Need some advice

[momofdna]

I work in my local ER, have been there for 5 months (but not a new nurse). We have EMTs that are there 24hrs for transporting pt to higher level of care and to help out from 2-10p when they are not transporting. I asked one the other day to help me in a room and he flat out refused 3 times and another RN ended up helping me. The EMT was not busy, just playing on his phone at the time. I was so mad and didn't say anything at the time because I wasn't sure really what there job description was and if they can just refuse to help. Later found out they can't refuse to help. The EMTs leave the ER and go to bed at 10 or 11 at night unless we have a transport then they have to go. We had 2 transports that night and I believe the last one they returned around 2am. They change shifts at 6:30 or 7:00 am. We had another transport at 6 am. and when this EMT walked into the ER he asked why we didn't hold the transfer until the next shift came on. I was in the pt. room and another nurse stated well maybe the next time a nurse asks you to help you won't refuse. He was mad and said that was BS. At the time I wasn't sure what I was going to do about the situation but had to talk to my boss and I don't know what will happen now. I don't know why he refused. I wasn't aware that there was anything wrong between us for him to refuse or be mad at me. But I still have to work with this person and all the other EMTs who will probably take his side. I am not going to participate in these highschool games. What should I do? And I really hope no one I work with is on this board.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

someone needs to bring this up in staff meeting, hopefully with some of the EMT's present, and explain facility policy.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Take him aside and say, "EMT boy, why are you being such a **** lately?!?!"

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Since you already talked to your boss, you will just have to see how this plays out. If it happens again, I would just talk to him and see what's going on. Sometimes with co-workers it's easier just to try and solve the issues with each other rather than bringing others into it. Hope it works out.

[nurseraphael]

EMTboy does not sound like a team player . . . I am an RN as well as en EMT - been an EMT-I for 11 years and a nurse for 4. There can often be a divide between RN's and EMS becuase of what they can do in the ED and they can Do on the street - It is just the way it is . . . but no excuse for not playing on the team!

Best way to solve issues with these folks is direct and in a private conversation . . . that way they dont have to try and look tough in front of their cadre. if that does not work, then its best to avoid him for now - then one day he will need your help and just thank him for asking, and smile as you walk away . . . that way he can just think about what it means to be part of a team.