how to deal with an evil boss...

[jlynn167]

My nursing manager is honestly the devil is disguise, she is evil. She tries to stir up drama between employes by exaggerating comments and also down right lies about things. It's not just me that feels this way, it's about 98% of us and then of course you have the few that she favors.

She has left me alone for the most part, I try to stay away from her and it's worked until recently. She approached me regarding some paperwork that wasn't my responsibility , but since she has to take the blame off her self she manipulates situations to make things seem as if she is correct in her thought processes. After defending myself she went on say, "alot of people are telling me you are over here doing homework on work hours. Dr. john doe even said you were doing your homework". After much confusion I approached Dr. john doe (whom I work very closely with and have a good relationship with) and asked him why he would say such a thing. He denied it and asked who told me, he then told me to stay in his office and grabbed evil manager to confront her about the accusation. She denied she said it, but after I stood my ground and said that others were around and could verify she said it she admitted and tried to change it around to "what I meant to say was"...

Dr. John Doe is not a fan of her, and even has expressed his feelings to me about her. Ever since this incident she has gone out of her way to make my life miserable...I get the worse schedule, she denies my time off requests even though I put them in at least a month is advance (which is what is required) and she is down right rude. I am at the point that I absolutely hate going to work. I dont want to leave because of her because I have worked there for years, but I feel it's unhealthy for me...I'm miserable at the mere sight of this woman. Several other nurses have left because of her and she has been quoted to say, "that person is next to go" and then makes their life hell until they have no choice but to leave. I dont understand how she can still be employed as our manager , yet she is...I dont know what to do anymore. I would hate to leave just for the mere fact that she is trying to push me out the door. What would you do?

Also, there is no talking to this woman..... she is impossible.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If your profile didn't say you were from Florida, I'd think you worked on my old floor.

[jlynn167]

You mean there is more than one out there? Scary!

[exp626]

Wow, she sounds awful. You took her on when you confronted her...don't think I'm not saying you shouldn't have, I think it was pretty awesome! If you let her chase you away it just rewards and perpetuates her behavior, so good for you for being willing to take this on. Most facilities have a grievance policy through their HR departments, I'd start there. My facility has a written policy that walks you through the process. Thank goodness I haven't had to use it, so I'm not sure what the steps are. You could also talk to her manager, but I'd first look for a policy. Best of luck!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I'm assuming this in not a union facility.

However, nurses should be grieving this manager's behavior to HR or higher management.

The pattern will be noted. I have seen this type of manager , eventually, walked out the door.

It will happen.. however, how long do you want to hang around until it does?

One door closes... another opens.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

"Hostile work environment" needs to be disclosed to HR after you have secured your transfer to different unit or change jobs.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

havent you recently graduated nursing school, and getting ready for nclex RN? i think i would be looking elsewhere. best of luck to you

[jlynn167]

what is this grievance ? I've never heard of it.

[abbnurse]

If your profile didn't say you were from Florida, I'd think you worked on my old floor.

That is exactly what I thought!

The Director of Nursing I worked with who was so similar to your nurse manager did eventually get fired, literally escorted out of the building. But not before she fired many good nurses, and constantly created drama out of nothing between shifts/floors/departments, etc.

Several long-term staff (including me) had "closed door" discussions with HR and the facility administrator to express their concerns about this DON, however, it took months to achieve any results. What finally drove the administration to fire her was a verbal altercation with facility's medical director (in front of staff, patients, visitors....that was her style) who basically said "She goes, or I go ".

I completely empathize with what you are going through. Wish I had some concrete advice or words of wisdom for you, and I hope things are resolved in your favor. Good luck!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I hope as nurses quit, they told HR exactly why they left. The facility will get tired of spending money to hire and orient new nurses. They need to know why the turnover is high.

[abbnurse]

Yes, applewhirern, I agree. That may be helpful if departing nurses (whether they quit or are terminated) voice their concerns/complaints. It is distressing how much damage a person like your manager can cause in a short period of time, jlynn167. Again, good luck to you.

Sorry, meant to say applewhitern, but can't seem to edit the post correctly....it's early....

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I hope as nurses quit, they told HR exactly why they left. The facility will get tired of spending money to hire and orient new nurses. They need to know why the turnover is high.

Around the time I was leaving my hospital job a couple years ago, MANY nurses were leaving and for several of them, the reason was our manager. They all outright told HR that the manager was the reason they were leaving and a few months later they made an announcement that she would be removed from the manager position and take on a new role. Unfortunately this ended up being a change on paper only and I believe nothing really changed. This was in a non-union hospital.