UAP walking all over me...

skipaway · Sep 23, 2009

One thing you can do is always preface your requests with the patient's name. ie...Mrs. Brown in 244 needs to use the bathroom. I need you to help her.

This technique uses the patient as the primary person in need for help...not you the RN. It's hard to say no..I don't have time when it's put in this way. When I was a floor RN, this helped me alot. If you still get flack you can then say..."So, you won't be helping the patient right now?" If you need to approach your manager about continued problems with a particular CNA...you can then always say that they wouldn't help the patient versus they wouldn't help me.

Of course it goes without saying that you need to treat everyone you come in contact with...with respect. Please and thank you goes along way. I always, always thank each and every person in my OR room for their help that case. We are a team and I try to always remember that.

Good Luck

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Thanks !!!

miss81, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

I'm a lot like u NurseLoveJoy... great advice Skipaway. Anyone else with advice? The CNA's tend to look at me, come up with some ridiculous excuse, and walk away!

bgood1967 · Sep 23, 2009

Can we assume that most of the CNA's are older than you? They may be giving you attitude because you are so young and inexperienced, but you are educated and need to assert that you've earned the title and position.

Batman24 · Sep 23, 2009

I love the advice above about putting the emphasis on the patient. That is great advice and I would start that ASAP. Their response is in part due to your age and inexperience. You need to feel confident in your title and abilities and start to set new boundaries. This happens quite often with newer nurses so don't be afraid. They are pushing to see how much they can get away with so you need to start fresh next shift.

Best respectful and firm. "Please attend to the patient in Room 234. They have soiled linens. Thank you." If you hem and haw and are nervous when asking they will eat you alive. In this instance you were polite, gave a directive, and didn't leave room for them to question you. There is no reason for them not to do it. If they say they are taking care of X at present you let them know they are to finish that duty and then attend to Room 234 as asked.

Now if they don't listen here is where you will need to toughen up and write them up for their infractions. Not doing as asked is insubordinate and the patient suffers. They will be mad to be written up but they will also respect you more knowing they can't walk all over you. Do this a few times and they will get the message.

Also, be sure to applaud those who are doing a good job. Thank them each and every shift for their hard work. Let them know you know when they went above and beyond. People love to hear about the good they are doing and don't hear it enough. A little compliment and a simple thank you goes a long way.

jabwemet · Sep 23, 2009

I had a same kind of problems I used to work with these CNA but I went to school and became a RN they did'nt like it so i was getting hard time they were nt aswering the call lights, the work was not getting done by them so i follow the chain and guess vwhat i know they talk about me but i am the one who work hard and went to school not them so don t let bother this to u just do your job and be happy. They are jealous cause we are young and making more money so what we work hard for this.

FLArn · Sep 24, 2009

In addition to the excellent advice already given, try to make their jobs easier whenever possible. For example, if you are flushing or giving meds via Gtube and you note the CNA has just changed the patient/bed, put chux under the tube so you don't mess the new bed. If you spill water on the floor wipe it up or at least throw a towel down on it and tell them what happened. Put the patient on the bed pan and let the CNA know they are on the pan, etc. If you help them and they know you are a team player, they will be more likely to go out of their way for you too.

BunnyRN · Sep 24, 2009

I have personally witnessed this type of behavior. This is why, I encourage my CNAs to continue their education. I am proud of my CNAs because they have a lot of skills that you could learn to help you as a new RN.

bluebird123 · Sep 24, 2009

Hey there! First of all congrats on being a nurse so young. That is an amazing accomplishment and you should be SO proud. I am currently a BSN student who didnt pass pharm last fall. I had to take the last few semesters off and got my CNA. I started working nights at an LTC. I absolutely loved my patients. Some of the nurses and other CNA's I worked with....not so much. I completely agree with making your requests more patient centered...not "I need you to do this..." etc.

But also, please do not initially be so harsh (not to say you are now at all!). But some people when they feel bullied will say hmmm I need to grow a thick skin and then just be very firm with everyone they encounter.

I found this to be true where I worked. I worked with some crappy aids....but to my credit I thought I was pretty damn good. Perhaps bc I was a nursing student. But....whenever I encountered a new nurse she spoke with me in that firm almost demanding sort of way. Which I CAN understand if she had previously gotten bullied before, but she didn't even take the time to talk to me and realize that I wasn't one of those lazy CNA's.

sorry for the rambling response! best of luck to you. It really is to your credit that you care this much to post on this. You will be a wonderful nurse.

BunnyRN · Sep 24, 2009

if you are flushing or giving meds via Gtube and you note the CNA has just changed the patient/bed, put chux under the tube so you don't mess the new bed. If you spill water on the floor wipe it up or at least throw a towel down on it and tell them what happened. Put the patient on the bed pan and let the CNA know they are on the pan, etc. If you help them and they know you are a team player, they will be more likely to go out of their way for you too.

FLArn,

You are absolutely right!!!

Some nurses fail to report putting a patient on the bedpan, and causing spilling. They are giving extra work, simple communication saves time. I appreciate my CNAs, because they need the nurse, vice versa. I am truly grateful for some of my CNAs. Sometimes you have to be firm when delegating your tasks. But make sure that you do it respectfully. Some people are difficult, and you must learn to deal with them, because they can and will try to make your shift a living nightmare. But you as the nurse, should always remind them that patient care is important.

Teamwork is the backbone of nursing. CNAs are essential. Everyday you learn, and you will eventually find ways to deal with them. Someday you will come to appreciate them!!! Experience that you will gain, will help you deal with the testing CNAs. You are new, but you have the knowledge, and your license is your key through this profession. With more nursing experiences you will be able to cope with the obstacles that will come down your path. Be assertive!!!

NurseLoveJoy88, Stay Positive, and Sweet!!! Don't let them make you Bitter!!! :cool:

SupeR.N.urse · Sep 24, 2009

Girlfriend I am in your same shoes. =[ Loved the advice !