I've recently taken a new job and for the first time ever I've run into the dreaded workplace bully. I was very lucky as a new grad: for two years I worked on a floor with very supportive and knowledgeable nurses. They were ALWAYS open to questions and offered patience and guidance when needed. They were amazing mentors and I never felt threatened by any of them.
The other night I went into work and, unfortunately, this bully was assigned to be my preceptor for the night. She was HORRIBLE- she yelled at me for making a bed "wrong" and threw the sheets onto the floor, criticized my EVERY move, and rolled her eyes when I asked questions. She even double checked me when I took blood pressures! I left work feeling completely belittled, ready to cry, and inches from quitting nursing (well, at least quitting this job...). After sitting on it for a few hours, I realized that she was the one in the wrong, not I (how can you make a bed wrong?!? Better yet, why would you yell at someone in front of her co-workers and patients for it?).
Here are my questions for you:
1) How should I have dealt with the situation? It was a night shift, and she was the charge nurse for the night. I don't think that she would have responded well had I said anything back to her. However, I realize that accepting bullying/humiliation isn't right either. One of my new co-workers, my regular preceptor, told me that this has been an ongoing issue and that I should report it to the manager right away. However, I also don't want to be a "tattle tale" in a new workplace, either.
2) How should I deal with her in the future? I will not be preceptored by her anymore. However, I do have to work with her in a (hopefully) positive environment. I noticed today that my other co-workers just try to avoid her/stay out of her line of fire/do everything "her way." I don't know if it's fair, however, for me to have to tippy toe around her- there is, after all, more than one way to make a bed .
Any advice/stories will be appreciated. Thank you!
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