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Discussion

What to do?

Hi. I am a new nurse and have been working for three months. I really like the facility I'm at. It's a LTC facility, and I love the patients and the staff. Right out of nursing school, I only had 5 days of training so I have been learning on my feet -so to speak- and have learned approximately 45-50 patients and all their meds, wounds, etc. I'm still learning how to troubleshoot problems and put in orders, everything that comes with the job. My manager thinks I should know the job by now, and today I was told by my manager that troubleshooting a problem for an hour was stupid of me, also was told my message to the NP made me sound stupid and all confidence in me has been lost. I would think with inadequate training and only being a nurse for three months would not warrant words like "stupid" (twice in one day and I do not even allow my children to use that word ), and "no confidence in you". So I pose these questions, shouldn't the manager be trying to help build me up? Because it feels like I'm being torn down and I've only just begun. Should I find a different job? I want to hang in there, but absolutely dread seeing her. My stress is so high that I can't sleep, my bowels are giving me trouble, I have indigestion all the time and I am having anxiety just thinking about her. I became a nurse to help people and fight the good fight, I wonder if I should find something else after only being there three short months? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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    "My goal, being a new nurse with 5 days of orientation, is to do this job well for the benefit of our residents. I am confident that when I leave for the day, the residents who have been in my care are medicated, their treatments complete, and everything charted accordingly. I do not appreciate being called stupid or ineffective, and am curious as to what other goal I should be aspiring to."

    "You are stating that I am stupid, and that my work is not effective, and that you don't have confidence in my care of residents. What does that mean? What is it that you would like me to do with that information? "

    There are ineffective managers who don't have a clue. Unfortunately, it seems to be a growing trend. What you need to do is to ask the questions back--to call you stupid is plain wrong, but to then go on to talk about the lack of confidence, etc---again, what does that mean? That you are being "verbally warned" that you need to "watch your back"...

    I would at least familiarize yourself with the job opportunities that are available in your area. I can see this turning into either a name calling, passive-aggressive, I like to take my issues out on the new person thing--or they are setting you up to let you go before your probationary period is complete.

    Wishing you nothing but the best.

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    • Expert

    My opinion may be unpopular. I think perhaps your manager was attempting to offer constructive criticism, though she worded her criticisms poorly and harshly.

    Since you have 45 to 50 residents, I assume you work either in LTC, subacute rehab, SNF, or assisted living. If you work in one of these settings, then yes, one hour is way too long to spend troubleshooting any problem. It is not as if you work in the ICU where, due to having two very sick patients, you actually have the time to troubleshoot.

    In addition, other people are not responsible for our feelings. Hence, it is not your manager's job to 'build you up,' although a smart manager who practices transformational leadership would have at least attempted to transform your behaviors and practices in ways that are more motivational and positive.

    In essence, from the limited information that was furnished, I do not think your manager was incorrect, although her delivery of the message was wrongheaded and unprofessional. Her job is to offer coaching and constructive criticism if she notices issues. Try to look past the poor delivery of her message and see what you can improve.

    I've worked in LTC, SNF and rehab. Short orientation periods are the norm, not the exception. Right out of school, I only had one 8-hour shift of training before I was cut loose to work on my own. Most of your learning will take place via baptism by fire.

    Good luck to you!

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    While your manager evidently lacks expertise in delivering constructive criticism, it is not her job to "build you up." Take the kernals of wisdom from the feedback and try to learn from them.

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