Update on "demotion"

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So a few weeks ago, after getting the best job evaluation I have ever had in my life, I was told my direct supervisor that she was taking me off of charge nruse duty because some of my "coworkers" made generic complaints that I was "intimidating" and descibed me as Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. No specifics were given (of course) and no names were given (certainly!). When asked "why arent you charging" by my coworkers, I decided to be honest. I said that I was removed from the position temporarily because there had been some complaints. This was met with wide eyed innocence and "shock"...and the inevitiable "Oh my gosh, how could they complain about you?? Do you know who did it?" I replied, "No, I dont. I wish I did, though, so I could apoligize and make things right."

The whole issue has somewhat died down. The other night, the backup charge called in sick....and guess who got "administrative approval" to charge? Me. We had a good night and I promptly clocked out at the end of my shift and went home and forgot about it.

The next night, I get an email from my supervisor asking me to precept a new graduate nurse. I replied that I would if she really wanted me to, but I thought that at this point in time, it would be better if someone else did (I specifically suggested my coworker who has been acting as back up charge for the last few weeks.) She replied, and I quote, that she thought "that would be a good idea, as I am anxious to get you back in the charge nurse role at the end of the schedule."

*PULLING MY HAIR OUT*

What the heck???? I so do NOT know what to make of this!!! The difference between WHAT I said, compared to what I WANTED to say are so different!!!! For starters, your back up charge called in sick and you need me???? Too bad! You should have thought about that before you slapped my hands and demoted me!! You want me to precept? Uh....what PLANET are you on? Im intimidating and tempermental REMEMBER? How can I precept when I am sooooo evil!

Someone, anyone....explain to me what is going through her head. I feel like I am embroiled in a great big mind game, and I cant stand it.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

You ask valid (if not politically correct) questions. Put your manager on the spot and insist that she answer them (professionally, of course.)

Request (in writing) a meeting to discuss your future roles on the unit. Prepare your questions in advance and reheorifice asking them so that they come calm and reasonable.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in med surg,.

I have been a victim to this same kind of behavior from NM. I was too negative about my job to charge then when they need me I can suddenly be charge. I was allowed to relief charge on all floors and then I supposedly couldn't handle being nurse on this certain floor. Even though I had worked there as a floor nurse too many times to count. I finally left this place because I was afraid of what fake BS they would come up with next. I am happily looking for a job.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

OMG, I could have written this post. I have gone through something similar..was told flat out by my boss that there was no issue with my nursing skills or the way I handled the schedule, it was all personality conflict stuff. Keep in mind that I'm probably one of the most laid back people you'll ever meet-I don't throw my weight around. But, **** off someone in the "cool kids" clique, and you're in for it.

You're right, this is a mind game. Are you union? We are at my facility, so I've started speaking up to the relevant people. I also document EVERYTHING now. Dates, times, names so they can't try to attack my nursing skills at some point. It helps that I've gotten support and encouragement from the non-psychotic co-workers I have, LOL. And they do exist..it's just the jerks really ruin things for everyone.

Chin up! :yeah:

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I went through something similar in another line of work. I was to be demoted, pay-wise (in reality), but would retain the same job title (with "acting"), and all the same duties and responsibilities. Same work, less pay. I fought the situation and won a partial victory. I was relieved to get a transfer away from that workplace, those people, and that situation. I see that you are being misused or that someone is having second thoughts and trying to backtrack. If it were me, I would never trust my place in this workplace and I would be working on finding another job. Your dissatisfaction will grow as time goes on. Good luck with any decision you make regarding moving on.

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My unit just rotates charges. Every one gets to share the shat and extra pay. There are a few RNs who have said they don't ever want the responsibility and for the most part their wishes are respected. Having said that the best charge I've ever worked under is one of the ones who don't want the job.

We are all expected to preceptor/buddy students. But most of us are finding it a drain to do so.

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I would have refused to do it, "sorry, I can't be in charge" and I would refuse to ever do it again.

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Your manager is playing immature games with you, right along with the person/persons responsible for alledging that you were somehow being intimidating. No job is worth this kind stress. I would advise you to seek other employment and remove yourself from the situation. If your manager asks you why you are resigning, you need not give an explanation. Hand him/her your two-week notice and be done with it. Leave with your dignity intact.

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Your manager is playing immature games with you, right along with the person/persons responsible for alledging that you were somehow being intimidating. No job is worth this kind stress. I would advise you to seek other employment and remove yourself from the situation. If your manager asks you why you are resigning, you need not give an explanation. Hand him/her your two-week notice and be done with it. Leave with your dignity intact.

This isn't a bad course of action if you can find a new position. And believe me, without a word said or written, the DON will know exactly why you are leaving. Good luck with resolution of this.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I agree with Caliotter. Don't leave. Actually, they have basically already admitted they were wrong to demote you by using you as charge again. Keep doing a great job and enjoy knowing you were right!!

(if you need an answer to what was wrong, choose your words wisely. Go in with an attitude of learning how to improve.) I have persevered in a situation where I was passed over for the charge position to another nurse who is great, but not as dedicated and had less seniority as I had. I was really hurt, but I am still working and it's still a good job. And I think I have their respect by not running off with my tail between my legs.

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I got nuthin'.

Hang in there!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

You have an incompetent manager who acts rashly and without fact. He made a decision solely based on what others said and now he's attempting to back-track.

"Calling him out" will only exacerbate the situation and annoy him. Telling him "too bad" and not charging because he demoted you will also not help your cause one bit. It would be self-righteous and accomplish nothing and would be perceived that you're not a team player and you're willing to punish him for his mistake. I would never recommend doing that to someone with the power to terminate you unless you're already looking for a new job.

The good news is he now realizes you're the best he has. It was a dumb move by someone who shouldn't be where he is. I'd honestly chalk it up to stupidity and let it go. :)

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