Big Problems at New Job

[amanurse75]

I began a new job in an ED over 3 months ago. I have been a nurse 3.5 years but had about 6 months leave during that time and also did 6 months of telephone nursing. Now I am on orientation.

There is a particular nurse in my dept. (nurse educator) who is in charge of my schedule and when I come off orientation. This nurse has been very mean to me and has told outright lies to my manager in front of me. I have tried to defend myself, but my manager seems blind to her evil ways.

I think I am progressing nicely and should be off of orientation in 3 weeks, the educator has put me on another month and half at least of orientation.

I am 5 months pregnant (didn't know when I was hired). I am starting to have what my MD calls panic attacks at work. Rapid heart beat, flushing, abdominal cramping, and SOB. I want to transfer out of this dept.

I have talked with employee relations and have also told her of sexual comments this nurse educator has made to make me feel uncomfortable.

One of the comments she made months ago was about me not being able to get pregnant on my honeymoon (I was married June 28th) as I was already "knocked up". She was spoken to but insisted that someone else must have made the comments. This woman is holding a grudge against me. I do not feel I can work in the ED anymore. I don't know what steps to take or how to go about this. I don't want to loose my job, but it has come to a point where I bring my work home and basically am so stressed out I cannot deal with my 3 children in a productive way.

I am crying right now as I write this. I just want people to see what this lady at work is really like and how I am being treated. I need help fast and don't know where else to turn. Please help!!!

[outcomesfirst, BSN, RN]

You must leave this position. You are in a no win situation. You have talked to the manager and HR - if they were going to help, they would have. Now you are a target, and let me stress this, by everyone. I'm sorry, this is how it is. Be happy, do not struggle. It is up to you.

[amanurse75]

First, thank you for replying. I thought I would get a couple more pieces of advice, but you sound like you know what you are talking about. The problem is I cannot afford to be out of work. Should I go to nurse recruitment to try and transfer? I have talked with my OB about this and since he told me to change my diet because these panic attacks are from shifts in my BG!!! I just called my PCP and am waiting to talk to him.

I don't want to be black listed, but I think that is what is happening. I work at a very small hospital where everyone knows everyone else. I don't mean to sound paranoid but I'm afraid to broach the subject of transfer to my manager. Should I just explain everything to her ( I haven't told her about the panic attacks) and see what comes of that?

I was scheduled to meet with her 2 days ago but she never came and got me for my 430 appt.

[outcomesfirst, BSN, RN]

I hate to be negative, but this is the reality. Your physical problems are probably an issue already...I would not discuss them with anyone...You need to examine your physical issues, but that is another discussion - no employer is going to want to work through them with you....unless you have been there 20 years and are a star. Yes there are laws, etc. but that is not the way employment works. For whatever the reason, you are not viable in this institution. HR is not going to help and neither is recruiting...Someone (s) want you to leave. If they were going to help, you would not be in this position. Find a new job, outside of this facility - now, before you are teminated. It is much easier to get a job, when you have a job. Your reason to your new employer is - it is not a good fit for you - end of discussion. Good luck, please move forward and put this behind you.