Big Problems at New Job

[amanurse75]

I already posted this but have only received 1 reply. Maybe it was on the wrong forum. Anyway.

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!!!

[hollyberry678]

Did they/she state the reason for the extended orientation?

Also, it's hard to be the new kid on the block. Usually I take a backseat until I can become a part of the group, so sorry you are getting picked on so soon, it makes it harder, for sure!

Can you write an email requesting reasons for the extended orientation, try to keep it professional; and then respond in writing to the reasons?

[KR]

Big hugs. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. The first thing I would be doing is looking for a new job. That job sounds very toxic and nobody needs that. I will comment though, with her thinking you need more orientation, I don't see that as a bad thing really. I have been a RN 8 years, worked in about 6 different hospitals, mostly in Critical Care. Personally, I feel that the more orientation a person can get, especially when they are new to a certain specialty, the better. That is just my two cents.

Congrats on the little one on the way:) Please don't let work ruin it for you or put your unborn baby in jeopardy.

[peoplenurse rn]

I am so sorry. How awful this must be for you. Is human resources willing to do anything to help? If not, I would find another job, don't risk your little one! :bby: From all of the posts I read, this kind of thing seems to be happening more and more. Please remember, there are still a lot of kind, decent nurses out there! You sound like one yourself. Hugs and the best to you!

[neurorn6]

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this kind of environment. Unfortuately there seems to be more and more of it. First off, any kind of comment regarding your personal life is off limits and HR should have to responsed to it, along with your manager. It is inappropriate behavior. It is non of her business and has no place in the work place.

As far a orientation, don't worry about it. The ED, especially if it is a large, urban area can require extend training. I would suggest that your preceptor review the why's and howcome's of extending your orientation. If she doesn't tell you, how to you know what areas you need to focus on.

If you can't resolve this, then I would consider a different position. Kids and family put enough stress on you. You don't need the added stress with this position. Best wishes on the new baby.