Read this email my NM sent to all the nurses.

Nurses General Nursing

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Susie2310

2,121 Posts

Ouch GummibearsRN. Are you sure you want to post a work e-mail on the internet where everyone can read it?

Wise Woman RN

289 Posts

This type of email was a common occurrence at my former place of employment. From the manager. In a mass mailing to everyone. Sometimes in large font, all caps, and bold print. Same tone. It might just be my generation, but I found the letter to be rude, bullying, and very unprofessional. As well, speaking to the staff who were actually engaging in the behavior, privately, would be more conducive to improving, rather than degrading, unit morale. I feel that if there were really serious problems like this going on, that a staff meeting perhaps would have been the better way to go. I just can't imagine even having time for a break, or to be on the internet, in any way, on the days I worked, and the same went for every single one of the nurses I worked with. But, there were still angry, threatening emails sent, on the basis of, "I have been informed," or "it was brought to my attention."

It was a very toxic environment, and many of the nurses were so unhappy, but, everyone needs their job. The sad part was, this manager was rarely on the unit for more that 5 minutes at a time, but apparently believed the reports. I understand that there can be problems with staff on any nursing unit, but I think that this is a very poor manner in which to address them.. jmho.

nyteshade, BSN

555 Posts

Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

In regards to the NM "giving" the power to send someone home for unprofessional behavior: from my experience, the nurse manager can delegate that ability to the charge if need be. That is why that person is charge.

Specializes in Trauma.
I guess...I was just looking for some thoughts. I personally just do my job and leave. I need to find somewhere else to work. So many problems on that floor... so I guess I'm looking at this as one MORE problem on top of a lot of others.

The NM has identified a few problems, notified everyone she is aware of the problems, stated how the problems will be handled, and now you want to look for another job due to the NM's plan of action to correct the problems? I could be way off base but it appears from your response you may well be one of the nurses that caused her to have to send out this email.

The mass email may have been sent out to give those childish nurses the opportunity to correct their behavior before they are embarrassed by being called into her office and threatened with being fired.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Yes......surfing the internet, shopping, Facebooking, tweeting during work hours is an out of control behavior that needs to stop. If I had non compliant staff members.......Personally..... I would have IT block social media sights from the computers all together.

Unfortunately, unless you have a contract. It's perfectly legal. If the "punishment" is applied equally and everyone is aware of the expectations........There are no laws that state that you need to make more money than someone else to be their boss. She may be a co-worker....but she has the title of charge nurse (which does make her "above" you) and if your boss gives her the authority AND puts in in writing that she has the power/responsibility to send you home.....she can send you home. Usually in the charge nurse job description there will be a statement to the effect......"and other duties as assigned by the Nurse Manger"....that is the charge nurses assigned duty....she can send you home.

Your manager has made it perfectly clear what her expectations are and what consequence non-compliance will bring.....it's perfectly legal.

If she feels at any time that a particular staff member is not performing standard care, she will not hesitate to take action and dismiss the staff member from work for the rest of shift without pay with instruction to follow up with me before returning.
Many people are under the misconception of all these laws that "protect them" when in actuality there are very few that actually apply.

My take is that your manager means business.....I would comply.

I guess...I was just looking for some thoughts. I personally just do my job and leave. I need to find somewhere else to work. So many problems on that floor... so I guess I'm looking at this as one MORE problem on top of a lot of others.
I think you have gotten a lot of thoughts....maybe not the ones you wanted to hear......but thoughts just the same.

Altra, BSN, RN

6,255 Posts

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

OP, I'm curious what laws you feel are being broken by an employer delegating responsibility to determine which employees are fit for duty, as it were, to the charge nurse present on the unit?

itsmejuli

2,188 Posts

Specializes in Home Care.

I hope your NM isn't a member on Allnurses

OCNRN63, RN

5,978 Posts

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I have no problem with it. I considered it a warning that from here on out, this behavior will not be tolerated, so straighten up and fly right if you want to keep your job. I think people who do the things described are well aware of their poor work ethic, but figure that as long as others pick up their slack there's no reason to be a grown-up and do your job.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN

1 Article; 2,816 Posts

Regardless of what behavioral problems are present on the unit on the part of the nursing staff. that email was completely unprofessional.

I don't question the need to deal with such issues as outlines in the email, but the language and tone of the email was not consistent with professional communication.

rn999

24 Posts

I don't have a problem with this email sent by a NM. It is my belief that the situation on her floor became to be problematic that it needs to be adressed to everyone concern. Truth hurts but it sets us free. We just need to be honest to ourselves what kind of job we're doing and if we can honestly say to ourselves that we are not those who abuses breaks or inappropriate use of their time shopping, gossiping, etc. then we should not negatively react with this this email, but rather be glad that a NM is addressing it.

It is unfair when you're running your behind on the floor and some other nurses sits around in front of a computer and you clearly see they are looking at a screen other than charting then they will call you because one of your patients IV is beeping within their earshot. These people are the ones who needs this kind of email. But then, just like one of the posts said - do they really recognize themselves?

Just my thoughts.

OCNRN63, RN

5,978 Posts

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
The comments about the surfing the internet, breaks and loud talking were not what I really took aim at. They are the same problems in nurses stations everywhere.

Its more the part that I put in bold. The part where the NM thinks she can give power to the charge nurse (who doesn't take pt's on our floor) to suspend a nurse home for the day. THAT is the bigger picture I was trying to get you guys to comment on. The charge nurse only makes $1 more an hr than regular his/her regular pay. He/She is a "staff nurse" and I seriously doubt (would bet money on) that the charge nurse has no such power legally. Think about a co-worker suspending you without pay from your job. Cannot be legal.

She's delegated the day to day administration of the unit to the charge nurses. So what if the differential is $1/h. That has nothing to do with it.

I seriously doubt this NM wouldn't have squared this with HR before sending out this message.

I sense some sour grapes in this clarification.

OCNRN63, RN

5,978 Posts

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Ouch GummibearsRN. Are you sure you want to post a work e-mail on the internet where everyone can read it?

My thoughts exactly. Managers do read this site, and people have been burned before for doing this.

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