Seeking Advice

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My relief nurse won't come to work on time. I have nicely requested that she do so but she is angry that I asked and has improved very little. She gets in about 15 minutes late every day, starts doing anything but counting and getting report, causes me to work for free for about 5 mihutes every shift. She always has an excuse, never apologizes, and I think she likes ******* me off, as she is passive-aggressive, based on other things I have heard her say. Feels sorry for herself, is jealous of a lot of people, is lonely. I understand but I'm sick of her selfishness and depression.

For a couple of reasons, like fear of retaliation and falling from grace with the bosses, as she is a long-time worker and a favorite, I haven't spoken to the boss but I feel like I have to. I'm just wondering if you see any other approach than swallowing more of this sickening nonsense or going to the boss. :banghead:

Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

I do not know your work environment or the type of floor you work on.

That said, I would tell the charge nurse that you must leave tonight by (exactly change of shift time), and then DO IT. If the oncoming relief nurse keeps her (the charge nurse) waiting maybe something will be done about her! This is also passive aggressive, and should only be used if everything else has failed.

Everyone should fulfill their own obligations.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

You could also pleasantly & assertively ask the oncoming nurse to count or get report as soon as she gets there each shift, explaining that you need to leave, while making sure that the charge nurse can overhear.

Specializes in ICU.

why not tape report? then you can leave on time. make sure you're complete in the report so she has nothing to hold over your head. if she doesn't like it, maybe she'll get there on time....:smokin:

Specializes in OB.

Another rather passive-aggressive (but effective) way of dealing with it is to note on your timecard every time you clock out late "OT d/t relief RN late arrival". Do this enough times and someone will pay attention - and you will have objective documentation of the frequency of the problem.

Put in for overtime and explain it was due to your relief bing late.

People don't like notifying a suervisor when a peer is late but there wukk always be someone who takes advantage. management tends to look at the bottom line--and that's usually money.

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I agree...sign for comp or overtime. You should be due, because you are staying to wait for relief. I had situations like this happen when I was a tech. The two techs that were supposed to relieve us always came late. One of them had another job, I'm sure, and the guy had 'baby-mama-drama' issues. Not my problem. Once it did get confrontational, and I told the guy that I didn't care what his issue was...I had my own issues that I choose not to complain about. It really didn't stop until we started signing for comp time for 1/2 hour and more. That made them listen a bit, but then, I left the unit for a promotion, so it didn't matter any longer. Hit management where the money is. Works most of the time-it will at least make them investigate.

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