Bullying by Nurses and CNa

Nurses Relations

Published

Have any new grads feel like they are bullied by other nurses on the floor they work on.? First off I am a new grad with 10mths experience on a chf floor. I precepted on mornings and opted for night shifts to work. I am naturally quiet . I must say I do observe a lot.

When I came of precepting one night I got a new admission front the ED . When she came up to the floor I did everything for this patient and eventually found out that her bed was broken and I got her bed change without any help from my caregiver.

I asked the patient if she needed anything else she said I need something to eat. I went to care giver and ask her if she could get the patient something to eat while i call the doc. Her response 'You can do it too' then she proceeded to nutrition room grab the other care giver and started discussing me. I was on the phone with the doc and observe all of this at the nursing station.

My nightmare began there. I made one comment not to any one in general and asked what is the issue. One particular nurse told me that they said because I don't talk to them I should not ask them to do anything.

Now these care givers never even much as say hi to me it never even bothered me. I have never asked them for anything except once. When I was precepting on morning I heard so many complaints about them. I seriously that they were making it up. I had no preconceived notions. I was here open and ready to learn. After that incident I really never asked for their assistant I found that caregivers from other floors were more willing to assist .

I try to make my schedule so that I would not be on the same night they work. On several occasions they gather in groups and discuss me. They are loud at nights when patients are sleeping . I don't want to be apart of that.

I had told a patient that he could not have ice cream one night. The care giver was not assign to my patient and gave the patient ice cream. I went to the caregiver that was assigned and asked what was going on. He explained to me that he had asked her to assist while he took a break. Fair enough. Yet when I pass the patient room there was the caregiver berated me in front of the patient.

On several occasions both nurse and caregiver instigated patients to complain about me.Need less to say i was in shocked. There was even a rumor going around that no patients wanted to deal with me.

On another occasion one particular nurse instigated an nurse to say she had a problem with me. Everything I do is under scrutiny. If I make the slightest slip up. They are ready and waiting to report me. I feel that this is not an environment conducive to learning . I feel like I should be a nurse with 20 years experience and absolutely know every thing.

Some of the incidents that happen I can't really get in because I feel so disillusioned. Nurses are suppose to be caregivers, nuturer's instead we fight to tear down our very own. We seek every opportunity to write up someone instead of helping someone to grow in the field that we claim to love.

A lot of my classmates that started with me have left. They have gone to other fields because it's not worth it. I hoping that someone can encourage me right now. Know matter what I do I can never measure up all because one particular cna started a rumor that I leave my patients room without giving them water.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Pt/Colleague Relations

First of its said that they say that I don't talk to them which is not true. I clearly stated that. They not even say hello and I don't report them for not saying hello. One because I am not petty. The type of relationship that they want is from me is to sit and gossip and that's not me. I tried reaching out to other nurses on the floor and the feedback I got is. They are offended if I asked them to do something because other nurses dont ask. I have observed them going off the floor right after shift starts and no one says anything.

My experience in situations where other nurses ignore unacceptable behavior has been that they don't want to deal with the push back from the PCTs, thus avoid the issue and avoid being targets themselves.

And nobody likes someone new coming along and rocking the boat. Well guess what? If the boat need a rocking if pt care us at risk, I'm a boat rocking kind if girl. I'm not letting anyone intimidate me. On the outside anyway. I'm human, I do have feelings. Unlike a previous poster...eyeroll. I don't do it in a ***** way, but a matter of fact professional way like above posters recommended.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
My experience in situations where other nurses ignore unacceptable behavior has been that they don't want to deal with the push back from the PCTs, thus avoid the issue and avoid being targets themselves.

And nobody likes someone new coming along and rocking the boat. Well guess what? If the boat need a rocking if pt care us at risk, I'm a boat rocking kind if girl. I'm not letting anyone intimidate me. On the outside anyway. I'm human, I do have feelings. Unlike a previous poster...eyeroll. I don't do it in a ***** way, but a matter of fact professional way like above posters recommended.

