New Position--Feeling Intense Frustration!

[makeadifrence]

:(Please, I need some advice. I've recently transferred into a new position within the same physician office that I've been employed with for 2 years. My frustration with this new position is that I'm being trained by an RN who has only been with the company 2 months, is overly self-confident and assertive, has only been a nurse for 2 years, and will not accept when she is wrong or hear other perspectives on issues. She is very young about mid twenties and I'm mid forties. When she is training me on the computer, my charting is being torn apart and my ideas are being disputed as if I'm a new grad.

I've been a nurse for about 4 years, and prior to that I have worked in a hospital 11 years as a therapist in mental health. I've also been a technician provided various testing to patients. I have quite a few years of exerience interacting with patients and a lot of life experience.

Interacting with this young nurse is very very difficult. It is not a colaboration of thoughts and ideas. Even when I have stated that I know how to chart, and that we have different opinions, it doesn't sink in. She always has to be right. I feel stuck and I don't want to be labeled as a problem, or thought of as someone who can't get along with others. This department is a new clinic with just the two of us working there.

This nurse was brought in before me, so she has already taken control of running the office. Management is very removed and we're on our own a lot. This RN has also informed me that she is the lead RN. The manager denies this is true. I feel very frustrated and stuck in this position. I know the position is something that I will like, but I'm miserable in this situation with this other nurse. To top it all off, I'm extremely shy and have struggled with self-confidence my entire life. Please help.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Moved to our Nursing Career Advice for members sage advice.

[Forest2]

Oh my gosh!! You are being bullied by a brat! First thing you need to do is get a backbone. Not that you have to be mean but you must be very professional and not take this kids criticism to heart. Know who you are and what you are and do not accept her treatment. Call her on it if you want. Be honest and professional. It is her problem not yours. She is insecure and needs our prayers.

She senses your weakness. This is typical bullying.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hmm - it certainly is not my area of expertise, but the bottom line (pun intended) for clinical documentation in any ambulatory setting is established by the 'rules' for reimbursement and protection from liability. Any additional requirements should be established by the physician who is managing the patient care.

My advice? Just ease off and give her plenty of rope. If possible, take measures to establish some formal guidelines - both in terms of hierarchy (who is in charge) and documentation requirements. This will also help prevent liability issues, so the doc will undoubtedly support your actions. In the meantime, let it roll off your back. I don't see this as an "age" issue... these are typical workplace issues. The age difference is probably camouflaging the underlying personality clash. Some people are so determined to be "in charge" that their actions have no basis in reality. Just keep yourself covered & document as much as possible so when it all hits the fan, you will have your umbrella handy.