Traveler RNs rude to me

[RNbirdie1018]

Hi,

I'm a charge nurse and a fairly new RN and I have recently ran into a couple travel RNs on my unit who are disrespectful to me and apparently talk about me behind my back, Tonight, I had enough and I respectfully confronted one of them about it. She was caught off guard. My question is, Do you think I should escalate this to management or just wait it out until they are off my unit? Also, does anyone have any suggestions of how the handle disrespect head on? I'm just sad that they feel like they have to belittle a fellow RN. We RNs deal with enough job stress, why add to it?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I suppose it depends on what you consider disrespectful? And what part respect for you personally impacts the care they give to patients.

[JKL33]

This entirely depends on what the specific examples are, IMO.

Other than that, generally-speaking wait for a private moment: "Jane/John, I'm concerned we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. I'd like to be able to have a good working relationship. Is there anything I should know/have I upset you in some way?"

[RNbirdie1018]

That is a very respectful way to address the situation. Thanks for your advice.

[JKL33]

Probably should think about how any head-on approach will be received.

If these people are in fact the petty, passive-aggressive type, they are very likely to try to challenge/trap you with their reply to the above.

You'll approach them kindly and ask your question and they'll say, "No? Why?" or "What makes you think that?"

Be ready with an answer that is factual and delivered in a kind-but-stoic manner:

"You often say things under your breath after we have interacted, and although I can't hear them entirely, you don't look happy."

"I heard you telling Jane that I don't know what I'm doing. It's true, I'm a newer nurse, but I would like to improve wherever I can."

"For example, you walked away saying some personal things after I had to assign an admission last week. I can handle it if you speak to me directly when there is some kind of problem."

If there is a big culture problem on your unit and this kind of professional interaction is not supported, you'll need to decide whether to approach your manager or just wing it and see what happens. An alternative is that you do all of this with your manager as a proctor - which is good because it demonstrates your willingness to work for a solution, not just be a complainer/tattle-tale.

And.....oops.....I see you did confront one of them. What was the response?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I am a former travel nurse. I find it hard to believe any travel nurse would be "disrespectful" to a charge nurse. I always kept my head down... yes mam and no mam was my answer to any questions. I knew my place as a traveler.

Please expand on your definition of disrespectful.

[Miss Kelli]

I'm currently working in GI at a facility in Rancho Mirage - we have a traveler that is downright hostile to employees. She's from Texas, comes back every year for 3 or 4 years so she has an insane sense of entitlement. She honestly thinks she's the assistant supervisor.  We've reported her to the Supervisor, Director and HR. No one is doing anything. We were warned before she got here about how toxic and hostile she is and they still allow her to return.  Now 3 of the 4 staff nurses are leaving.  Someone should've told her to be kind, but management doesn't care.  Do something about it before you lose your staff.