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??
It won't be pointless because it puts her on notice that her irresponsible behaviour has been reported. Also, there is a breakdown in communication; sure, she may bear the brunt of the blame for that, but neither of you are hearing what the other is saying and trust me, the tension between the two of you will affect your coworkers whether they are directly involved or not.
After this meeting if you find you're scheduled together, delegate and work with her as you would any other NA. Don't avoid her. Be professional and don't allow her to bait you. If there are any further issues, threats, whatever--- just document like I posted above.
EmmaG, RN
2,999 Posts
It won't be pointless because it puts her on notice that her irresponsible behaviour has been reported. Also, there is a breakdown in communication; sure, she may bear the brunt of the blame for that, but neither of you are hearing what the other is saying and trust me, the tension between the two of you will affect your coworkers whether they are directly involved or not.
After this meeting if you find you're scheduled together, delegate and work with her as you would any other NA. Don't avoid her. Be professional and don't allow her to bait you. If there are any further issues, threats, whatever--- just document like I posted above.
Good luck :)