what to do with a mean charge nurse?

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At my hospital, they just trained another staff nurse to be relief charge. I, along with a few of my other coworkers, have had some instances with her before she became charge where she was very mean and overreacted to the situation. She seems to be mean only to nurses who have worked at the hospital a shorter amount of time than her, which in my case is only a whopping six months. There have been many times when she was being unreasonable that I wanted to confront her and tell her to back off a bit; however, each time I just let it go, thinking to myself that she is just who she is and must have issues to be this way, and I should just be the bigger person and let it go. Now that she is charge, an instance has already happened to my friend, and I feel certain that in a matter of time, it will happen to me again too. I feel that I'm going to have to confront her so that my anger doesn't build up to the point that I want to punch her out! But I think she's going to be a hard one to confront since she has a history of overreacting and especially now that she is in charge. What would be better....confront her first? Then if that doesn't work, go above her? I just don't know how much longer I can stand her witchiness.:angryfire

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

I have found that alot of the times once you confront the person and show them you aren't going to take it any longer that they back off. :)

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I had the same thing happen to me. My manager told me to document and document some more. Save a copy for you and a give a copy to the manager above her. If you get no satisfaction go to human resources. That is what helped me

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the confrntation idea is good ... people preceive as a mouse, if their attitude gets repetitive i decide this far and no further...this usually solves the problem...also remember the constant of change next week she or you may be on another floor or facility...you may meet her twin but that is life

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There seem to be many mean witches at all levels.

Your question is a very good one.

A returning student,

Angels’

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bible says Heap coals on her head in other words be nice and that will erk her to no end..sounds like a plan.

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