Need Help with Charge Nurse

[Sunnyday2235]

There is a particular charge nurse on my floor that is just a real challenge to work with, I have had numerous problems with her in the past mainly with receiving misinformation. I'm a new grad and have learned to avoid asking her questions about anything because the answer if often incorrect. I called in sick recently and spoke with her, she was to notify the day shift nurse to take me off of the schedule the following night. Because I've had so many communication problems with her in the past, I decided to contact the day shift nurse the following morning to make sure the message was delivered. It was not. I find this to be a huge problem because if I hadn't called a second time, it would have appeared as though I was a no show/no call at work. Any recommendations on how to handle this situation? Do I speak with her about it or report this to our floor manager? Of course I will never report in to her again, now that I now she may or may not relay the message.

[caliotter3]

Speak to her first. She may have been tied up or otherwise forgot. Based on her attitude when you speak to her and otherwise, will tell you whether you should bring this up to the nurse manager.

[Nurse Mentor Nancy, MSN, RN, NP]

I agree with caliotter3. Talk with the charge nurse first. There may be a misunderstanding. Know that if you already have had problems communicating, this may be difficult because trust is low. You set the tone. Try being friendly and explain that you are approaching her because you would like to work well with her. I suggest you use this latest example of misscommunication and say what you saw happening. See how she responds. If she seems really negative, ask if you have done something that has offended her. See if you can work it out between you. Best case scenario, you build trust between you and the charge nurse and improve communication and your working relationship, If it does not go well, you can ask your manager to facilitate a discussion between you and the charge nurse. Best wishes.

[timetoshine]

I would mention it to her in a casual way just to let her know you are aware she may have "forgot" to pass it along. It should be a policy of the facility to have a designated person or department to call if you need to call off. For example, The Director of Nurses or Human Resouces. If the procedure is just to notify a Charge Nurse you might want to put something in the "Suggestion Box". If you feel she is deliberately giving you a hard time, I would keep a journal, nothing elaborate, just the date, time and a short note to remind you if you need to be reminded later. And I would casually let her know you are taking notes.

[nurse.sandi]

Follow your call in policy. At the hospital I worked at we notified the hospital nursing supervisor, the unit I worked on, and the staffing office.

[kayern]

:redpinkheI agree with the other respondents about talking to her first. Keeping a journal should not be necessary, jeezzzzzzzz you have enough to do without giving yourself more work!

I would like to discuss your statement that as a new grad you avoid asking her questions because the response is usually incorrect. As a new grad the only bad questions are the ones that aren't asked and if you can't get the right information shame on that Nurse Manager for allowing this nurse to be in charge! Where is the manager in all this. I deliberately go in early to see my night nurses, especially when there are new hires on orientation and probation. I briefly meet with them and assure them I want them to be as successful as they want themselves to be, offer my assistance with anything and everything. I've gotten both positive and negative feedback and then it is my responsibility to act on the feedback. Don't go to HR go to your Nurse Manager! Let us know how we make out along the way.

[timetoshine]

Unfortunately not every venue has a Nurse Manager and I didn't get the impression she had one. I agree she should communicate with the nurse but from what she says in the post it is my opinion she needs to protect her butt. Someone like that can cause a lot of damage. It's too bad it is that way but that is the way it is. Having a policy which clearly defines who to call would eliminate that particular problem but it seems it goes further than that one incident.

[timetoshine]

P.S. I applaud you for making yourself available to your Nurses. Everyone should learn something from your example:yeah:

[Sunnyday2235]

Thank you everyone for the much needed advice. We do have a floor manager who only works days. Our call in policy requires us to speak with a charge nurse.

To clarify when I don't ask her questions, I just find a really good nurse on shift to ask.

[timetoshine]

Sorry but practicing avoidance is not going to solve the problem. That nurse must be stopped if she is actually giving you misinformation and/or just being mean. Since you have a floor Manager you need to step up to the plate and get some counseling. It's not just about you anymore. It's about the quality of care being provided to the Patients in your care.

I agree with Kayern" Where is the manager in all this. I deliberately go in early to see my night nurses, especially when there are new hires on orientation and probation. I briefly meet with them and assure them I want them to be as successful as they want themselves to be, offer my assistance with anything and everything. I've gotten both positive and negative feedback and then it is my responsibility to act on the feedback. Don't go to HR go to your Nurse Manager! Let us know how we make out along the way. "

You can't resolve this by yourself. Take advantage of the resources available to you. In the meantime I still recommend taking notes. Nothing elaborate just date, time and a reminder. Just in case.:)