New RN and working with a new-to-floor aide...

[hollyberry678]

Hi, I work on a high acuity unit, am new, am split nights/days (as diff as night and day). I have worked some day shifts recently, and there is a lot more to know on days (tests, labs, orders, ect), as well as PT, OT, transfers, discharges...you get the idea. Our unit is also going through lots of procedural changes.

anyway, there is a new aide who just does not want to 'check in' in the morning with me, at least. To make a long story short, she is on the computer a lot. She is on Yahoo and internet (I dont look closely). If I am around she will change to the hospital site. She also does any and all orders she can find before she does any work on the floor (note: there are two secretaries at the desk, but they probably like this help, at least they dont complaain about it). But I am left to all the patient care.

Today, after the weekend getting MINIMAL help and really getting irritated, I paged her with some specific requests (not many, a hair wash on a paraplegic, turning help for same, and to pack up a pt's belongs for transfer). when I noticed her on the internet again, I asked her about the hairwash as it wasnt done. She really gave me an attitude. I asked her to help turn a pt, she did, but then instructed me on the proper wy to boost her (with the pad, not the drawsheet underneath "as it might wrinkle her back" --??? hmmm, new to me, but what do I know?

I later spoke to her mgr, but we coulnt talk, then asked the aide if she had gotten so and so's stuff together for the transfer. She said she never got my page. Then she said I was "harrassing her" I said I am not harrassing her, its my job to delegate, and that this is COMMUNICATION. I said we need to talk to the mgr.

The mgr was busy at that time. As I was leaving- 2 hours later than my shift, as I got no help and was so flustered by this lack of help all day, I spoke to the mgr who said she might have been looking at Yahoo to look up information r/t the job (huh?)

I worked on this floor for 3 years before grad, NEVER had time, I mean NEVER, to go on internet. I never sidetracked myself from being on the floor, I asked people if they needed help if I was in any way 'done' (which I never was), ect. I guess I was the perfect aide!!

Anyway, there is a lot more to the details on this, but this is the basic idea...Should I lower my expectations? How can I deal with this??

I was thinking on the drive home, maybe I am just upset at the unwilling attitude, I dont know...

I do understand she is new, and coming at a stressful time to this station, however when you are new is also the time (at least for me) to be on your best, no??

thanks

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I do understand she is new, and coming at a stressful time to this station, however when you are new is also the time (at least for me) to be on your best, no??

Unfortunately, individuals bring drastically different work ethics to the table when they arrive at work. Some people (like you) seem to have good, solid work ethics. Other persons think that a wonderful day at work involves doing the absolute minimum and skipping tasks.

It is also unfortunate that some nurse managers tolerate the lazy employees with the sorry work ethics. I personally think these managers are afflicted with the "Warm Body Syndrome," where they'll look the other way when it comes to substandard performance, just as long as a warm body is conveniently filling the staffing holes at that moment in time.

Good luck to you. I feel for you and your current situation.

[Diahni]

Hi, I work on a high acuity unit, am new, am split nights/days (as diff as night and day). I have worked some day shifts recently, and there is a lot more to know on days (tests, labs, orders, ect), as well as PT, OT, transfers, discharges...you get the idea. Our unit is also going through lots of procedural changes.

anyway, there is a new aide who just does not want to 'check in' in the morning with me, at least. To make a long story short, she is on the computer a lot. She is on Yahoo and internet (I dont look closely). If I am around she will change to the hospital site. She also does any and all orders she can find before she does any work on the floor (note: there are two secretaries at the desk, but they probably like this help, at least they dont complaain about it). But I am left to all the patient care.

Today, after the weekend getting MINIMAL help and really getting irritated, I paged her with some specific requests (not many, a hair wash on a paraplegic, turning help for same, and to pack up a pt's belongs for transfer). when I noticed her on the internet again, I asked her about the hairwash as it wasnt done. She really gave me an attitude. I asked her to help turn a pt, she did, but then instructed me on the proper wy to boost her (with the pad, not the drawsheet underneath "as it might wrinkle her back" --??? hmmm, new to me, but what do I know?

I later spoke to her mgr, but we coulnt talk, then asked the aide if she had gotten so and so's stuff together for the transfer. She said she never got my page. Then she said I was "harrassing her" I said I am not harrassing her, its my job to delegate, and that this is COMMUNICATION. I said we need to talk to the mgr.

The mgr was busy at that time. As I was leaving- 2 hours later than my shift, as I got no help and was so flustered by this lack of help all day, I spoke to the mgr who said she might have been looking at Yahoo to look up information r/t the job (huh?)

I worked on this floor for 3 years before grad, NEVER had time, I mean NEVER, to go on internet. I never sidetracked myself from being on the floor, I asked people if they needed help if I was in any way 'done' (which I never was), ect. I guess I was the perfect aide!!

