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Managing Problem Employees in Healthcare

A problem employee disrupts the workplace through poor performance, attitude, and conduct, impacting patient care and team morale. Common types include underperformers, negative influencers, rule breakers, and disruptive employees, which can lead to high turnover and reduced care quality. Effective management strategies involve setting clear expectations, addressing issues early, and ensuring fair treatment while prioritizing patient care.

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7 views9 pages

Managing Problem Employees in Healthcare

A problem employee disrupts the workplace through poor performance, attitude, and conduct, impacting patient care and team morale. Common types include underperformers, negative influencers, rule breakers, and disruptive employees, which can lead to high turnover and reduced care quality. Effective management strategies involve setting clear expectations, addressing issues early, and ensuring fair treatment while prioritizing patient care.

Uploaded by

yarrituguillermo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Problem

Employees
Nicole Goemz
What is a Problem Employee?
- It is an employee who disrupts a
workplace through poor performance,
attitude, and conduct.
- Some common issues are
absenteeism, low productiveness,
conflicts, and resistance.

-
Why does it matter?
- It impacts patient care and team morale. Especially when others
count on you to show up and do a specific task. ( Weiss and
Tappen, 2019) It leads to increased turnover, patient safety risks,
and low staff morale.
Common types of Problem Employees
The underperformer- struggles with tasks and slow work pace

The negative influencer- spreads negativity and complains often

Rule Breaker - ignores policies and lacks professionalism

Disruptive Employee- Causes workplace conflicts and resists teamwork (


Marquis and Huston 2021)

Impact on health Care Environment


-high turnover rates due to staff frustration leading to resignations
-Reduced patient care quality due to errors, delays or neglect
–it can lead to compliance violations
Strategies for Managing Problem
Employees
- Set clear expectations with clear roles, responsibilities
and policies.
- Address issues early on with constructive feedback
- Coach and mentor those who need guidance and
support
- Use warnings, notices, and final actions if needed.
(Yoder-Wise, 2019)
Ethical and Legal Considerations

Make sure to avoid discrimination


and follow HR.
Fair Treatment, Keep records of employee issues
Documentation, and and disciplinary actions done.

HIPPA Lastly, make sure this behavior


does not affect patient care.
Nclex Question
A nurse manager is addressing performance issues with a
staff nurse who frequently arrives late, does not complete
assigned tasks, and has received multiple complaints from
coworkers about a negative attitude. What is the best initial
action the nurse manager should take?

A. Issue a written warning and place the nurse on probation.


B. Terminate the nurse immediately for unprofessional behavior.
C. Meet privately with the nurse to discuss concerns and set clear
expectations.
D. Assign the nurse to a different unit to avoid further conflict.
C. Meet privately with the nurse to
discuss concerns and set clear
expectations.
● The other answers are either not effective or too
aggressive.
Conclusion
- Address problem employees appropriately

- Use structured feedback and corrective actions


- Prioritize patient care

- Team collaboration is maintained if everyone


plays their role
Citations

Gentry, W. A., Eckert, R. H., Stawiski, S., & Zhao, S. (2020). Problem employees: Identify and manage them before
they impact your business. Center for Creative Leadership. Retrieved from [Link]

Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2021). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application
(10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Weiss, S. A., & Tappen, R. M. (2019). Essentials of nursing leadership and management (7th ed.). F.A. Davis.

Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2019). Leading and managing in nursing (7th ed.). Mosby Elsevier.

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