Is it jealousy, bullying or my imagination

[l.a.m.b, ADN, RN]

A few months ago, I was approached by upper management about cross training for nursing supervisor. The position was going to be intermittent as needed to cover vacations or days off. I was so happy and proud to start training. Soon after I started to be on my own, my co-worker began speaking to me in a very snarky tone, questioning my ability to do this job and putting me down in front of other coworkers. I told her I felt attacked by her. I was very surprised at her behavior, and emailed our nurse manager because I wanted to explain my side as this co worker said she was going to write me up. I never received a reply, either by email or in person by the manager. I also did not bring it up anymore because I just want to give her the benefit of the doubt. If it happens again, then I will pursue it. When I work in the floor with that nurse she has been nice to me, but only talks to me if it is patient related. Has anyone had something similar happen to them and how did you handle it?

[Davey Do]

Just some food for thought, l.a.m.b:

This situation could be the result of an "us and them" situation. Once we become administrators, we become one of them and them is always the enemy.

I applaud your reaction to let your co-worker know how you felt. An "I feel" is an appropriate reaction to an offensive move and does not give fuel to the other party's fire.

Lots of us have difficulty separating personalities from principles in that we often experience an emotional reaction to a move by a superior. We sometimes have problems understanding a delegation of duties is not based on personalities, but with logistics, an operation of coordination, we can react in an emotionally negative way.

Going on the offensive, as the attempt to explain your side because your co-worker was going to write you up, is like bleeding before you're cut. Keep notes or records of problem situations for a quick recall and respond to complaints, but don't try to head them off at the pass. Don't go looking for problems. Let the problems find you and react accordingly.

Having had a few years experience as a middle management administrator let me know it wasn't my cup of tea- you can never please anybody, the job is salaried and you always work more and get paid the same amount, and worse of all: you become one of them.

Good luck!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Been there, done that. You are placed in a difficult position. Management does not really see you as "management" , as you can tell by the lack of response to your e-mail. Your fellow nurses are also confused as to your role. Your co-worker was out of bounds. Hind sight is 20-20, but in the future .. you need to put her in her place, if you are the acting supervisor.

I chose to handle this no-win situation , by quitting entirely. I got tired of being beat up by staff/ then management.

Lotsa luck with this mess.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I am gonna maybe guess that she possibly applied for the position as well and i holding a grudge because you got it and she didn't. Just a thought!

Annie

[Kitiger, RN]

I agree with Davey Do. Confront directly, with "I feel" comments. Keep notes, but don't go looking for problems. Let the problems find you and act accordingly.