How can I better understand civilian and military cultural differences in the workplace?

2020-01-21T21:01:12-05:00

I’m currently working as a civilian contractor on a Naval base. This is a hospital environment and every so often I have to work in the capacity of charge nurse on top of staff nurse (I do not get paid extra when assigned charge duties). I find a few of the Naval officers I work with expect the charge nurse to properly train and even discipline the military members. I was recently told I needed to yell at the corpsmen if they stepped out of line, etc. I was also spoken to about allowing a corpsman to work autonomously when he was still in training status (yet I was never briefed on the length of his training or what expectations were for training him. When I was in the Air Force Reserves you were assigned a military supervisor who coordinated your training with you). Is this my responsibility as a civilian contractor to discipline and even oversee the training of enlisted personnel? Didn’t it used to be the a military person had troops under him or her and they were your responsibility? Why pass the buck? I’m confused and wanted some feedback from other military members. Seems like poor leadership to me that military leadership roles are being delegated to non-military members. Or am I out of line? Thanks for the feedback and the forum to vent. ?

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jan 21 at 2020 9:19 PM

2020-01-21T21:19:59-05:00

As a contractor you normally wouldn’t supervise Gov’t personnel. Check with KO or COR for the deliverables on your contract.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2020 9:23 PM

2020-01-21T21:23:07-05:00

I was also verbally berated/reprimanded by a LTJG when a naval corpsman made a mistake on the job and was told I was responsible for the all the corpsman working under me and their actions whenever I’m assigned charge nurse. However, I’m not in the navy and don’t know their job responsibilities and what’s required of them. With my civilian techs at other hospitals everyone is considered an adult and responsible for the quality of their own work. Hence my frustration with what appears to be fundamental differences in work cultures.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 5:54 AM

2020-01-22T05:54:29-05:00

As a Contractor you CAN NOT supervise or discipline government / military personnel. That does not mean you aren't allowed to train them, develop training plans, provide guidance, make on the spot corrections or anything else in your job description. If you are given direction to "yell at" enlisted members by someone, that person is probably a piss poor leader for several reasons.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jan 22 at 2020 7:53 AM

2020-01-22T07:53:57-05:00

Sounds like you have some lazy staff nurses who don't want to do supervisory things. You are a contractor. You do the job you are contracted to do, and that isn't supervisory duties for military I can guarantee you.