Patronizing coworkers!

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How do you deal with patronizing coworkers?

Example: elderly client who hasn't been diagnosed yet, but is believed to have dementia and is possibly developing alzheimers. Client is 280+ lbs. Said client was sleeping and was urine-soiled. We were told not to roll this client, so I could not change the brief in bed. I had the client stand up (as the client did three hours early without any problems!). Client would NOT stand up. I tried my best to get the client standing up on my own with a gait belt, could not pull client up on my own. We had 3 attempts of client half standing up, not making it and sitting back down. Then client flat out refused to stand. I was able to sit the client on the edge of the bed, but that was it. So I page coworkers for help.

Coworker X enters room, sees client in position looks at me and says "You can't get Client X up? It's not that hard." And of course when Coworker tries, client stands right up no problem and makes me look incompetent. :( Said coworker then looks at me, smirks, and says 'good luck' rather condescendingly and leaves.

. I like my job, but sometimes it's just hard. It's hard to try your level best, and still be made to feel like a fool. It's really unfortunate. Earlier in that night, I paged for a coworker to help me and that coworker was helpful in a non-patronizing way. Both of us tried to get client up and couldn't, so we tried again after fifteen minutes and client was more cooperative.

The difference between helpful coworkers and patronizing ones is often the difference between a good and bad time at work.

Anyone relate?

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Specializes in geriatrics, dementia, ortho.

Oh yes, of course. I have one who I swear starts every other sentence with "No, honey, you gotta ..." and then says some ridiculous nitpicking thing that may or may not be marginally accurate. I'm talking about stuff like where to store a particular resident's toothbrush - argh! It's very annoying. I try to respond with a neutral "hmmmm" and go about my day. But yeah, it wears on you.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU.

I love when that happens. I am struggling to get a resident up and another aide finally comes in and they stand right up! Some people have big ego's. My personal philosophy has always been that if you are not comfortable doing something and it is a safety hazard grab another set of hands.

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I'm with you on this one 200% !!!!! Last Saturday, I had a day just like yours. I called in sick on Sunday. I can't take it anymore.

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Yeah, been there. I get it from CNA's who've been in my facility for-freaking-ever and it's not even been a year for me yet. I've proven myself over that time and built up a lot of confidence, but there's still an arrogant attitude coming from some of my co-workers. I really don't let it bother me much because I know I'm capable and competent. :smokin:

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I'm so sorry to hear that your coworkers are full of ego.

I know that coworkers are a great source of motivation, and if they are instead a big discouragement, you are struggling every time you work with them. I feel your pain.

There is nothing worse than egoistic (the "i think i know it all") coworkers! They give you a hard time and act like they have never been in your situation before. I have a guy who is newer than me at work (retail) and thinks he is the boss. He recently applied to a supervisor position after a month (lol).

Nevertheless, keep your head up like you are currently doing and if it gets worse, talk to your supervisors. If all your supervisors don't understand and tell you to suck it up, it's time to find another facility. (Their loss).

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Specializes in LTC.

Yup, yup. I went through this yesterday. I was sitting at the table feeding at breakfast, and another CNA tells me that when he has my side he is able to get up people quicker than me. And that I should take 30 minutes getting them all up. I just responded well some people are quicker than others! He then proceeded to go on and on I just zoned out and ignored him. He's lucky state was in our facility because that was all I could think about! Otherwise, I would have told him something!:mad:

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Dont you guys have one of those hoyer standing lift? I used to use them all the time when I was doing my clinicals... that way you don't need assistant from another co-worker.

We call them Vera lift only because that is the brand... Don't really know the correct name for it.

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thick-skin, shmick-skin. i'm looking to the day when i can roll out a dead pan head cocked to a side mouth slightly ajar blob of drool peaking out expression in a blink of an eye...and then walk away. i appreciate your advice, seasoned professional, but that expression is for your attitude.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

At our facility, we use hoyer lifts but two people must always be present.

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Bah!

Those who brag about how many people they can put to bed or get up blah blah blah!

It's about quality not quantity.

I could get 50 people into bed in 2 hours, myself... but with what quality?

None. No quality.

It's not a race.

Ignore those people and continue to provide quality care.

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Yep! That's just the thing. I am more than happy to accept tips/advice from someone who does a good job, especially if I'm working on a group I don't often work on. BUt it seems like the people who want to talk down to you and tell you how much better they can do than you, are the ones who do the bare minimum for the residents. The good workers keep their mouths shut and worry about their own group, helping when asked.

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