Nurse Mobbing/bullying

Nurseynurseyme · Nov 13, 2007

Thank you for posting a comment that helps me in my recovery from a bully boss.

I just read this whole thread, I know I am late to the game and all but thanks everyone for these stories! I had never before heard of mobbing.

I changed careers and graduated my RN last year and I have experienced these things. I am known to have a backbone and to be a straight shooter, but because I was so inexperienced I really didn't realize what was going on. I was mobbed and let go but I was given no legitimate nuts and bolts reason.

I decided I was better off, and I am; I found a place with a kind and experienced, understanding DON and a true leader that practices encouragement (what a concept) and they are happy with me there.

The idea to ask "What can we do to help this new nurse?" when overhearing people gripe about someone is a great idea. The poster that said to call the police for assault when a chart is thrown is also an excellent idea.

I have come to realize I had a hostile work environment and I probably should have pursued that avenue; but since several other classmates have gone thru similar situations, I think that this facility will not "hear" it. :banghead:

So, at this stage of my life, I think it's best to just move on and find a better place when this happens! Less getting myself all ground up!

Thanks, everyone, for the support, even if you didn't realize you would be helping a newer nurse all this time later!

:):heartbeat

I walk my BSN soon. After that, I don't know what I want to do! :mortarboard:

Simplepleasures · Nov 13, 2007

Mobbing happens from fellow nurses(SAD) and from management(par for the course).If the mobbing is in retaliation for reporting illegal/ unethical practices in your facility, you may be protected by a retaliation protection law in your state. I speak from first hand experience here, I say nurses need to educate themselves , in some basic employment laws( federal and state)and how they may or may not be protected from illegal activities in the workplace. Call an employment lawyer who represents the employee , ask if they will give you a free consultation, tell your story, you may be surprised to learn there ARE laws out there that DO protect you.

Nurseynurseyme · Nov 13, 2007

That is sage advice.

I was pretty caught up in my own private stuff at the time, burying my parents, going back to school after way too long, moved many miles to get there, etc. For a while I was buying into it thinking it was me.

It's been too long now for any type of legal action. The statute of limitations has lapsed. But still it would be a good idea to know the law in my state!

Thanks again~

chadash · Nov 13, 2007

It has been a long time since I have posted, so I hope you don't mind me posting in the nurse section.

I so so feel compassion for those who have experienced the very real problem of bullying and mobbing in the workplace. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution.

I urge you to leave, and pray!

I am blessed at this time to be working for management that has no tolerance for this.

Yes, there are work places out there where, despite the stresses, where people allow you to be imperfect and human. It is very healing! I have had such great kindnesses and helpful advice, I have lost the urge to duck and cover.

I understand that those who have not experienced this would doubt these stories. Frankly, I would have wondered myself. Past experience just did not prepare me for the school yard mentality in some work places.

Find a sane, safe work place. You will have the unique experience of thanking God and kissing the ground you walk on, just because no one is beating you up!

There are some helpful web sites on bullying out there that help you identify why you may be the target of this activity. Understanding yourself, and understanding that some function in a way that you may never fully understand, takes some of the power out of this.

Also, every work place conflict is not this, and sometimes, some people just don't like you. That is hard for those of us that like every one, but we have to understand. But, you don't have to stop being you. Don't stop liking people, just be wise, be careful.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Nov 14, 2007

http://bullyinginstitute.org/

HarryPotter · Nov 17, 2007

Right on, Destiny Star!!!

currentlytx · Nov 24, 2007

:angryfire The director of nurses threw a chart at me when I started a new job as an LPN. When I asked her why she did it she said "You didn't tell me you were going to call the doctor" I was "new" and didn't know she wanted to be notified before I called a doctor. I was furious! :angryfire :angryfire I told her " B****. I don't care if you are the director of nurses. Let's go out to the parking lot and finish this" She refused to go outside with me. I finished my shift and told the administrator that I quit and would not be returning and why. She begged me to stay. About 6 months later the administrator called me and said "That crazy woman is gone now. Can you come back now? I said no thanks I have another job now.

I had been at a job for 3 months. My manager was out of town and there was a bit of staffing crisis which happened often. It happened often due to the fact their method of staff the unit was mass disorganization and unfair. I went to the office of my manager which she shared with another manager of a sister unit. I knocked on the door, apologized for interupting after I saw she had a hospital employee in there. I had never met her so I introduced myself and asked for my manager. She mentioned she was oot and she was on call per say. So I said I work in the such and such and there is a bit of staffing issue that was going on. She got up and went to the unit with me. It was taken care of and I thought all was well. She told my manager when she returned that I was threatening, rude and impolite when I came to the office and that she was afraid of me when I came in. She also said she thought I did not like my job because I did not smile. Mind you, I did not know here nor had ever worked with her! I was so taken back by her accusation I could have fallen over! I could not believe it!! Well From that point on it was a horrible relationship with my manager and I literally had to quit because my manager treated me so badly. It destroyed my job really. Bottom line for some reason and this is life, she just took a dislike to me. I could not do anything to repair the relationship. She treated me like I had the plague. It was terrible!!

grinsngripe · Dec 2, 2007

i think this is the real reason there is such a shortage of nurses. i mean theres waiting lists to get into schools all over, so i cant see a lack of supply. i see lack of desire. i got a cna position at a local hospital where i always wanted to work, i had great respect for them. i was beginning my final year at Rn school come the fall, and i had been out for 7 years ( talk about nerve wreaking)

I WAS happy to be there, but the CNA "training" me gave me her assignment, and went on with the head nurse to go learn skills doing ivs and such. i didnt complain, but when i didnt do her job just as she would done it, i got reprimanded and fired tbereafter. the head nurse kept making it verbally loud and clear that the other CNA who was supoosed to be training me ( who was in school for her LPN) was her favorite, but that should not have cost me. i called the DON after i did make a error, in hopes of keeping a job, and she told me to come in and work my next 12 hour shift and then see her in the morning. That shift went very well, i was getting things done right, and i felt positive, finally. was grateful i was going to have a oppotunity to discuss my "training" and at least be heard. the DON fired me on the spot, at theend of that 12 hour shiftwith no problems. told me to "remediate" my nursing skills. though i was working and hired only as a CNA , and i dont how many times i thought i had been clear that i had a 7 year absence from school, and was just beginning over again. it took all desire away from me.