what about mean coworkers?

Question

I started a new job as a CNA in a nursing home about a month and a half ago. I've been off for a few weeks due to health reasons. I'm starting back part time today. The problem is, my coworkers treat me terrible. They talk down to me, behind my back, and refuse to help me. i've never worked in a nursing home like this and still feel slightly lost after a brief training period since each resident has different needs and I'm not used to the daily routine. I think all the stress from working with the other employees has led to my health problem, which they think is either severe irritabl;e bowel symptoms or an ulcer. How should I deal with the people I work with and how can I have a more positive outlook when i'm going to work, because right now, I dread it and start the countdown the day before ( in 12 hours I will be at work! ). ouch!

It's a small, very well staffed nursing home, though the staff does change frequently. Most of the ppl I work with are just of of school and also new. "they" does refer to several doctors. IBS is very hard to diagnose as they have to rule out everything else. Right now, I have no health insurance so the test I need (colonoscopy) cannot be done because I can't afford it. They put me on meds for ulcers and something to help with IBS symptoms in the meantime.

Answer 1

Stress can cause major health issues.Just do your job & tune them out.If you have a prob with someone,,talk to your boss,,that will put an end to that.If they talk down to them,,speak back & make them look stupid,,if they talk behind your back,,laugh at them,,If they are suppose to help you & dont,,tell your boss.Take controll of your life,,beleive in yourself & speak your mind without getting in trouble,,just do it correctly with the facts.Good luck.
And,,thx for working in a nursing home,,I appreciate you,,my Mom is in a nursing home.

Answer 2

I have a friend who is a social worker in nursing homes. Apparently, there is a high rate of "irritability" (and I don't mean with the bowel) among workers because of the nature of the work. The work is difficult for any number of reasons, and the more these people care about doing a good job the more they're likely to be stressed out and frazzled. Some facilities are better staffed or equipped than others, so that could be the difference between this one and others you've worked in.

Since you're new and had to take a couple of weeks off they're probably already wondering if you can handle working there. If you believe they have contributed to this health problem you mention that tells me they may be correct about your not being able to handle working there. I don't mean to point blame (honestly), but as an objective party I can't help but wonder how fragile you must be if even the rottenest-acting co-workers can cause a two-week health problem.

You mention that each resident has different requirements, so if you took two weeks out of the first month of work that's why you haven't yet gotten on top of what those requirements are. The co-workers may need a little time to "get past" your two weeks off in the first month of working.

In the meantime, is there a way you can list in a notebook you could keep what each person needs? Can you bring an "all-purpose" notebook with you in a pocket, and just write down whatever anyone tells you?

You may have to just remember how difficult the work is, how when people are over-worked or stressed out or even dealing with the sadness that can be all over a nursing home, they don't always have time for politeness and they sometimes don't have the mental energy for making sure they don't hurt people's feelings. In other words, you have to forgive them a little and try to understand some of what they say.

You probably have to decide whether you want to keep the job, and if you do you have to develop the same tough skin that people have to develop when it comes to being around people who are as sick as people in nursing homes can be. You may have to take a "we're-all-in-a-difficult-situation" mentality and try to overlook what anyone says.

Don't forget you haven't worked there for long It takes time to show that you can do the job well and that you won't be someone who calls in sick fifty-percent of the time. Not only do you have the disadvantage of being new and maybe not as on top of what is needed by the residents, but now you have the disadvantage of being sick and taking half the month off.

It may not be nice that they have something to say about you, but the other side is in a way it may be somewhat justified. Here's what I picture: "How can she do this job if she's sick?" "She's going to be quitting." "She'd know what the patients needed if she weren't out sick for two weeks. This isn't what we bargained for when we hired her." Etc. Etc.

Try to overlook them. If you're a good employee they'll knock it off in time most likely. In a nursing home the staff has to be tough in order to be able to take care of the patients, who are so fragile. No employer or co-workers in any business (but particularly a nursing home) want to have to worry about the health of another employee. There's just not time in the business world, and certainly not in the healthcare world.

You say "they think" when referring to your health problem. I would think if you went to a doctor you'd know what your problem is. Have you just felt bad and not gone to a doctor over it? That may be what they think is odd about your situation because without a diagnosis from a doctor they're are probably thinking you have just called in sick for what could be not much of anything.

Try to decide just not to let them bother you, and if you work hard and become very competent at what you do you should gain a positive outlook from knowing you're doing good work. Good luck.

Answer 3

They probably think of you as an outsider since you just started there. It is really tough to break into some groups that have worked together for a while. Is there anyone that you can talk to? You might try to befriend somebody by inviting them to lunch or on break so that person can tell everyone else that you are not so bad.

Answer 4

If you have coworkers not helping you when you need help. They need to realize you are a team working for the same goal .To improve life... You may have to bring it before the manager in a calm and peaceful way....explain the situation...and ask is it possible if when needed you can recieve help. But do as much as you can on your on so the filling want be you are the one needing care..Above all pray..stay cool with GODS help..put your best foot forward..When you get home get plenty of rest..a little time for you..ok....smile you are loved...

Answer 5

Dealing with cantankerous coworkers can really behard. However, if you maintain a pleasant attitude, they will back off. Whatever you do,don't react negatively. They will just persist. good luck