My CNAs dont seem to respect me...

[CCFCP]

Ive been a nurse for only a year now and Im finding it very difficult to gain the respect of several of my CNAs. Im not sure how to gain control of my floor and the nurse that usually works with me sees the same problems. I know that the aids work hard.. I used to be one at this LTC.. so I know the job well and I know what needs to be done. Im a nurse that is always willing to jump in and help out with toileting, transferring, feeding, vitals and any other job that the CNAs regularly do so its not like Im asking them to do anything that I wont do myself. Im frequently met with negativity and rudeness when asking for a job to be done, Im hearing aids speaking inappropriately about certain residents in patient care areas, and when I approach someone and try to correct the behavior or issue it falls on deaf ears. I dont know how to take control and get my floor working as a team.. Im so tired of how things are at work right now that I just want to quit but I know that if I dont learn to gain the trust and respect of my aids now that this problem will likely follow me elsewhere.can anyone give me advise? Has anyone else had this issue?

[DedHedRN]

I'm having it now. CNAs are unbearable where I work. One of them screams and cusses in the hall on a regular basis because residents use their call lights.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Talk to your manager. If they are not completing their delegated tasks then I would make sure disciplinary action is taken.

[CCFCP]

Are u sure you dont work at the same facility ISIS C? That sounds awfully familiar! I need to figure out how to fix this issue before my DON comes down on me.. since ultimately we get held responsible for the actions of our CNAs. Is it too late to go to beauty school?

[DedHedRN]

This is the kind of thing they didn't teach me in nursing school. And why oh why do some people become CNAs when they have no patience and hate people?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

It may be that part of your problem is that you used to be a CNA yourself at the same facility. You are asking them to see you in a different role and they are probably resistant to that.

[CCFCP]

I agree ISIS.. and I think they should include a business management course in the nursing curriculum.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I'm having it now. CNAs are unbearable where I work. One of them screams and cusses in the hall on a regular basis because residents use their call lights.

That is intolerable. Write them up. Ask for a meeting between you, the aide and the DON to discuss the behavior.

[chihuahuaman]

You might want to start by not thinking of them as *your* care aides. That sort of phrasing shows you are working from a patriarchal paradigm and not an inclusive, team based point of view. All the people working with you have knowledge and skills that need to be respected. Reorienting your point of view to be more team oriented might help to foster more responsibility and professionalism in the care aides.

[Cessna172]

I believe it starts with management. I work with some great CNAs and nurses, but we also know our boss expects certain standards. I work PRN for a local LTAC. Unfortunately when you advance, not everyone cares that you have new responsibilities, since you were at one time a CNA there, plus some people are just lazy and won't work for anyone. Good luck

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

A little appreciation can go a long way. Are you thanking your CNAs for their hard work at the end if the shift? Do they feel like they are valued? CNAs in nursing homes often feel like they are stuck with most of the work. It can be really helpful if they know their nurse acknowledges how hard they are working. Some nurses have a "better than you" attitude without even knowing it. OP, try complimenting your CNAs regularly. When you see they are working hard or have a particularly difficult resident, acknowledge that and offer to give them a short break. Bring in coffee or candy or even pizza for the CNAs. It might sound like you are buying their favor, and in a way you are, but I really think they need to feel appreciated. I think you'll find that after they know you value them, it's easier to correct their behavior.

Also, think about how you are addressing behavior issues. Do you come off as punitive? Are you telling hem to stop talking about the residents, or asking them to take their conversation to a more private area? Approach is everything.

[KaringOne]

I was charge nurse @ a LTC facility where I was a CNA for 5 years. I remember having a talk with the CNAs when I got my nursing license. I told them what my expectations were, I encouraged them to come to me with any issues that they may have, & I also stressed the importance of all of us working together as a team to take care of our residents. I didn't talk down to them or treat them as if they were not as good as I was since I was a nurse. I knew how important their job was since I had once been there too. Yes, my job responsibilities had changed when I became a nurse but I was still that same person who would get down in the trenches with them when they needed me. Of course, there were some whom might had not taken me seriously @ first...especially after those first few warnings..but a write up or two later, & they knew that I meant business & that I was not having any of the nonsense. Some people will try you just to see where your head is at. But just like parenting, if you say what you mean & mean what you say...stay consistent...& show no favoritism whatsoever, then slowly things will start to come together. Now there could be some CNAs that may have to be gotten rid of altogether, but those are usually the ones who don't want to be there or need to be there anyway. Whatever the case may be, you have to get a handle on this situation sooner than later. You are the nurse in charge, not them! Good luck with your role transition.