Unsubordinated CNAs

[Tulesg]

I am an LVN and I have this situation happening to me right now, and out of ideas on how to solve this situation for the best.

I'm working night shifts in a long term care facility, I have this CNA staff working with me during the night shift who is very unsubordinated, disrespectful and I also have a suspicion of her being acting rude or too rough with residents, causing bruises and skin tears. (I have not caught this with my eyes myself). - this would pretty much be the end of me attempting to "solve" anything with her, State would be called within seconds of happening. When CNA started working with me she was very polite and "friendly" It was until I had discovered her sleeping in the residents rooms about 3 times in one shift. and of course me talking to her about this behaviour and also giving her only a "Verbal Warning" that she started acting like a teenager and being very disrespectful, with me up to a point of raging up to me one of those nights and stating things like: I'm sick and tired of you reporting me on a daily basis!!.. I had informed her that the last time I had reported her was due to her sleeping in the job, and that it was only a Verbal warning.. she then blamed that the DON was the one making those accusations to me.. to make the story short DON was fired and Senior HR rep. pretty much told me that I have to find a way to get along with her.. Now, I want to also add CNA is usually doing 16hr shifts in a weekly basis, CNA is also suing the Company due to a complaint of Racism with another RN who happened to call her out for being disrespectful with residents.. Residents and residents families have complained about her "rough" attitude towards the patients, She has make statements to me as " I do not like to be told what to do" also there is witness about her making statements about me and that she has not idea of how long she would take it, and restrain herself of trowing a table to me. I been very very frustrated with this situation, I'm already looking for another job. I'm in no way disrespectful towards her in any reason or way. When I speak with my staff I watch out for my tone of voice, my body language, and I'm as professional as I can be. Seems to me the company is being ignoring this complaints from other colleges about this CNAs attitude and behavior even when the Residents are the ones complaining. There is a resident that has dementia and some other behavioral issues being transferred to another unit because of her not getting along with CNA. I'm really concern about this situation It seems to me the company is really bending backwards for her do to the Law suit she has on it, "she even told me once, (when upset) all I'm doing is waiting for my settlement man!. Please help what would you do!!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I would go to your parent company website and lodge a complaint. Further, I would report to Elder Services and the Omsbudsman. This CNA is being abusive to residents. You have a duty to act as a licensed nurse. The senior HR rep is not a licensed nurse, therefore, really has no ethical responsibility in this.

The CNA's "glowing" personality is just icing on the cake.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

See if you can report it anonymously on whoever regulates CNAs in your state.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

The employer has to tread carefully while the discrimnation case is active, the employer can build better grounds for termination if they receive multiple, objective written reports of the CNA's offending behaviour from a variety of sources (staff, family and patient's). When a patient or family member expresses concern about the CNA's behaviour can you give them the ombudsman's contact information? BTW the word should be insubordinate not unsurbordinated.