My CNAs dont seem to respect me...

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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?

Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry, Management, Geratrics.

I had the same issue. I was a CNA at the same Nursing Center as I worked for about a yr and a half, then became the LPN on the same floor. I had one lady who thought it was funny to call me "Boss" each time she addressed me which she was an older lady and I felt that she was just a bit jealous that I went back to school and she didn't or felt she couldn't. ( She didn't do it as much after I told her I found that Rude and disrepectful) I eventually earned the respect from most of the staff becasue just like you I would jump in there and do whatever it took, which impressed the new staff for sure and made the old ones think "hey all the nurses won't help me, so they did chill out a bit". Also I had a "group" meeting once and just let them know I was there to help, I have to follow the rules or it's my job on the line and we all needed to work together, and if there was any issues with anyone in particular we could sit down and discuss it one on one. So I say continue to be the nurse you are, do have a one on one conversation with the "ringleaders", do not let them disrespect you or the pt, if that continues with the being rude talking about the pt I would let them know you will have to report them. Also ask the DON to help you as well, she might could just have a "general" meeting about these things as well. The CNA's there really need to take a look it's hard for everyone getting jobs theses days! Good luck my dear!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry, Management, Geratrics.

Add I agree with the other post that they feel that nurses dont do anything, I felt the same way until became a nurse! Do thank them for their hard work and let them know you know exactly how hard it is to____________ ex: Give Mrs Smith a bath and you always make her hair looks so nice..etc I am sure you remember what would have made you feel appreicated when you was a CNA.....

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I disagree with u being 'more helfpul'.

I don't know ur facilty but as the RN, or charge nurse if u prefer, being 'more helfpul' & crawling to staff is not ur job. Your job is to be in charge, manage & ensure all work is done at the end of the shift. In charge people do NOT run around doing everyone else's work for them, then u don't get ur own work done, then staff take advantage of u - it's a perpetuating, negative cycle spiralling downwards. I am not saying don't ever help, but be wary of them taknig advantage of you.

Take a more aggressive approach. They see you as weak, so they are being disrespectful. If a resident is not cleaned for example (or not cleaned to ur satisfaction), pull their CNA up and ask why. I always listen to an explanation first - get all ur facts first - then take action. Explain why residents need to be cleaned - good skin care, hygiene aspect, reduce/negate pressure sores, infection, etc. Ask them to do it now unless they are busy - DO NOT OFFER TO HELP. They have to do their own job and you do yours. If they continue to give you cheek & vital work isn't done, write it all down & report it. They won't like it, but they will start to pull their socks up.

They are taking advantage of you because they see you crawling to them. Stop that right now and take a more confrontational (but professional) approach. They are just using now now by the sounds of it.

I've actually had to tell PCAs who were rude, disrespectful & downright lazy that once they got their RN licence, they could do what they pleased, but under my management they do as I PLEASE & they have to work. And they do grumble, but they do their work. Ahhh the power!!! (joking)

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Specializes in medicine, hospice.

I've unfortunately found "being nice" doesn't work very well. Sure, be respectful, polite, and considerate of all people, a good leader and co-worker. But don't bend over backwards thinking you can please the aides into working harder for you. You'll burn yourself out and most of them are not going to care.

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Seems like they are mistaking your kindness for weakness. Write 'em up.

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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.

I doubt it.

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Seems like they are mistaking your kindness for weakness. Write 'em up.

But talk to them first. YOU talk to them, then involve the boss if they still don't straighten up.

You have got to see yourself as the boss, not as someone who used to be an aide, who's still a new nurse, who still thinks people are basically at work to actually work and are good and decent. Get realistic, get real, lay down the law - nicely. But lay it down.

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I am so sorry!! I have been a CNA for the past three years. I really feel your pain. I am embarrassed by the way these CNA represent themselves. I worked Saturday and Sunday in the ER last weekend. I work for a registry and was called names by one of the CNA's that worked the night shift. She refused to give me report and she got into an argument with the other CNA from registry who was also coming on shift. She was yelling an screaming in the ER and called her registry to tell on the other girl, because they worked for the same registry. OMG!! How I want to get another job doing something else. I love people, but if it is not a TEAM effort everyone will suffer. I am so sorry for this. I really understand your pain. Please pray for me. I really want to do something else.

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.
Execute one with a machete in front of them all. The rest will fall into line.

That is the most hilarious thing I've read in ages.

Not very PC, but ssoo funny.:lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

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Tough situation no doubt. I've observed this exact scenario happen dozens of times when an LPN or CNA goes makes the transition to RN AND remains working in the same clinical area they used to work as an LPN or CNA. I know this is a rough thing to say, but these people aren't or haven't been LPN's and CNA's for 12 years because they are rock stars (yes, I know..they do a great job..I've heard it all). However, you have a responsibility also...you have to push your clinical game to a different level. First off, I'd get the hell out of Med/Surg, LTAC, SNF style care and sprint to the ED or ICU. Totally different nurses, CNA's in those areas. You still encounter negativity. However, these areas don't tolerate lazy, nay-sayers..these areas require ancillary staff to do what they are told, now, fast, and period. There is little time for fluffy, soft clinical managers (who often tolerate these destructive behaviors because they are too lazy to replace them, yearn to remain friends with everyone, OR some labor union protects the trash who have them on speed dial). Regardless where you work, the CNA and/or LPN work for you, under your direction, and if they screw up, the state board will salivate at the chance to take your licence because you didn't delegate, or direct in a appropriate fashion. The labor union, hospital administration, and the CNA will all turn their backs when the state board comes sniffing to destroy your career after you've been deposed in a legal setting. I am a nurse administrator and supervise 300 staff. Excluding extra circumstance, the nurse is the quarterback, coach, and the boss..period. If the nurse finds it uncomfortable to put a CNA in his/her place in a professional and prompt fashion, the CNA will create an unsafe patient care area, and clinical outcomes will eventually be compromised.

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Can you ask for an inservice about HIPAA and talking in public areas about specific residents? Also make it sort of an open forum, so everyone can talk about what might help the atmosphere of disrespect ??? Just an idea :)

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