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I Am Tired of High-Maintenance Behavior and Entitlement Among Newborn Care Specialists

The transformation of some newborn care specialists (NCS) from professional advisors to high-maintenance, entitled entities demanding privileges has become increasingly evident. Here are examples that highlight this concerning trend:

  1. Overstepping Accommodation Boundaries: Understanding Living Conditions: When preparing to join a family’s home, it’s wise to gather information about the living conditions you’ll be entering. While it’s acceptable to inquire about your living space, your bathroom, the nursery and the kitchen and any basic amenities you require, it’s essential to approach this inquiry professionally. Requesting pictures of your living space and clarifying necessities such as wireless internet access are reasonable steps to ensure your comfort. However, making demands or expressing dissatisfaction about the absence of certain conveniences, like TV or microwave, crosses the boundary of professionalism. Just do not accept the contract – do not ask them to meet your accommodation demands.
  2. Mealtime Demands: Respecting Dietary Agreements: As an NCS, it’s crucial to adhere to agreed-upon dietary arrangements without imposing personal preferences. Demanding or requesting specific foods, snacks, or specialized diets is not acceptable and is not your client’s responsibility to provide. This is unprofessional and can strain the family’s resources. Clear communication regarding dietary needs should take place before accepting the position to ensure alignment with the family’s expectations.  Remember your demands may lose you a contact.
  3. Professionalism in Compensation Negotiations: When interviewing for a position that offers a certain hourly rate, it’s crucial to approach compensation negotiations with professionalism and consideration. Requesting additional payment beyond what was initially agreed upon can be perceived as inconsiderate, especially if the family has set a budget they wish to adhere to. Keep in mind that factors such as the size of the house or the location’s prestige (e.g., a 90210 zip code) don’t necessarily correlate to a family’s financial capacity. Making such requests is not only unprofessional but can also come across as tacky.
  4. Disregard for Working Hours: An NCS who overstays their shift so they may sleep for a longer period of time. Irrespective of agreed-upon working hours, is exhibiting high-maintenance behavior.
  5. Emotional Involvement Beyond Scope: Sharing personal details of an NCS’s life with clients is strictly forbidden, regardless of the circumstances. Similarly, soliciting favors from clients, no matter the scale or significance, is inappropriate and erodes the boundaries of professionalism. An NCS who intertwines herself with household staff, engaging in conversations that involve speaking negatively about clients, ventures into murky territory. If a fellow staff person comes to the NCS to engage in conversation about the client or anything pertaining to the client, do not engage in conversation.  Should a colleague initiate a conversation about a client or any related matter, the NCS must abstain from participation. Discussing clients in such contexts is unethical, as one cannot ascertain the confidentiality and reliability of the conversation partner. These actions not only blur the distinction between personal and professional roles but also erode the trust that families entrust in their NCS professionals.
  6. Criticizing Living Conditions: An NCS who criticizes the family’s living conditions or lifestyle choices beyond her professional advice – such as commenting negatively on décor, cleanliness, or parenting choices – displays a high-maintenance attitude that extends beyond her role.
  7. Demanding Special Treatment: An NCS who expects families to cater to her special requests, such as particular food brands, exclusive bathroom access, or transportation preferences, demonstrates an entitled mindset that goes beyond the scope of her professional duties.

The examples above illustrate how some newborn care specialists can deviate from their intended role and develop high-maintenance or entitled behaviors. It’s crucial for families and specialists alike to communicate openly and establish clear boundaries to ensure a positive and professional working relationship. By upholding these principles, NCS professionals can ensure that their role remains one of expertise, guidance, and support without overstepping the boundaries of professionalism.

Posted in: NCS Tps and Hints

Nancy Hamm cancs, caisc

Founder of Gentle Venture’s Training Center

Contact Ms. Hamm at [email protected] or 602-412-8497

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