A little distressed, accused of stealing....

[gwlillith]

Just woke up from nite shift, I work PRN at 3 different campus' within the "health system" in ICU. Went to one of my favorite units and get along with everyone, or so I thought. Well, when I called staffing to find out where I'll be sent tonite, I was asked if I took a floral arrangement from the break room this morning. It was more like a small houseplant. I did see it in the breakroom, but now I believe I have been accused of stealing it!

Apparently all of their "staff" was called and no-one has owned up to it!

I have never taken anything from the hospitals I worked for without asking.

There's always the "table" where everyone throws things on and it's up for grabs! Well, apparently they're assuming I took it, since I'm prn.

I know I'm not "staff" so I mind my own business, and don't touch anything that's not mine. I've been trying to avoid just this situation.

Now, I have to go back there tonite, and don't know how to handle this. I'm ready to lose my temper, I'm appalled and insulted by the accusation.

Not sure if I should say anything or not?

Anyone with any good suggestions?

[z's playa]

It seems to me you've blown it way out of proportion. You were only asked if you took it, right?

Relax...you aren't the only one who works there.

Just go in to work and don't blow up at anyone. Just because you're prn doesn't mean you took it. AND I'm pretty sure they know that.

Z

[DianeMyra]

Apparently all of their "staff" was called and no-one has owned up to it!

Sounds like they're asking (not necessarily accusing) everyone. I wouldn't worry. - Diane

[gwlillith]

ZIt seems to me you've blown it way out of proportion

[gwlillith]

ZIt seems to me you've blown it way out of proportion

Haven't blown anything out just yet....!!! :rotfl:

Just woke up and had to deal with that. You'd be surprised what gets blamed on the "prn" nurses!!!

[Mulan]

How ridiculous! I guess someone else must have wanted it!

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Go to work, do your job, casually mention the call, make sure several staff members are present, make sure they hear you say the plant was in the room when you left. I do not think you were accused of stealing, they just were asking everyone, but since this is a sensative spot for you, clear the air.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I would not worry about it. You did nothing wrong. I can see your feelings are hurt; I don't blame you. But I would just blow it off, if it were me.

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

It's a freakin' plant! I can't believe anyone considers it worthwhile to hunt down the offender. Don't they have patients to take care of?

[SmilingBluEyes]

no doubt, apais.

[z's playa]

Maybe it was a 'medicinal' plant? About 6 feet high? :chuckle Worth about 700.00 US?

Z

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Cool your jets! The people in charge were just trying to find out what happened to this plant. Part of their "investigation" is to ask everyone who might have had contact with it if they saw it or took it. I wouldn't have asked the question the way you describe they did. That is kind of accusatory and would make me a little mad too. Address this with the staff right off the bat tonight and clear the air. Tell them you were called about the plant disappearing and that you were shocked about it, but you didn't take it. In my case, I would add that I don't have plants in my house because my cats would make short work of them! After addressing this with the nurses you will be working with tonight forget the subject and continue to do your work like nothing happened.

It is quite possible that somebody was lusting after this plant and took advantage of the presence of a PRN nurse to take it and turn the suspicion to you. This must have been some important plant to cause such a stir!