Think I've Done All I Can for This Person?

[Marie_LPN, RN]

I've been precepting a new OR tech for close to 6 months now. Every 3 months for the first year, everyone gets an evaluation. The first week of March, is the new tech's turn. She's had 3 preceptors, who are also involved in the evaluation, by talking to the supervisor first, which means i'll have to do that too.

Why i'm dreading it is that i'm not going to have much positive to say. While she can set up a table and tray ok, she forgets a lot of things for cases, and someone has to run out at the last minute and get whatever she forgot (part of her training is for her to get stuff herself before she scrubs, and by now she should have a better grasp on this).

BUT, the biggest issue is this. She's very emotional. While i'm not saying she should be a hard***, she is sniffling and crying (quietly) over practically every case, and it's been like this since the first week. We get pts. for cancer removal, PEGs, trachs, central lines, etc. who don't look very good, and yes this is sad, but she's bawling over every single case. Why this is a problem is that she's so distracted by being this upset, that any surgeon is asking 3 and 4 times for something, and she's not paying attention to what he's saying, or what's even going on. Which makes it really hard for them to do their job, which is not good for the pt.

I've explained this to her, i've asked a million questions to her, thinking, ok, this stuff is hard for anyone starting out, maybe this is reminding her of someone, wondering if there was other reasons aside from the pt.'s condition that this is going on (boy, have i tried, sheesh). She says "no i just think it's so sad that people are in this shape". I recommended the in-house employee counselor, but she refuses to go.

I'll have to tell the supervisor that this girl just isn't focused, and it's an issue. Some things get to people more than others, but if it's affecting how someone does their job, i can't really lie and say she's doing a good job. The 3 month evaluation addressed all of this, and nothing's changed in 3 more months.

I've tried talking, till i've sounded like a broken record, and i feel like i've helped as much as i can. The other 2 preceptors are dealing with the same issues with her, and we're probably going to wind up saying the same things.

[jen7393]

Marie,

Some people just aren't cut out for the OR setting. I can't believe that one of the docs haven't refused to let her scrub. If she can't handle the "normal" stuff, there is NO WAY she is going to be able to handle a true emergency. Do her a favor and tell her NOW.

She can't function effectively by making sure all of her materials are opened. What happens when her tears or runny nose contaminate the field? How can she even see, while crying? I understand her caring, but she HAS to be able to disassociate herself and get the job done. The doctor and patient need her to be effective and maintain a sterile field more than worrying about the condition.

I was a surgical tech for many years. I have had to scrub cases because of doctors refusing to work with certain techs. I remember one girl answered the phone while SCRUBBED! It was not pretty. After she hung up, went back and stood by her table like nothing happened. Thankfully the instructor was "peeking in" without her knowing.

I hope I don't sound mean, but she needs to realize that the operating room isn't the place for her, now. I am sure she is embarrassed about it too! It costs a good penny to pay for school.

Good luck with the situation. Be honest.

[SFCardiacRN]

Unfortunately, A tech that cannot handle the OR has no where else to go. Perhaps private duty with a plastic surgery office.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

unfortunately, a tech that cannot handle the or has no where else to go.

yeah, that is unfortunate. we, as nurses can try it all until we find our niche.

i've never worked in the or, but isn't this the type of environment where the docs would say something of they don't like their staff?? i have a friend whose sister in law works or and she says the docs basically pick which nurses they want on their cases. i'd assume the same would be true for techs? but not even going that far, if she is screwing up, therefore delaying their progress, i'd think they would speak up.

finally, speaking as one of the worlds biggest cry-babies, it sounds like she takes the cake!! definitely not the place for her!!!

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

i've never worked in the or, but isn't this the type of environment where the docs would say something of they don't like their staff??

well, they do, if it's people that's been there awhile, who still don't know what they are doing. i've gotten a couple of "this is getting old" looks from docs after their 3rd time of asking her for something as simple as a kelly.

[Sis123]

At the risk of sound presumptious, I'd suggest she get her estrogen levels checked out. She sounds like she's perimenopausal, with the crying at the drop of a hat.

I was like that, too, until I started HRT.... if I feel like crying, it's most likely because I forgot to stick a patch on.....

I wonder how she'd do with a little HRT.....???

ps. Marie, what IS the sin wagon? (I keep wondering that when I see your profile....)LOL

[leslie :-D]

you know, being supportive & making excuses for a newbie is all well & good....but there comes a time when enough is enough and the person just needs to learn their damn job. either they get it or they don't; and if they don't, it's time to let them go. we're not doing anyone any favors by trying to spare their feelings. i believe in being nice just like the rest of them but ultimately i want someone that knows their job....nothing more, nothing less.

leslie

[blynn]

Marie, you sound like an excellent person to train with, it sounds like you've gone above and beyond the call of duty with this girl. But it sounds like you've reached the 'Well if she doesn't get it by now she never will' point with her. I feel bad for her, hope she does find her niche. We recently had an LPN in our clinic with similar problems. Very sweet girl, but after five months of training at one of our clinics and then transferring her to my clinic (they really didn't want to fire her) for four more months, she still couldn't keep up, couldn't do basic procedures, and just plain did not GET it. We all tried really hard to help her, but you can only do so much.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

At the risk of sound presumptious, I'd suggest she get her estrogen levels checked out. She sounds like she's perimenopausal, with the crying at the drop of a hat.

I was like that, too, until I started HRT.... if I feel like crying, it's most likely because I forgot to stick a patch on.....

I wonder how she'd do with a little HRT.....???

ps. Marie, what IS the sin wagon? (I keep wondering that when I see your profile....)LOL

Well, she just turned 22. I doubt it's a perimenopausal thing. It's hard to tell what it is, considering she has the same reply, won't open up, won't go to the counselor.

"Sin Wagon" is from the Dixie Chicks' song "Sin Wagon". Kind of applies to my life. http://www.twin-music.com/lyrics_file/chicks/fly/sin.html

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Well, I was informed today that on Thursday is when her 2 weeks' notice goes into effect.

Because she's going to take the MCAT.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

Well, I was informed today that on Thursday is when her 2 weeks' notice goes into effect.

Because she's going to take the MCAT.

So she decided to leave herself? To go to med school?

I say good riddance. If she thinks stressful med school, sleepless residency, and the responsibility of being a doctor is for her...that's her deal. Because doctors never see sad things or deal with emotional situations.

[blynn]

:uhoh21: Oh NO, are you kidding? How will she be able to tell her patients bad news?

The LPN in our clinic that I mentioned earlier was about two inches from getting fired, but she decided that the job was too stressful and quit on her own... to persue RN school.. I am sure that will be sooo much easier for her.

[hondurena]

MCAT as in med school? you've got to be kidding me ---- I hope she becomes stronger over the next few years to deal with the surgical rotation