work.

I would focus on this.

Assuming your review is negative, I would look surprised (as you are), and professionally express concern that none of the items brought up have ever been addressed to you (assuming they haven't.) If they have merit, acknowledge the deficiency, and make a plan to improve. If not, get clarification on the specifics, state your understanding of the proper way to do (whatever it is) and "Can we work on a way to get more immediate feedback if there are concerns?"

Sorry you're getting a bit of what sounds like passive-aggressive stuff from your co-workers.

[Jolie, BSN]

Excellent advice from Nurse Ratched!

An evaluation should NEVER be a surprise. If it is, then your manager has been failing in his/her job. I would suggest that you request a copy of the evaluation form to review prior to your meeting with your supervisor. Fill it out as a self evaluation, complete with specific examples of excellence and weaknesses. For example, cite a patient with complex needs whose care you made a positive impact on, or cite a particularly difficult patient /family that you worked well with. Also list specific times when you were flexible with your schedule in order to help the unit out, or times when you went out of your way to assist a co-worker. Acknowledge your weaknesses and list some strategies for overcoming them. These items can become your goals for professional growth in the coming year. This would be the appropriate time to tactfully state some of the shortcomings in your orientation.

The issue of co-workers resisting change is a universal one that will not go away easily. Take every opportunity to ask the advice of those co-workers on issues where they have more expertise than you, offer your assistance when they are

You sound very conscientious. You'll do fine!

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I would perform a self analysis and put down on paper your strengths and weaknesses, go in prepared. If they highlight any surprises you would be perfectly within you rights to object that annual reviews are not the time that new information is introduced, as that should be done at a more appropriate time for example when concerns are highlighted.

[matchstickxx]

Thank you all for the excellent advice. I have a copy of my mid-year review with all positive feedback and further opportunites to grow and improve in my position. I will certainly have this with me with further comment on how I am progressing toward or reaching goals.

[nambour51]

Avoid any emotional response and avoid getting defensive. If something catches you unaware and upsets you take a deep breath and take your time before responding. Listen for constructive comments and ask for specific examples in relation to any subjective comments. If the review is negative you could ask in what way your performance has deteriorated since your last review! Good luck!

[TazziRN, RN]

If, at the end of the meeting, you feel that the review was still unfair, you have the right to write your own comments. You can let your feelings be known, politely.

As for the potential consequences, I wouldn't worry about it. Any manager with half a brain should realize that one negative eval after positive ones raises questions about the reviewer, not the reviewee.