Anyway, there is a lot more to the details on this, but this is the basic idea...Should I lower my expectations? How can I deal with this??

I was thinking on the drive home, maybe I am just upset at the unwilling attitude, I dont know...

I do understand she is new, and coming at a stressful time to this station, however when you are new is also the time (at least for me) to be on your best, no??

thanks

Unreal! Surfing on the job? And I'd feel guilty looking up some med info! If your direct manager doesn't hear you, you have every right to go above her head, I'd say. Looks like two people aren't doing their jobs - one is not listening to your delegations, and your manager is not responding to your situation. The person you're writing about, so it seems, will get away with doing as little work as she can get away with. Don't let her!

Diahni

[EmmaG, RN]

Continue to be professional. Do not get into an argument with her about what she is or isn't doing. Delegate her duties as you would any other assistant, then document her response and behaviour in writing, with dates, times, circumstances, any witnesses.

Be specific and keep it to the point describing exactly what you saw, what you heard. Don't draw any conclusions; keep it totally objective. The manager (either this one or up the ladder) will need that to go forward with discipline or termination.

[hollyberry678]

Thanks for your replies. I wanted to also add that the mgr (wo is asst mgr, in charge of aides) did want me to meet with aide, and my mgr (of nurses) to help 'communication'.

Sorry, I didn't have time to get it all out before, I had to write about it and get feedback, but I was late to take my son out...so I wrote in a hurry.

Also, when I was following up with the aide about what she had done, and she replied I was "harrassing her", I said I was delegating, ect ect, she also said "in the time it took you to page me, you could have done it yourself" (what? I know from my experience this is a canned answer to nurses or whoever who page about someone needing the bathroom, not delegating care for pts.

Anyway, can I ask, where did this go wrong? I have been stewing all night. I feel she has no respect for me. I would have NEVER treated a nurse like that.

I was also thinking that I don't have the energy to deal with personnel issues as in a meeting with said aide. What would be accomplished? I just have the issues that I need a check in during the morning and various points in the day, and that I need assistance!! I know people are busy, and a willing attitude go a long way. If you are too busy to get something done, fine! But not with this attitude, and sitting down at the computer most of the day!

Should I go ahead with this meeting? OR should I just say that I am reporting this, but don't feel like I want to process this directly with the aide, as it's not personal, but just task related, or something like that? I just want to be able to do my job? I am really confused!!

[EmmaG, RN]

Go ahead with the meeting. Be professional and calm. Don't get into an argument with this person, just state the facts. If she starts getting defensive and addressing you directly, stay calm and don't let her draw you in. Speak to the manager, not the NA; allow the manager to direct the flow of the meeting and facilitate any discussion you do need to have with the NA.

[hollyberry678]

Is this a usual thing? what is the purpose (really) of such meetings? Did I do something wrong? Should I have overlooked this to avoid 'controversy'? Is this a way to meet HER halfway? thanks again!!

[EmmaG, RN]

Is this a usual thing? what is the purpose (really) of such meetings? thanks again!!

To hear both sides, facilitate communication, ensure that both are hearing the same message at the same time so there is no misunderstanding. I hope it gets ironed out. Don't stew about it. These things happen. And no, you shouldn't ignore this to avoid controversy. This is one thing managers do. Hopefully, it can be resolved for both of you.

[hollyberry678]

Well, I (of course ) feel it would be resolved with the above expectations...and believe me, I am running all day!! I really don't want to get into it like this AT ALL. I feel very uneasy about this.

[EmmaG, RN]

Is this a way to meet HER halfway?

Maybe. You are clearly too close to the issue to handle it on your own. You made the attempt, it didn't work, so you go up the ladder to get it resolved. Regardless if this person is in the wrong (and from your posts, that appears to be the case), she does deserve the chance to answer to your complaints. There are three sides to every story... yours, theirs, and what actually happened. It's up to your manager to figure that out.

[EmmaG, RN]

Well, I (of course ) feel it would be resolved with the above expectations...and believe me, I am running all day!! I really don't want to get into it like this AT ALL. I feel very uneasy about this.

Ignoring it will only exacerbate the problem. And your stress :)

[hollyberry678]

Yes, you are right. My fear is that it will be a pointless excercise where she will deny her extensive use of the internet, her dawdling on the computer over 3/4 of the day on orders the secretairies should be doing, and avoiding call lights and whatever else...and say she was busy. And that I will come off as demanding.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I just dont see where it will be of any benefit. I expressed myself to the mgr, and it really is up to her to follow through (or not), isn't it? I dont feel like dealing with this situation any longer.

And thanks for your help.