Putting on my big girl pants

[leonurse]

I am a new nurse (graduated last year), 23 y/o, and comes off as a push over. I'm the extremely friendly person who is ALWAYS smiling, and you would probably poop a brick if you ever heard me raise my voice. The thing is, I have a temper, I just don't show it because I have yet to master how to be angry and professional at the same time. I work with a lot of people who lack tact, and most of them are old enough to be my mother. My CNAs can be very sorry (most of them, not all) and from what I have seen, the way other nurses get them to do their job is by, pretty much, getting ugly. I don't feel that is professional, but when I approach them in a professional manner, no one takes "the little girl" seriously. The administrative staff does not support the nurses at all; the CNAs run the facility. I don't know if I am asking for advice or just venting....I guess I am venting...thanks for listening.:)

[lovegoddess1977]

IMO: If you need to get a little nasty then u need to get a little nasty. We are here to take care of the patients not to coddle those that we work with! :)

[RNMLIS]

Uh are you working where I used to work !

Sad to say I never resolved my cna issues while in LTC - the aides had been in this facility forever...they act as one - with a mob mentality

Management did not support my actions but then cited me for inabilty to do my job r/t poor managment of cnas. I was told that the cnas were testing me - to see if I was a team player translated (if I would do their job)

the cna's seemed to spend more time spying on and reporting others...

I was frequently verbally threatened - outright insubordination

threatened to call their union on me (RNs did not have union)

I tended to be overly senstitive and they knew they had me and loved pushing my buttons

I tried nice cause if the cnas turn on you - you are dead in the water

trying to be friendly and get along did not work and my getting tough seemed to come out wrong but when your legs are cut off by lack of management support = end of story

A good CNA is priceless!

I would run for the alarms and would notice none of the other nurses blinked - they were doing their meds as I should have been

Keep documentation of any and everything..

the only thing I should have done was write them up -

[diane227, LPN, RN]

It is time to cowgirl up and you might have to put the sweet girl in the closet for a shift or two. That will help you get your point across.

[montinurse, BSN]

I too, am a "nice girl". Being nasty takes time and practice, but you can do it! I am still working on it after being at this facility for a year. Your facility sounds just like mine! If they're just testing you, give them what they're testing you on, AUTHORITY! I find some people just need the extra push, being told what to do. Some may not be smart enough to operate on their own, others need the tough leadership...Try not to take it personal, you'll get the hang of it.

[Zookeeper3]

Learning to delegate is so difficult even with a mentor and in a supportive environment. You cannot delegate with a mob mentality in which you have no administrative backing, therefore you have no supervisory clout and you can never win.

If you have supportive management, buy some books, attend seminars, read articles and learn how, it will become naatural.

With bad management...... So if you delegate a task and the CNA doesn't do it, and you offer, "next time I have ask you it will be in writing in a counceling form".... and nothing happens if you write that person up, you are not at a facility that cares for it's patients. You're just a beating block for the CNA's so that the manager is not in the line of fire from the angry mob with pitchforks. How nice that it's you and not her:rolleyes: NOT, run.

[oramar]

My very first job as an RN had a manager who was a swell person, too nice. Same problem, the CNAs just walked all over her. I actually heard them verybally abuse her profanity and she did nothing. She was afraid of them. She would blame her nurses for not controlling them. If her nurses were to try to bring them in line she would not back them up. She had the same bunch of CNAs for many, many years and her RNs turned over constantly. I lasted two years and that was a lot longer than most. I sympathize with you, it happens to much.

[celticgirl]

Sounds like you work on my floor. What I say to one particular CNA is............. if you cant do it, then you need to find someone to do it for you and let me know whos doing it. This CNA claims to be on light duty. UMM I've worked there for almost 5 years and you've been on light duty since then?? Honey its time you find another job.

[IHeartPeds87]

I COMPLETELY understand how you feel! You describe my attitude exactly....I really do have a temper but I keep it hidden at work because well it's work aren't you SUPPOSED to do that?

The trick is to learn how to develop a thick skin without losing your compassion. If you have any tips on how to do that......let me know :)

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

some people feel the need to "push , push and push your around", until you show some grit !! then they will back off. so get "gritty" and show them some teeth ! kick butt if need be ! bullies will take as much advantage as you will let them !

praiser

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

Would it help you to think about protecting your license?

Since you're the RN, you are the one who is ultimately responsible for the care of your patients. If something needs to be done for the health and safety of the patient, it is on YOU if it doesn't get done, and your license is on the line.

As for the mgmt not pulling its weight, I don't have much advice there. Unfortunately, the Peter Principle is alive and well in almost any level of management.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you can be firm without being nasty. Just let the CNAs know you mean business and that there will be negative consequences if they don't do their jobs -- and then consistently follow-up with discipline or praise as appropriate.

I became a NICU Charge Nurse at 22 and Master's prepared NICU CNS at 26. I had to learn how to be authoritative and appear "in charge" at a young age. The trick is to be clear about what you are asking and firm in your resolve -- leaving no doubt that you expect to be taken seriously. Be firm and professional -- but don't be mean, inconsistent, unfair, or nasty.

Good luck.