LVN at assisted living...new cna already badmouthing others

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Specializes in Allergy and Asthma, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics,.

I currently work the night shift (10-6) at an assisted living facility. We currently have only two cna's and me that work the 6 story building. We are remodling our 3rd floor to be a secure unit so they needed to hire another cna to stay on that floor only all night. The other 2 cna's care for floors 2 and 4, 5 and 6, and I do the first floor plus all of my nursing duties and passing meds.

The cna that has been training for two days did very well those first 2 nights and all the way through the 3rd night up until 5:30 this morning. She finished her one floor and I asked if she would help a resident on the fourth floor who was calling since the other associate was not finished in a room. She did, but then came down saying she wasn't helping any of the other cna's anymore because they move to slow and they need to learn to finish faster like her.

WHAT!? She had one floor to do. The other girls have 2 floors. I have one floor but was still charting and passing my meds. I told her sometimes they finish faster than other days, but it didn't matter anyway because it's not a contest. As long as the residents are changed and helped and happy and they do all their work, that's all that matters. She continued arguing with me so i walked away.

I also later found out from one of the other cna's that she was calling me lazy because she OFFERED to help me with my floor and I let her. She said I was lazy and needed to not complain because I know what my job is and I need to just do it. She said this behind my back, but to my face tried saying I shouldn't have a floor because I am the nurse and have my nursing things to do.

I ALWAYS have helped my girls when they are backed up and they have always helped me. It' called teamwork and having each other's back on a tough shift. It's 3 of us at night (well 4 now) for 6 floors of resident's, almost 90 people to care for. If we didn't work together, it wouldn't work.

I am appalled she is already backstabbing and two facing not just the other cna's but me too, being her boss there at night. I am not the DON, but the power is put into the nurse on shift when they aren't there. Should I talk to my supervisor about this or just see if it continues? It has bothered me all day.

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Wow so the claws came out already. It depends on the relationship you have with your boss. I will say something since she is still on probation. Why hire someone that has show her true colors already. This is a tuff' one. Some bosses will love her because she is competetive and quick and some will not because of her toxic nature. Just warn your boss and keep the other CNS's on the lookout.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

I would say something as well. The person she was badmouthing you to and also you as well, should go together, the DON will get the whole story and it wont be a you vs. her situation. Good luck. Thats way too early to start letting the claws come out.

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Regarding speed and efficiency, I will bet you anything that this individual spends inordinate amount of shift time on break and/or on their phone. Their goal from the minute they walk in is to complete their task as quickly as possible. Not because quicker is better, or more efficient, but because they do not actually want to do their job at all, and take whatever shortcuts they can to avoid doing their job any longer than they have to. Ultimately, any complaints being made are not about you, not about the patients, not about the management, but about this small-minded individual that feels entitled to have a position irregardless of how well they perform it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I wouldn't go to higher-ups just yet. Give the CNA a chance to get her act together unofficially.

I would find a way to mention to her that you were hoping that she has by now noticed that you all are team players. And that bad-mouthing co-workers and failure to work as a team are attributes that will not be tolerated. Say it with a smile of steel and firm eye contact so that she knows that you noticed the toxic attitude the other night.

Who knows, she may have come from a really bad work environment and doesn't really know how to function without playing one against the other.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OB, NICU.

I would tell the manager, or DON, or whoever is in charge.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

If you put up with that nonsense, you'll find yourself obsessing about it, and wondering if she is talking about you. And then you want not focus on your work.

Nip it with her now, and report her a$$. Otherwise she'll think it is ok and it will continue to spiral out of control.

I HATE drama and immature games ... good luck to you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I would tell the manager, or DON, or whoever is in charge.

Originally posted by Diane-RN in Michigan

"Nip it with her now, and report her a$$. Otherwise she'll think it is ok and it will continue to spiral out of control.

Disagree completely. OP needs to handle this first round of CNA management herself. Running to the charge person at the first sign of trouble could portray the nurse as weak and ineffective. That would set the stage for future challenge after challenge.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Originally posted by Diane-RN in Michigan

"Nip it with her now, and report her a$$. Otherwise she'll think it is ok and it will continue to spiral out of control.

Disagree completely. OP needs to handle this first round of CNA management herself. Running to the charge person at the first sign of trouble could portray the nurse as weak and ineffective. That would set the stage for future challenge after challenge.

Just keep in mind, this person is on ORIENTATION. She needs to evaluated for her behavior, by a person in mgmt. Would be totally different scenario if she were a longer term employee. If she were, then, the LPN could address this behavior effectively.

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Specializes in Allergy and Asthma, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics,.

Thank you everyone for responding and reading that long post.

We work 4 on 2 off so tonight when I go in is our last night of her first week. I think I will see how tonight plays out and if she continues to be more beligerent than her first 2 days. It just really knocked me off guard because she seemed to be a team player and willing to learn alot until this mornings incident. (I found out later while I was clocking out about her calling me lazy which made me even more irritated about it)

Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking her to always pick up someone else's floor or resident on their floor. It's just how we that have been working together have always done. We all help each other when and if we can so it puts the resident's needs first. Not bickering about having to do someone else's work or I'm faster than so and so.

I will update in the morning about how the night went and see if I can get more input from you guys then.

I also want to say to everyone to keep up your good work no matter if you are a student, CNA, LVN, or RN, etc. We are in a unique field that takes a special person to want to do and do to the best of their ability. Especially to you students, just keep on keepin on. If I can survive the gauntlet, I know anyone can LOL!

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

As others have said, you need to nip that in the bud. She is a toxic force that could ruin your teamwork. I wouldn't wait to go to management and of course make sure you document document document.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Valerie,

I love your positive attitude.:redbeathe Thanks for sharing.:up:

all the best,

Diane, RN:nurse:

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