New nurse

Published

I have been an LPN at the LTC where I work for 5 months. I am perdiem and am only there 1-2 nights a week. I feel I am catching on to the procedures as best I can, and my DON gave me an excellent review. There is one LPN I work with on occasion, who thinks I am an idiot. I can do the med passes on time, I can do the treatments correctly, and most of the nightly paperwork. I can do the lab procedures and take care of most problems that arise. But she continues to tell me I don't do enough. I feel like I'm barely keeping me head above water some nights, but I get things done. Does she realize I am new??? Or does she just like to complain? Every other nurse I spend a shift with, says I am doing fine, or says nothing at all (which I interpret as no problems). I know I need to have more of a backbone, but I do respect most of the other nurses as they do have a lot to teach me. Thanks for letting me blow off steam, I almost quit the other night I had to work with her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are always nurses out there that no matter what you do, they will never be happy. You will get a routine down. It just takes time. If all of your co-workers are not complaining et your DON gave you a good review then I would say that you are doing a good job. There are just some people who it is just in there nature to be unhappy and complainy (is that a word?):lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

So,how much does this nurse do? Does she get her med pass done on time and do all her charting or is she expecting you to do her work as well! Sounds like you are doing all right and if she is the only one not happy then it is her problem not yours.:madface:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

So, you don't do enough. Does this LPN tell you what else you should be doing? If so, I'd just add it to a list and work on it. Is she your supervisor? If not, then who cares what she thinks? One of the symptoms of dysfunctional behavior is that people who are quick to point out other people's faults are usually revealing their own shortcomings in the process. In other words, it's likely that at one time she was probably reprimanded at this or another job for the very same things she is now finding fault with you! It's a common way that many people deal with the anger they have over past mistakes. In some way they feel that others should suffer as much as they did in "learning their lesson". It's anger toward herself that she's unfairly thrusting at you. Kind of like coming home and kicking the dog just because the dog is there and can't defend itself. Since she can't hit you, she's using words to hurt you. It's still all about her. As I said, it's dysfunctional. Just ignore her. When, or if, you feel more confident, you always have the option of telling her to go to hades and mind her own business. Of course, that will pretty much alienate her from you forever.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

One of my favorite expressions which I used to tell my staff if someone who really had no business criticizing their work did anyway.....Like Water Off A Duck. Let it go. If you and your DON know you are doing a good job, just smile at that other nurse and go about your business.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatric, Rehab, and Pulmonary.

I have only been a nurse for a week but have been a Respiratory therapist for over 16 yrs, but I have noticed that people tend to criticize others when they themselves feel inadequate. It's their way of making themselves feel good. Don't let others bother you. If you care about your patients, do the best you can do to take care of them, and please your boss, then you are doing well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics / peds private duty.

Wow, you've been a new nurse in LTC for only 5 months and you've had a review already?!?!?!? I've been a new nurse in LTC for 10 months now and I haven't heard anything about a review. I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing. Being new, I really did expect some sort of feedback one way or the other.

Congratulations on the good review. Keep up the good work and continue to do your best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, telemetry, LTC.
I have only been a nurse for a week but have been a Respiratory therapist for over 16 yrs, but I have noticed that people tend to criticize others when they themselves feel inadequate. It's their way of making themselves feel good. Don't let others bother you. If you care about your patients, do the best you can do to take care of them, and please your boss, then you are doing well.

I totally agree.

Sounds like you are doing a great job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion