Tired of disciplining people

Published

Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.

This is one of those weeks where I wish I was a staff nurse again. I am just sick of discipline. Most of the people in my agency are great, don't get me wrong. I just have one problem child that has to go and it's taking my administrator a long time to see the light. I'm having a hard time with this because this nurse will lose her lisence. She should though, she's committing a lot of fraud. I still just feel bad. What do you all do when you're sick to death of disciplinary action?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have anger issues, you have control issues, and you have just ... issues. Your posts speak for themselves.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Actually, I've been there before. It can get overwhelming and frustrating so I feel your pain. Know that it will pass, it's not personal, and I've never sent someone to the board or peer review that was doing what was in the best interest of the public. We are all accountable for our own actions. You can't do anything to her that she didn't do to herself. Your job is to protect the patient, not the nurse. It is easy to lose sight of sometimes...but hang in there! You can do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

Often there seems to be that one problem child. And from the sounds of it this problem child is really struggling.

Your role is to help as much as you can and remember you must protect your other nurses from any fallout from this nurse;especially if she is committing fraud. I am not sure that staff nurses realize that by protecting someone who is committing fraud they are putting their own jobs at risk.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

I just remind myself of the potential cost of doing nothing, in terms of dollars, production, staff morale and potential liability. That is usually more than enough motivation to get me back after it. I have a situation going on right now that has taken several full days and continues to take up 20-25 percent of my time daily, and it isn't as if everything else has stopped while this is going on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

Good luck Orca....That is not fun.

I have had great support in the past from HR on discipline issues, the problem is it takes so looooong to get enough documentation to finally pull the trigger on an action.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.
I just remind myself of the potential cost of doing nothing, in terms of dollars, production, staff morale and potential liability. That is usually more than enough motivation to get me back after it.

Thank you! I wish I had an HR Dept to help sometimes. And yes, the time-consuming aspect of it gets on my nerves, I don't like having to take work home with me. Good luck on your situation as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is draining. Your issue sounds very serious. I deal a lot with negative and whining employees. Someone has to do the right thing and it sounds like you are doing it. Take some comfort that the staff member did this to herself. You are protecting patients and other staff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Feel our pain.

If no local HR, can you share situation with corporate or regional manager? Use them as consultants. Can be valuable resources.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion