Labeled as Condescending

[Nunya Business]

I am new to delegation, as I have been a practicing RN for roughly eight months.  I am finding often that my CNA's are giving me feedback that I am condescending when I delegate a task.

Does anyone out there have specific dialogue-like examples that I could use, or know of a workbook I could practice with, or a video series?

I am doing Google searches for these things, but sometimes it's just nice to ask others who may have worked through the same problem and find out what worked for them...

[BraveHeartABC]

I have never had this problem. And It's difficult to know what's actually going on but-

1) Get to know your CNA's. If the only time you ever speak to them is to tell them what to do, then that's a problem (not saying you do, I have no idea). CNA's (or anybody) will not like you if the only time you speak to them is just you giving out orders. 

2) Make them feel appreciated. They work very hard, and don't get paid enough. Just because they are doing their job doesn't mean they can't be thanked for doing it. For example-Thank you for spending so much time with Patient A, it helped me out a lot. In addition, you can learn a lot from CNA's, I was never one so I am grateful for the things they have taught me, specifically when it comes to washing up patients and moving them. If that's you too, then you can say just that.

3) Don't ask the CNA to do something unless you genuinely don't have time to do it yourself. This is kind of my own rule, not everyone may agree but. For example, if I am doing good in my shift time wise then I'm not going to ask the CNA to do something If I could just do it myself. For example, don't ask the CNA to go get a patient some water, or help to the bathroom if you know you can just do it yourself.

4) If you must delegate then just be nice about it, and think about how you'd like to be asked. For example, Hey Kate I know you've been busy but could you get another set of vitals on patient A while I get her meds ready? I'm kind of concerned about xyz. 

[JKL33]

Excellent reply by @BraveHeartABC. Really. If you internalize and incorporate the points made above then this all becomes much easier.