Your "way" is not professional & you are being a bully. You are not offering the OP or anyone any input as to how to change her situation. All you are doing is criticizing Ruby Vee's personality, which is the definition of harassment.

Stop bothering Ruby Vee when she has done nothing to you & come back when you have suggestions for the OP or you can stop harassing Ruby Vee.

Also, please make your posts easier to read because I have had to read them several times to get a gasp of what you were trying to say.

In regards to the OP's case:

Usually, a person in a similar situation as the OP's situation should try confronting the individuals spreading the rumors BUT not without a mediator, or at least a willing, impartial witness nearby. However -

The OP's situation has progressed to a point where (based on the OP's post) her colleagues are literally endangering her license by prompting her patients to complain about her. It could be so bad that even her managers may have been poisoned against her.

If more than half the night shift have (legit or "whatever") issues with the OP, can the OP realistically salvage the situation, especially if most of the issues are "whatever" issues?

Can someone realistically reason with colleagues who can not put aside personal issues in favor of patient care? Yes, there are stories of people "resolving" issues with co-workers, but the peace tends to be short-lived.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
In regards to the OP's case:

Usually, a person in a similar situation as the OP's situation should try confronting the individuals spreading the rumors BUT not without a mediator, or at least a willing, impartial witness nearby. However -

The OP's situation has progressed to a point where (based on the OP's post) her colleagues are literally endangering her license by prompting her patients to complain about her. It could be so bad that even her managers may have been poisoned against her.

If more than half the night shift have (legit or "whatever") issues with the OP, can the OP realistically salvage the situation, especially if most of the issues are "whatever" issues?

Can someone realistically reason with colleagues who can not put aside personal issues in favor of patient care? Yes, there are stories of people "resolving" issues with co-workers, but the peace tends to be short-lived.

If it really is that bad for the OP (I don't believe everything brought to the Internet table since we only get 1 side) then of course there is no salvaging her job there. But the OP isn't completely blameless.

She never once had a sit down with anyone to stop nor did she even try to be at the very least cordial with them & she isn't a team member at all. What do you think will happen if the OP gets a new job & keeps acting this way?

I don't see anything wrong with not talking to others on a personal level. You are there to work and talking to your colleagues about strictly work related matters only is NOT unprofessional. I think it is more important for the group to welcome you and help you get comfortable with the unit than it is for you to get in their clique. I have been a nurse for many years and have precepted many nurses in my career. My main goal when a new nurse comes in is to help them get acquainted with the floor as fast as possible. If they are new grad, I want them to be comfortable with taking care of patients and be confident in the care they are giving. I want to provide support so that they can stand on their own feet. Cliques are the least of my worries. The better these new nurses feel about their jobs, the less turn over we will have, and the better staffed the unit will be. I don't see any issue as long as you take care of your patients well, act professional in the workplace, and treat everyone with respect. I am very busy at work and I don't have time for coworker drama. Some like to talk and some don't, nothing wrong with either one. With that being said, I can confidently say I am well liked by my colleagues. We have a very good unit and a very good team. Not because I am on top of the new gossip, or I ask my colleagues about their personal lives. It is because of how I treat them. When I ask for help, I ask in the kindest, nicest way I can. I compliment my CNAs when they did a great job with something. I tell my patients when they come to the floor that they are in great hands under so-n-so's care. I thank them every after shift for their hard work. I recognize them through a written note to management when they do something extraordinary. When they do something wrong, I talk to them directly and in private. I've had instances when a CNA yelled at me in front of the patient. That is unprofessional I don't tolerate such behaviors. I talk to them and if it not resolved, I bring it to the manager. I offer my help whenever I can. I educate my CNAs about why we do certain things (ex don't give ice cream because he's diabetic and the sugar is high right now). If they don't follow my instructions, I make sure they understand the repercussions on the patient's health. Yes, I've had to deal with CNAs who are "divas" and I've worked with difficult people, but I've always been able to get through them and delegate tasks that I need them to do. Just kill them with kindness, act professional, but never ever tolerate a bad behavior.

