Corrective Action or Bullying???

Nurses Professionalism

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I have been in this dept for less than a year. Almost from the beginning, I have felt that I was not a good fit for the department. I love the nursing, but I am not a good fit. company policy requires specific 'time served' in a position before you can transfer (unless the management allows it). My unit management does not allow it.

As I have not been a nurse for long, I am always very upfront when I have questions regarding procedures or medications that I am unfamiliar with. From the beginning, when I asked questions I was frequently blown off or belittled. Overtime, I have had fewer questions, but still get rude responses when I do ask. This is the environment that I work in. This is not just one person being mean, but several managers.

About two months ago, I was called into the managers office about a blood transfusion I had administered. Long story short, 2 IVs, one for blood only, the other for ordered maintenance fluid and med drip. Pt was dehydrated, monitored regularly for fluid overload, good outcome. Management was upset that I ran the secondary line. I looked for company policy indicating that this was not acceptable, none found. I checked several other sources, including the unit educator, no indication that I had screwed up, except for in managements eyes. During this discussion, I was talked to about my time management skills.

Fast forward two months, been working on time management. I was running late one day and gave report later than I should have, I understand that this is inconvenient for the oncoming nurses. It had not happened before and I apologized.

Next thing I know I am being written up for time management, as well as patient safety and satisfaction issues! Other than the late report, I did make an error. It was not a medication error, the patient was completely alert and oriented and unharmed. However, it was a mistake and I admit that.

Included in the write up is a complaint about an issue that I was in no way involved in. I explained that to the manager, at the time I was unable to prove what I was saying because I did not have access to the pt file. Later I was able to prove to another manager that I was not involved.

The issues have been ongoing, from raised voices in front of other employees, to kicking the back of my chair when I attempted to respond to question in a meeting.

I don't want to leave the company. I do want to leave the department, and now a possible transfer is even further away than before.

Suggestions? Comments? Criticisms? I'll take anything at this point.

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Sounds like an issue that will probably follow you, even if you transferred. Don't take that abuse. Go find somewhere else!

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I have been in this dept for less than a year. Almost from the beginning, I have felt that I was not a good fit for the department. I love the nursing, but I am not a good fit. company policy requires specific 'time served' in a position before you can transfer (unless the management allows it). My unit management does not allow it.

I don't see how it could hurt to ask for a transfer regardless of time in the position. I would work up the ladder- start with unit manager and go to HR. Continue to work on time management as well as looking up medications, policies and procedures that you are not familiar with. Be confident, but of course ask questions. Document everything! I would go so far as to keep a personal journal to include a summary of my day, what I worked to improve myself and any questions I asked as well as any feedback I was given.

If you are lucky enough to receive a transfer, continue to document. Hopefully a new unit would be all you need. It may not "fix" the problem however.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Make an appointment with the appropriate HR person to discuss your grievances. There should be a policy on how to do this.Rely on facts and maintain a very professional approach. Don't confide in any of your co-workers or expect them to be your backup. Be sure to have all the facts (dates, time, factual description of each occurrence). They can provide you with guidance about your options. Don't rely on emotional judgments (they're mean, I'm being persecuted, etc.) because this quickly dwindles as it is perceived as a whining session.

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Thank you for the feedback! HouTx, you are correct, I need to stay away from the emotional judgements.

Thank you all!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

OP, this happened to a friend of mine. She had a similar issue - finally did get to transfer, and the issues did follow her. Ended up leaving to get away from it and start somewhere else.

Anne, RNC

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Eh. I'd go ahead and send a few resumes out there. See what your net brings in. I think that interviewing can be a morale booster in that you are being proactive in trying to remedy your situation - not talking internal transfer tho. I look at it this way, you have been feeling a weight for some time now, if more time goes by and you say to yourself, you know what? I wish I had sent out some resumes months ago!!!! ugh... then if you get some bites you will feel less trapped where you are. I also think a little targeted push-back is in order.

Remember, the type of people who do what you describe are usually very weak - you can smell the fear in them. This is not reason to pity them. It's a tool for you.

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Most companies now have policies which prohibit workplace violence ie: creating a hostile work environment and intimidating and bullying. If you received an employee handbook, you would find these policies located in it. There are also no retaliation clauses. I wouldn't put up with this stuff for a minute! Get all your facts together, including dates, times, and names. Make a copy of what the employee handbook says with regard to these types of situations. Make an appointment to see the head of HR. Use all the right language: "hostile work environment" "environment is affecting my emotional health" "disrespectful, discourteous, and unprofessional way I am spoken to" etc. You get my drift. Where I live, the HR people HAVE to investigate, and without fear of reprisal for the employee. Then put in for a transfer. Check it out-you have more options than you think.

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I just got an invite to a webinar about this today. (Workplace Bullying vs. Workplace Conflict What We Know and What We Can Do) It seems so prevalent now. Not to hijack, but is this something I need to be prepared for? I think I'll take that webinar!

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I just got an invite to a webinar about this today. (Workplace Bullying vs. Workplace Conflict What We Know and What We Can Do) It seems so prevalent now. Not to hijack, but is this something I need to be prepared for? I think I'll take that webinar!

Where? Why? Pease! How do I sign up?

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Sounds like an issue that will probably follow you, even if you transferred. Don't take that abuse. Go find somewhere else!

It is not fair, but there are other jobs out there. Take your education, experience and caring elsewhere, leave all that ugly stress behind. BTW, I HATE the term 'corrective action" it sounds like and really is, a threat.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Ah yes...the "kicking the chair intimidation bit"; there's also my favorite "aggressively walking past someone while intentionally knocking shoulders". Takes a real coward to do this stuff. I don't think it happens in all the units of your workplace but I could be wrong. They are continuing to do it because you are allowing it. Write them up next time and do file a grievance! Don't live like that; you need to stand up for yourself.

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