What do you do when...

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2013

It is hard to change the culture of a facility or unit when you are new and no one else is complaining. My best advice is to pick and choose your battles carefully. I've learned that I cannot get everyone to get on board with me and my worth ethic. And that is okay sometimes. However, if it is something that comprises care than you have to speak up.

Morainey, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2013

Oh no! You sound like me - a total pushover! Unfortunately as PP pointed out, these things are usually a culture of a workplace and deeply engrained (ingrained?). I'm surprised your manager lets them get away with that.

HippyDippyLPN · Jun 3, 2013

Thanks for the advice. Care isn't compromised yet so I will just be proud of my work ethic instead of worrying about what others don't do. Our manager lets them cruise because they have so much knowledge on the clinic, in that way it would be hard to replace them.

allnurses Guide · Jun 4, 2013

Perhaps with so much knowledge, they are doing stuff you aren't aware of? Just a thought.

You're right, be proud of your ethic; I don't think you are a pushover. Do your own best and let the facts speak for themselves.

amygarside · Jun 4, 2013

Maybe you can talk about it with them or find a person that you can trust and talk this over so that you can get it off your chest.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jun 4, 2013

Thanks for the advice. Care isn't compromised yet so I will just be proud of my work ethic instead of worrying about what others don't do. Our manager lets them cruise because they have so much knowledge on the clinic, in that way it would be hard to replace them.

I agree. Be proud of your work ethic, I am sure it is noticed and appreciated, I am sure that your patients appreciate not having to wait. Not sure what your co-workers do all day if you are doing all of the intakes and the assisting, however, the MD may really notice that soon. And their "knowledge" doesn't mean a hill of beans if in fact they use it for....well, nothing. And the MD may realize that he is paying 3 employees when only one of them is assisting him...

allnurses Guide · Jun 4, 2013

I guess since the manager basically said everyone is fine with the status quo I think you are right in just continuing to do things the way you do. I like to be busy, too. The alternative of ramping things down to stay even with the norm for your clinic would actually be stressful for me! Sometimes other people think we are trying to outdo them or make them look bad - because I'd rather reorganize drawers than read a magazine - they get used to it eventually.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2013

Thanks for the advice. Care isn't compromised yet so I will just be proud of my work ethic instead of worrying about what others don't do. Our manager lets them cruise because they have so much knowledge on the clinic, in that way it would be hard to replace them.

Yeah, well, in awhile YOU will have that knowledge :) , and then you'll be more in a position to do something. Perhaps when they hire the next "you." Culture change can happen, but it takes a bit of development.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Jun 4, 2013

It is best not to compare yourself and your work ethic against others. When I do that, I find that I inadvertently put myself on a pedestal. I then develop the "holier-than-thou" attitude in which I feel superior to others which then leads to feeling like a martyr because "I do soooo much more that they do" and that easily leads to resentment and general negative feelings toward coworkers and the job itself. I have learned to let others be themselves, and do their job the way that works for them. If they're OK with how they do things and no residents are negatively affected, then why should it bother me? I'm certain I have coworkers who don't agree with the way I do things as well and my way would not work for them at all. Just focus on what you do and don't worry so much about what they don't do. If management is good with they way they do or don't do things, then nothing will change. No need to waste energy on it.

HippyDippyLPN · Jun 4, 2013

^^ very good advice, thanks for sharing. I agree with the pedestal and then feeling like a victim. It could be much worse and all in all, I do have nice co workers. That's why I love AN, gives me a good reality checks :)

tewdles, RN · Jun 4, 2013

You work in a team where they work harder at not working than actually working? It's a new job for me, a good low stress job which is great because I will be in school soon, but I have some co workers that I found have a rap for not helping out the team. We are a very small clinic so it really is me all the time doing all patient intakes and assisting MD's. I love to stay busy (makes time go by faster!) and don't mind having a lot to do.
I do find myself getting a bit negative about work lately due to the other two co workers flat out not doing intake (which is in all of our job descriptions) because they know I am efficient and will do it if they take too long because I hate to make patients wait if there is a open room.
How do I let this not effect my attitude? It's bothering me greatly and I am trying to figure out a way to just not be frustrated about it! My office manager let me know this is their normal working attitude so I doubt their work ethic will improve at all.

Problem 1..you are not describing a team