Need some advice

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in ALS, LTC, Home Health.

Man what a night I just had.

First off I am a male CNA working at a LTC facility. The only male working on my shift. For the last two nights I have had a bear of a time with the LPN assigned to my hall. For some reason unknown to me she has a burr in her bonnet towards me. We used to have a good working relationship. We only have 5 CNA's working on the floor 2 in each hall and one on split. The way the breaks are broken up one from each hall goes on break at the same time. Now she (the LPN) tells me that I cannot take any breaks unless there are 2 CNA's on the hall. Ok not a problem the split person will be on the hall with the other CNA. But wait there are only 3 CNA's left to cover both halls how can there be 2 CNA's on each hall. Now get this I am the only one who has to abide by this rule imposed by the LPN, none of the other CNA's have to abide by this rule. Needless to say I don't get my breaks anymore.

She totally refuses to talk to me. Refuses to give me report. Refuses to discuss anything pertaining to my residents. All she does is bark orders at me. All this is doing is jeapordizing resident care.

I feel singled out for some reason. I have spoken to my ADON and still nothing changes. I am tempted to drop the discrimination bomb to get their attention. But I am not sure if this rises to the level of discrimination. I feel that it may due to me being male and the LPN being female and the rest of the staff being female.

I am concerned that she may attempt to do something to threaten my certification. I have started to watch her like a hawk. Tonight I noticed that while doing med passes, resident care, treatments that she does not follow standard precautions, I.E does not wash hands. Tomorrow when i go in I plan on having a small note book with me and writing everything down to cover my behind.

I guess this is kind of a rant but would like some input as to how else to handle the situation.

Thanks

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Specializes in LTC.

I have the same problem with an LPN who does not like me. I don't even work on the same hall as she does, and she still singles me out for petty little things and then blows them out of proportion. This woman is ridiculous- she acts like we're in high school. I've just started documenting every time she picks on me. I have coworkers who have seen what she does and who will back me up. I'm not sure what else to do without seeming whiny.

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Go to your DON and or human resources and report her. Its def a case of harassment since shes not making the others stick to the same rules. Good luck.

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Specializes in med/surg, psych, public health.

You say the two of you used to have a good working relationship...so perhaps you might want to ask her if you could speak with her privately for a few moments. And then, in a nice way, remind her of that; tell her you're sensing a big difference in the previous work relationship and would like to know why?

A friendly direct approach is usually best first.

Good luck & I wish you the best!

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Specializes in ALS, LTC, Home Health.
You say the two of you used to have a good working relationship...so perhaps you might want to ask her if you could speak with her privately for a few moments. And then, in a nice way, remind her of that; tell her you're sensing a big difference in the previous work relationship and would like to know why?

A friendly direct approach is usually best first.

Good luck & I wish you the best!

I tried that route to no avail. When I asked to speak with her she said no and then proceeded to lock herself in the med room.

I think I will just have to drop the discrimination and hostile work environment bombs and see if that can bring about an open dialog so that we can address and fix whatever her problem with me is.

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you know...our job is hard enough as it is. we have to be a team. we cannot deal with all of that extra drama. it is one thing if she doesn't like you as a person but she must respect you and treat you equally as a member of the team. you will have to just the discrimination and hostile work environment bombs. do whatever you need to do. you don't deserve work under such circumstances. and if that doesn't work then i strongly suggest going to another unit if that is possible.

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Specializes in med/surg, psych, public health.

OK, now I agree with Button2006.

Especially since you said you've tried the direct approach and she 'locked herself in the med room', which is totally weird!! :bugeyes:

And, also the fact that you've tried talking to the ADON to no avail..leaves you basically no choice but to drop the discrimination and hostile work environment bombs.

I would add though, that you should document (if you haven't already) dates, times, other people present & what was said during all occurences. Talk with HR first and if still no satisfaction, then see an employment lawyer.

You should not have to tolerate working in a hostile work environment...nobody should have to put up with it!

bakpakr, I'm wishing you all the best. :)

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