Profanity in the Breakroom....???

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

I am not a person who is easily provoked into profanity. However, yesterday I had an awful episode with a resident's family. I was steamin' mad. When I went into the breakroom, two of the aids that I work with were eating lunch. I told them about what had happened. I don't remember what I said exactly, but I am pretty sure that I said something along the lines of "***?" Or "I really just wish they would go the F away." I really don't remember. I just know that I was blowing off steam and trying to calm down before I went back out on the floor.

At the end of shift I was called to the DON's office and suspended for "using profanity" in the breakroom pending the outcome of the investigation. My DON said this is a firing offense in the organization I am in. I expect that Monday will come and I will be fired.

The thing that sickens me most about this situation is that the person did not come to me and tell me that they were offended before they complained of it to my DON.

Has anyone else ever been in this situation? Anyone have any advice beyond not trusting anyone and not blowing off steam until I get home at night. This really makes me feel dirty and is really humilitating. Anyone have any suggestions on how to woo the DON into allowing me to keep my job? This is a first offense for me. And it isn't like I was cussing someone out. I know I was wrong and I am ready to make amends to whom ever I offended.

Specializes in Long Term Care.
mariedoreen said:
I think my eyes would get a little big if I heard another RN say she wished someone would just die... Holy hell. I might say something like that at home, to my husband, who understands what I really mean and don't mean, and would never use such a statement against me... but in front of people I work with? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I get where you're coming from, but you've got to start practicing some discretion or you're going to go through this kind of thing again.

As far as the F word. I hear that word more times at work (on the floor, at the nurses station, in the breakroom) from doctors, nurses, aids, and visitors than I've ever heard before in my life. If that were a firing offense at my hospital, they'd have to shut the place down.

I was thinking the same thing after the fact. Live and learn right?

1 Votes
RNsRWe said:
If I had a buck for everytime I heard a staffer say something truly graphic, I sure wouldn't need the job! I don't use the language myself, sometimes wish the speaker(s) didn't use it either, but until my hospital chooses to disregard the Constitution or put a clause in their employment contracts, it's a protected Amendment.

If I had a penny for each time a nurse used profanity I'd could quit working. Our unit coordinator and charge nurse use profanity loudly and don't get reprimanded, even though plenty of visitors and pts walk by. Whehn it happens out in the open, I have a problem with it. It's unprofessional. But in a breakroom? I have no problem with it. Tell them you can either cuss in front of the family or behind closed doors.

You have the right to free speech, and unless it's stated where you can use it, I'd fight it.

1 Votes
Specializes in med/surg.

Glad things didn't turn out too horrendously for you but I do think you're right to quietly check out the jobs market!

A break room should be just that - a place where you can switch off from being a proffesional for a moment or two & where everything said in there should stay in there!! We've all said things we regret in haste but saying them in the break room should be safe!

Good luck!

1 Votes
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I wanted to bring up something that I have found. I did the LPN to RN to BSN to MSN thing and I found that at each step there were some folks that didn't appreciate my changing positions. Jealousy? Envy? I don't know what. However, I did find for my own peace of mind that I needed to change jobs especially when I went from the LPN to RN. I was in LTC when this happened and it worked out for the best. Just an idea. Take care.

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

I've read this thread, and thought, well, if I can't vent when I actually become a nurse (please, God!), then what can I say? Perhaps a set of code words or phrases....?

They are a very legally proactive family --> they introduced themselves as the family of my new patient and threatened to start suing everyone in sight.

That person needs to take a junket --> for the drunk driver that killed a family, the wacko that kills a pregnant woman and takes the fetus, etc....the person's JNK (just needs killin') and should be taken a long, one way trip out on the intercoastal waterway....

And of course, being a southerner, we think we can say anything if we follow it with "bless their heart" Such as, "Why that's the meanest, nastiest person I ever met, bless their heart...":wink2:

I'm currently a computer systems analyst, hopefully starting nursing school in January, waiting for the letter that makes my day or breaks my heart.......you don't even want to know what we say after we put down the phone with a user.

1 Votes
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

I wouldn't be looking for ways to "woo" the DON. As everyone has said, if it isn't written policy, you are free to do it. If they want to make it a policy, fine. I personally would advise the DON that you would like a copy of the written policy on this matter and others, so that you can better understand the rules. This will also let her know that you are aware of your rights.

I do think it's unacceptable to swear anywhere near patients/families/visitors etc (as does everyone else), but in your own time, who hasn't let out a frustrated word? Sheesh.

I have to say that I can't believe how many threads there are here about getting "written up", or "report them to the BON" etc. I have never in my career (in Australia) even HEARD of anyone getting "written up" for something. Of course I've spoken to a supervisor about unsafe job practices if I observe them, but that is fixed (supervision, observation, education etc) and the problem goes away. Why are nurses so catty? It's so high school.

1 Votes
traumaRUs said:
I wanted to bring up something that I have found. I did the LPN to RN to BSN to MSN thing and I found that at each step there were some folks that didn't appreciate my changing positions. Jealousy? Envy? I don't know what. However, I did find for my own peace of mind that I needed to change jobs especially when I went from the LPN to RN. I was in LTC when this happened and it worked out for the best. Just an idea. Take care.

WOW!, LPN - RN - BSN - MSN. Good on you. Thanks for the inspiration.

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

Hey Whimsie: Happy to hear that you weren't fired for a momentary mishap. I agree with others that I'd start looking elsewhere. It seems, however, a favorite pastime is talking about others behind their backs. You meet up with that almost everywhere---at least I do.

I imagine your DON would have a field day with one of my tech/aide coworkers who outwardly cusses(among the MR/DD patients) quite frequently in my work environment and it's typically around the patients(who are MR/DD and who are unable to voice complaint) too! It ISN'T professional by any means, especially when he uses the F-bomb(which happens when he stubs his thumb or hurts his back lifting someone). Now, I generally like the guy but seldom work with him so am not subjected to it that much. I am NOT his direct supervisor and cannot discipline him. I remain AMAZED that he continues to work there as one would logically think there HAVE to be others who are offended by his speech. BUT we are all covered by the union and I seriously doubt anything would be done to him.

1 Votes
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