Specializes in critical care.

being bullied has nothing to do with being a new grad. I've nursed for 30 yrs this year and I get bullied by mangaement all the time.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I don't see anything wrong with not talking to others on a personal level. You are there to work and talking to your colleagues about strictly work related matters only is NOT unprofessional. I think it is more important for the group to welcome you and help you get comfortable with the unit than it is for you to get in their clique. I have been a nurse for many years and have precepted many nurses in my career. My main goal when a new nurse comes in is to help them get acquainted with the floor as fast as possible. If they are new grad, I want them to be comfortable with taking care of patients and be confident in the care they are giving. I want to provide support so that they can stand on their own feet. Cliques are the least of my worries. The better these new nurses feel about their jobs, the less turn over we will have, and the better staffed the unit will be. I don't see any issue as long as you take care of your patients well, act professional in the workplace, and treat everyone with respect. I am very busy at work and I don't have time for coworker drama. Some like to talk and some don't, nothing wrong with either one. With that being said, I can confidently say I am well liked by my colleagues. We have a very good unit and a very good team. Not because I am on top of the new gossip, or I ask my colleagues about their personal lives. It is because of how I treat them. When I ask for help, I ask in the kindest, nicest way I can. I compliment my CNAs when they did a great job with something. I tell my patients when they come to the floor that they are in great hands under so-n-so's care. I thank them every after shift for their hard work. I recognize them through a written note to management when they do something extraordinary. When they do something wrong, I talk to them directly and in private. I've had instances when a CNA yelled at me in front of the patient. That is unprofessional I don't tolerate such behaviors. I talk to them and if it not resolved, I bring it to the manager. I offer my help whenever I can. I educate my CNAs about why we do certain things (ex don't give ice cream because he's diabetic and the sugar is high right now). If they don't follow my instructions, I make sure they understand the repercussions on the patient's health. Yes, I've had to deal with CNAs who are "divas" and I've worked with difficult people, but I've always been able to get through them and delegate tasks that I need them to do. Just kill them with kindness, act professional, but never ever tolerate a bad behavior.

I don't think you have to get along with coworkers on a personal level, but making small talk does help.

How can the unit welcome her in if she never gave them a chance? She admits to be an introvert & never talking to them. If she closed herself off to her unit, then she made it mighty difficult for herself from the beginning.

She doesn't have to join a "clique" (I hate that word). But it does help to at least be friendly towards one another & in her OP she doesn't exactly come across that way. I also doubt there is a "clique". I'm sure everyone is already comfortable & knows each other, she just is the new kid. She never tried to introduce herself or warmed up to them.

How will things be any different if she gets a new job? She was run over by the CNA (which was wrong) but she never said anything. She never confronted the CNA & told her the behavior was wrong. If the OP gets a new job, there might be another CNA that will use her as a door mat.

If the OP didn't start out with a great impression on her coworkers, unless she changes, she won't start out on a good foot with her next job.

She doesn't have to join a "clique" (I hate that word). But it does help to at least be friendly towards one another & in her OP she doesn't exactly come across that way. I also doubt there is a "clique". I'm sure everyone is already comfortable & knows each other, she just is the new kid. She never tried to introduce herself or warmed up to them.

Hey OC -

Agree with your thought that one has to at least be willing to stretch out of the comfort zone in order to not give an impression of rejecting people. This is a skill that introverts and "quietly anxious" nurses should learn in hopes of preventing a problem like the OP. I agree with you that it's likely to repeat if it's not recognized and no efforts are undertaken to rectify it.

I'm sincerely curious about your feelings re: clique. Is it that you think it's most often used inappropriately/misapplied, or you don't like the sound of it, or you don't think they exist?

