I'm a new CNA at a nursing home. Theres a nurse who always gives me dirty looks. Anyways, after I was done with my shift, I went to the nursing station to give my manager's keys she lended me back because I left mine at home. The girl was sitting there with 2 other nurses, I said something like "So Anna gave me her keys because I forgot mine, so here they are back" And the girl out loud to the other two so I can hear in on the conversation says "She likes the word "so" a lot", (Making fun of me because I used "so" a lot in that sentence) And she and the other two started giggling. I was shocked and didn't know how to react, one of the other two in an attitude way asked if I was going to work tomorrow, I said no, gave the keys back and left. My thing is now that I know she's going to say passive aggressive *** like this how should I handle it next time? I should have called her out, but the thing is I'm good at aggressively cussing people out and stuff LOL, but I don't know how to handle low key situations like this....especially since it was against a group
The speaker is clearly about ten years old mentally. If a literal ten year old said the same thing, would you respond, or just walk on? I personally wouldn’t think it was worth the energy, such a stupid remark. I don’t care what she thinks, or what the group says when I’m gone. They have no power over me.
If you don’t respond it will get boring and they‘ll find someone or something else to talk about.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 10/26/2020 at 9:05 AM, cookie123d said:
I disagree with that statement. It's a passive aggressive mocking/disrespecting of a coworker for no dam reason, sure it may not be as severe as punching me in the face, but this is another low key version of bullying.
While you have a right to be treated with respect what's happening is not passive aggression it's open aggression. A example of passive aggressive behavior is if you ask someone multiple times to do a task like doing the dishes and them responding by breaking or throwing the dishes away then acting as if they have no idea what happened to the dishes.
There are many reasons why someone may display uncivil or aggressive behavior. One dynamic I see here is that she/they are trying to keep you in your place. They are licensed nurses and you are a CNA. They want to make sure you know it. While you think of them as your co-workers they look at you as a subordinate. In the context of this other CNAs would be your co-workers while liscensed nurses are your direct supervisors. For what it's worth I have seen long time CNAs gang up on new nurses in the same way.
I work with teens and teach that bullies are predators. Predators go where the prey is. Just as a lion will go after the weakest zebra in the herd. So too will human bullies pick on those they perceive as weak. Your mistake is thinking that walking away from conflict is weak when it is actually a sign of strength. When they see their behavior doesn't effect you they will move on to easier prey. Trust me.
I do want to say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a CNA. Alot of CNAs have mad skills, are incredibly hard workers and know what is going on with the residents. When I worked with CNA's I fostored a collaborative approach of team work. If you are thinking about becoming a nurse remember how you were treated as a CNA and treat your subordinates accordingly.
canoehead, BSN, RN
6,909 Posts
The speaker is clearly about ten years old mentally. If a literal ten year old said the same thing, would you respond, or just walk on? I personally wouldn’t think it was worth the energy, such a stupid remark. I don’t care what she thinks, or what the group says when I’m gone. They have no power over me.
If you don’t respond it will get boring and they‘ll find someone or something else to talk about.