I have an odd question....

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I have an odd question.

Does anyone ever feel like they have to "dumb down" for their boss? Meaning, you can't really show how intelligent you are because your boss gets offended if they feel that you know more than them with certain issues. My nurse manager is extremely emotional. Matter-of-fact, she's so emotional that if she feels "upstaged" by you OR you come up with an idea that's not hers, she will get upset and cut your hours. We have actually lost several good nurses because of her. It drives me insane! I feel like I need an anti-anxiety med just to deal with her.

I know that there will be problems anywhere you go, but this is ridiculous.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

No to your question. May I suggest black cohosh in reference to your screen name. :D:D:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have also had to deal with touchy people on that subject. Especially since I am an LPN and am very well read, sometimes knowing more than RNs. There's a limit to how much you can accommodate her insecurity. Certainly not if it compromises the care of a patient and you know she is wrong. However, if you remain in that position with her as your supervisor you will have to play the game. If it becomes absolutely intolerable I suggest looking for another job. If good nurses have left due to her behavior, would her superiors be open to hearing about the problem? If so, be prepared with specific examples, do not generalize. Also contact the nurses who have left and ask if they would be willing to talk to the higher ups on the phone to back you up. Remember the NM will probably know you went to them which would make your life miserable if they do nothing about it. Those are the options as I see them: 1) find another job 2) enlighten her superiors. And be prepared to do 1 if you work up the nerve to do 2 because sometimes these things backfire. Just make sure they know you are not complaining, you are letting them know about a potentially dangerous situation to the patients and a problem that has caused their facility to lose some good staff. I wish you the best and offer some commiseration! Keep your head up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have also had to deal with touchy people on that subject. Especially since I am an LPN and am very well read, sometimes knowing more than RNs. There's a limit to how much you can accommodate her insecurity. Certainly not if it compromises the care of a patient and you know she is wrong. However, if you remain in that position with her as your supervisor you will have to play the game. If it becomes absolutely intolerable I suggest looking for another job. If good nurses have left due to her behavior, would her superiors be open to hearing about the problem? If so, be prepared with specific examples, do not generalize. Also contact the nurses who have left and ask if they would be willing to talk to the higher ups on the phone to back you up. Remember the NM will probably know you went to them which would make your life miserable if they do nothing about it. Those are the options as I see them: 1) find another job 2) enlighten her superiors. And be prepared to do 1 if you work up the nerve to do 2 because sometimes these things backfire. Just make sure they know you are not complaining, you are letting them know about a potentially dangerous situation to the patients and a problem that has caused their facility to lose some good staff. I wish you the best and offer some commiseration! Keep your head up.

I just had an interview last week. I'm praying to hear some good news by Wednesday. I think in this situation, you just can't win.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No to your question. May I suggest black cohosh in reference to your screen name. :D:D:D

Lol...I'm too young to be going through the change! Lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Fortunately, most of my previous and current nurse managers have targeted the seemingly 'dumb' nurses and would do anything to keep the seemingly 'smart' nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nope. My supervisor (an RN) graduated and passed her NCLEX about a year after I passed my NCLEX (LPN). She started her nursing career as the evening super on our floor and had no experience at all about healthcare or nursing.

I have worked all aspects of healthcare (most especially LTC) longer than she has been taking air in and out haha. She always comes to me to bounce ideas off me and has no issues with me making suggestions to something that she has implemented that just isn't working. She has never had any issues with me speaking up on things I know about. I have to say she is the best super! She listens to everyone (regardless of their title and/or education) and their thoughts/ideas/comments etc and uses it in order to make everyone a bit less stressed and have things flow more smoothly on the floor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmmm. No, I have never felt the need to 'dumb down', rather, I have always felt the need to stay on my toes. I also have the desire to stay on my toes, which helps.

Occasionally I have to tolerate gossip with a smile and nod, so as not to draw attention to myself as being the odd one out, but no harm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have an odd question.

Does anyone ever feel like they have to "dumb down" for their boss? Meaning, you can't really show how intelligent you are because your boss gets offended if they feel that you know more than them with certain issues. My nurse manager is extremely emotional. Matter-of-fact, she's so emotional that if she feels "upstaged" by you OR you come up with an idea that's not hers, she will get upset and cut your hours. We have actually lost several good nurses because of her. It drives me insane! I feel like I need an anti-anxiety med just to deal with her.

I know that there will be problems anywhere you go, but this is ridiculous.

The short answer is NO. I would never hide my skill and knowledge so as not offend my boss. Just don't come across as arrogant and condescending.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment