Unprofessional Behavior and Consequences?

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I am a new grad, been a rn for about 6 months now. Had a nurse get verbally aggressive with me in front of everyone at the nurses station over not filling out a consent form completely. Even though there was plently of time for the oversight to be fixed she said I had ruined her day b/c she had to hurry up and fix it. I felt by her actions, non-verbals, and tone of vioce that I had killed someone-but it ended up being this minor little over sight that two adult professionals could have and should have discussed rationally. I find this behavior completely unacceptable and want to nip it in the "butt".

My question, what actions do I take to ensure I am not treated this way again and maintain a professioanl working relationship with this nurse?

Thanks,

Julie M.,RN

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Julie...your situation, unfortunately, is not unique. You have stated exactly what you need to in your post. Let her know that her actions were unacceptable, unprofessional and discourteous. Let her know that if she has problems with your care, she can take you aside and discuss them in a calm manner. Under no circumstances should you stand there and listen to her tirade, or defend yourself. Simply state to her that when she cools down, you will be glad to discuss the matter. If she is unwilling, let your NM know. She/he may want to arbitrate.

As an aside, if all it takes is one omission to ruin her day, she (and her patients) are in for a lot of pain and trouble. Good luck!

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Julie - You will find a bunch of these PIA's your whole life long, trying to make a big problem out of nothing. My response to this has always been "did anybody die?" I would take her aside and tell her that you will not ever under any circumstances interact with her when she is displaying rude, unprofessional behavior, so she shouldn't be surprised when you look her in the eye, turn your back and walk away. She likes to push peoples buttons. Don't let her push yours.

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FOR ME THE FIRST THING I WOULD DO IS PULL HER TO THE SIDE AND ASK HER WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON! I WOULD TELL HER STRAIGHT UP THAT YOU DIDN'T APPRECIATE THAT AND YOU WILL NOT TOLERATE HER OR ANYONE TALKING TO YOU LIKE THAT. AND IF IT WERE TO START AGAIN I WOULD SIMPLY WRITE IT UP AND TAKE IT TO MY CHAIN OF COMMAND.

CONFRONT HER TO HER FACE SO AT LEAST YOU HAVE GIVEN THIS PERSON TO MAKE AMENDS. NEVER PUT UP WITH PEOPLE'S CRAP LIKE THAT. I NIP IT QUICK BEFORE IT BECOMES A REAL ISSUE.

I HAD AN INCIDENT WHERE A NURSE THREW HER PAPERWORK AT ME AND I TOOK HER IN THE OFFICE AND TOLD HER OFF! NEEDLESS TO SAY I NEVER HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS WITH THAT PERSON AGAIN. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

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Hi Julie. I agree with the previous posters. Unfortunately, this nurse may have seen you as an easy target because you are new to the job and the profession. That's no excuse for her trying to intimidate you. Also, I agree with a previous poster who indicated that this nurse may also have some personal problems which manifested itself in her actions toward you. This nurse needs to get a grip and not allow her possible prejudice toward new employees or personal problems get in the way of objectivity at work. Best wishes.

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Originally posted by Julie, RN

I am a new grad, been a rn for about 6 months now. Had a nurse get verbally aggressive with me in front of everyone at the nurses station over not filling out a consent form completely. Even though there was plently of time for the oversight to be fixed she said I had ruined her day b/c she had to hurry up and fix it. I felt by her actions, non-verbals, and tone of vioce that I had killed someone-but it ended up being this minor little over sight that two adult professionals could have and should have discussed rationally. I find this behavior completely unacceptable and want to nip it in the "butt".

My question, what actions do I take to ensure I am not treated this way again and maintain a professioanl working relationship with this nurse?

Thanks,

Julie M.,RN

I would first talk with this coworker and state I never want to be dealt with in this manner in front of everyone. If this were to happen again, I would turn to my supervisor for help. If negative comments are to made in any situation, they should not be made in front of others.

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If what the other posters,as well as yourself,doesn't seem to work; remember: it only takes 4 muscles to raise your hand and 'SMACK' this B**** silly!

j/k

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Specializes in Home Health.

Betts, LMAO!!! Too true!

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lol all

betts, that is great, am taking your advice at least in my mind!!!!! hang in everybody, we are not alone out there!!!

:p :p :p

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Tell this nurse she violated the Code of Ethics for Nurses.Under provision 1. 1.5,which says that "The principle of respect for persons extends to all individuals with whom the nurse interacts".

Tell her the Code is the professions nonnegotiable ethical standard and is the expression of expectations of ethical behavior for nurses and that she is acting unethically.

However this may not impress her,as the code does not carry much weight with nurses.

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all good advice. i like betts the best..lol

if you do not handle this, put a stop to it RIGHT NOW..you are setting a precedence as to how the others are going to treat you and how this particular nurse will treat you in the future. not an easy task.

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Wait one week, if a better fight doesn't surface and overshadow this one, wait one more week. If at that time all is going well, then you know this is the only issue you need to confront and once resolved you will have a nice place to work.

Or you can take Brett's advice. :D LOL

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