My example is that I hate hearing about nursing "burnout". I hate that people are quick to call a nurse "burned out" just because s/he reports being fed up with BS. I hate the word as it is thrown around in our profession and good people are accused of "burnout", or worse - may assume they themselves are "burned out" rather than, say, disappointed about the problems that plague Nursing. I think burnout exists, but that the word is misapplied a great deal of the time. So...do share what sets you off about "clique"... :)

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Hey OC -

Agree with your thought that one has to at least be willing to stretch out of the comfort zone in order to not give an impression of rejecting people. This is a skill that introverts and "quietly anxious" nurses should learn in hopes of preventing a problem like the OP. I agree with you that it's likely to repeat if it's not recognized and no efforts are undertaken to rectify it.

I'm sincerely curious about your feelings re: clique. Is it that you think it's most often used inappropriately/misapplied, or you don't like the sound of it, or you don't think they exist?

My example is that I hate hearing about nursing "burnout". I hate that people are quick to call a nurse "burned out" just because s/he reports being fed up with BS. I hate the word as it is thrown around in our profession and good people are accused of "burnout", or worse - may assume they themselves are "burned out" rather than, say, disappointed about the problems that plague Nursing. I think burnout exists, but that the word is misapplied a great deal of the time. So...do share what sets you off about "clique"... :)

I think I just don't like how it was used in this context. How was it was "clique"? Just because they all got along? I don't think that makes them a "clique". She never gave them a chance to get to get to know her & made it very easy to not like her. If someone is going isn't going to even say hello to me, change their schedule to avoid me, won't help me but want me to help them; yeah, my hackles will be raised.

I just don't agree that they're a "clique". Of course that shift all get along, they have worked together for awhile. She is a new grad & new to the floor so she had to prove herself. Instead of doing that she just made her work life difficult by shunning her coworkers.

But this is just my opinion.

Specializes in Pschiatry.

I agree with the OP. First job out of nursing school, the good ole boy system was in full force. The nurses that had been there 10+ years had their way of doing things and if you chose to defy them you were out plain and simple. The floor director was new to her position and I give her kudos for trying, however because we were so short staffed she was trying not to tick off the long-term nurses before she could find replacements. Understandable. I tried the chain of command, clear up to the DON in the hospital. Know what that got me? The reputation of being a tattletale. I went to her twice! I never saw her, because I worked midnight. The final straw came the night the charge nurse whispered to everyone(in a voice loud enough I could hear mind you), not to say anything to me because I told the floir director everything that was said. Not even close! If that were true they all would have been disciplined long before that! I did my 12 hour shift with people only speaking to me when "absolutely necessary" from nurses to PCT's, went home, called the DON and resigned that morning. I'm not in high school and refuse to play high school clique games. I also refuse to gossip about every single person behind their back and be nice to their face. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, bullying is alive and well. My mental health is worth much much more than a job.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I agree with the OP. First job out of nursing school, the good ole boy system was in full force. The nurses that had been there 10+ years had their way of doing things and if you chose to defy them you were out plain and simple. The floor director was new to her position and I give her kudos for trying, however because we were so short staffed she was trying not to tick off the long-term nurses before she could find replacements. Understandable. I tried the chain of command, clear up to the DON in the hospital. Know what that got me? The reputation of being a tattletale. I went to her twice! I never saw her, because I worked midnight. The final straw came the night the charge nurse whispered to everyone(in a voice loud enough I could hear mind you), not to say anything to me because I told the floir director everything that was said. Not even close! If that were true they all would have been disciplined long before that! I did my 12 hour shift with people only speaking to me when "absolutely necessary" from nurses to PCT's, went home, called the DON and resigned that morning. I'm not in high school and refuse to play high school clique games. I also refuse to gossip about every single person behind their back and be nice to their face. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, bullying is alive and well. My mental health is worth much much more than a job.

Agree with the OP how? She has no back bone & never even talked to her coworkers! She alienated herself from them. You two have two completely different stories. She aided into her demise.

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