Rude Co-Worker

[eeffoc_emmig]

At my main case we have cubbies for each nurse. I keep plastic utensils, Mio, snacks, etc so I don't have to drag everything around in my lunch bag. (2 other nurses do the same) I really don't mind if someone uses something of mine as long as they replace it.

We have one nurse who helps herself to our things constantly...but never replaces it. Ever.

I'm thinking of leaving a big note in my cubby saying "HANDS OFF!".

Suggestions?

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I would talk to her but if you can't talk to her face to face leave a note stating that if she does not replace what she uses/eats then do not use/eat it.

[eeffoc_emmig]

I would talk to her but if you can't talk to her face to face leave a note stating that if she does not replace what she uses/eats then do not use/eat it.

The first time it happened, I nicely asked her about it. She denied taking anything. I knew it was her because she and I worked the same rotation that week. Might try it again this weekend when she relieves me.

[SDALPN]

Have you seen those plastic storage bags that make the item inside look moldy so nobody touches your sandwich?

I would talk to her and let her know that if it happens again that you will bring it to the attention of the agency. But I would also leave a bag of cookies made with too much salt or something. There are some dog treats that look like oreos that you could toss in a bag as well. You could also make something with excessive food dye so its on her fingers and stains the paperwork, then she can't deny it if its on her paperwork.

[maryen]

I would talk to her again and leave the note. How rude! I have a similar situation going on,I have to share a small charting, storage area with 2 other nurses and one of them hogs all the space, leaves her things all around, takes pens, takes blank charting pages out if my assigned charts and constantly chatters to me about things I could care less about while I am charting. So rude!!

[eeffoc_emmig]

Have you seen those plastic storage bags that make the item inside look moldy so nobody touches your sandwich?

I would talk to her and let her know that if it happens again that you will bring it to the attention of the agency. But I would also leave a bag of cookies made with too much salt or something. There are some dog treats that look like oreos that you could toss in a bag as well. You could also make something with excessive food dye so its on her fingers and stains the paperwork, then she can't deny it if its on her paperwork.

Love those ideas!

[eeffoc_emmig]

I would talk to her again and leave the note. How rude! I have a similar situation going onI have to share a small charting, storage area with 2 other nurses and one of them hogs all the space, leaves her things all around, takes pens, takes blank charting pages out if my assigned charts and constantly chatters to me about things I could care less about while I am charting. So rude!![/quote']

I don't know why some people feel so entitled. ..that's how it seems to me.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Are you sure it's a fellow nurse, not the patient's family?

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Either way I would deal with it in similar fashion to when someone was stealing my lunch. I solved that issue with a cat food sandwich. Just her seen doing something gross with everything in your cubby.

[eeffoc_emmig]

Are you sure it's a fellow nurse not the patient's family?[/quote']

We're pretty sure it's not the family. The other day nurse says the family never goes near that section of the room. They rarely come in at night either.

And...this all began when the "suspect" started working the case.

[eeffoc_emmig]

Either way I would deal with it in similar fashion to when someone was stealing my lunch. I solved that issue with a cat food sandwich. Just her seen doing something gross with everything in your cubby.

Ew. Now I'm starting to imagine her maybe not washing her hands and touching my things. ..or licking my utensils and putting them back. *gag*

[SDALPN]

Hot peppers could be an option, especially if you like them and she doesn't.

I carry a lunch bag that has pockets and is expandable. I use an ice pack to keep things cold. I use the pockets and expandable area to carry other stuff. I keep spare plastic utensils in my car, but try to remember to pack them each day. I probably wouldn't leave anything in a cubby other than pens/ink and salt/pepper because they would be easily replaceable if taken.