Breaking Company Policy/Conflict of Interest

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Our company has a policy that relatives are not allowed to work in the same unit. We currently have a brother and sister working together and now the brother is precepting his sister. Our manager knew from the start that they were siblings but hired the sister anyway. The brother was on board as a part timer and eventually hired as full time after hiring the sister. The concern of the staff is that this goes against company policy. The manager is aware that this is a concern of the staff members but has chosen to do nothing. We have gone to the manager's boss to no avail. Should we now call Corporate Compliance Hotline or do nothing?:nono: Both brother and sister have attitudes because they know that the manager is on their side. This has disrupted our unit to say the least and we would appreciate some feedback as to our next plan of action.

I can sort of see why there is resentment; if these people are the 'in your face favorites' who make snarly remarks, or speak to people in a degrading or demoralizing way, then, yeah, I can see the anger.

However, if management is not doing anything about this, then, either stay out of the radar, or see if you want to continue working there.

if, and that's a big IF, bro/sis are being truly antagonistic, then yes, something should be done.

i don't know what to believe, since bro/sis could also be acting defensively in the eyes of obvious hostility.

and you're right.

mgmt probably knows, and is opting to try and ignore the protests.

if that is the case, it's time to leave or just let it go.

leslie

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Most definitely. They need to speak for themselves. Should they decide to say nothing, then the case is closed. I am hoping they see the need for teamwork, which is not at the level that it should be. I tell them that it is about ones attitude! Being positive and being there for the patient.

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If they are providing quality care I would let it go. If your boss and her superior have no problem with it then perhaps they did receive approval before proceeding with the hire.

And while other family members have been denied employment it could be for other reasons. Perhaps they interviewed poorly, didn't have good references, weren't a good fit, etc. There are a lot of variables here that come into play.

If you really want to encourage teamwork bring these people into the fold. They are clearly aware that people are angry about the situation. I'm sure that's hard on them as well. Accept the situation if those effected have done so or find other employment if you can't find a way to move on.

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I'd let it go. The bottom line is that unless you have a union contract that stipulates no nepotism, you have no recourse, anyway. What's "fair" is what the company says is fair, and it's not bound by policy that isn't contractual.

What's more, your manager will likely eventually find out the hard way why you don't hire people from the same immediate family in the same unit. It'll happen about the time they both want the same time off, or one decides to stick up for the other in an employee dispute, or one covers up for the other. It's always a lovely can of worms, and usually what it takes for the company to remember why it has a no-nepotism policy.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Unless it is affecting pt care I say let it go. If all the staff feels as you do the attitude of this duo may be due to the hostility. If management has allowed this pair to work together it is their business.

I actually work on the same unit as my older sister and it works just fine.

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
It's against corporate policy and is demoralizing the unit. The manager and her manager has done nothing. Make sure you've documented your attempts to talk to the manager about this, then contact your Corporate Compliance officer.

At the risk of being redudant, I agree completely. Although I'm a new grad RN, I have worked in the "real world" before. I think the bottom line is that a rule is being violated. (And this isn't like "borrowing" a box of tissues from the supply closet.)

Do what you know is right. It sounds like others agree with you, so hopefully the situation will be resolved in an appropriate manner.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ED/trauma.

I'm a bit amazed (even dismayed) to see how many people would just "let it go."

It seems like there's a clear violation of policy here. You're being affected by this - at least in part. Why shouldn't you stand up for yourself - and your co-workers?

Nurses are supposed to be patient advocates... but shouldn't we also be SELF advocates? If you don't take care of yourself and your own well-being first, then what good are you to your patients? And, if this issue is causing so much unrest on the unit, then it needs to be dealth with. If certain people in the position to deal with it are not doing exactly that, then it seems completely reasonable to go up the chain of command.

Again, good luck to you. :yeah:

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I'm a bit amazed (even dismayed) to see how many people would just "let it go."

It seems like there's a clear violation of policy here. You're being affected by this - at least in part. Why shouldn't you stand up for yourself - and your co-workers?

Nurses are supposed to be patient advocates... but shouldn't we also be SELF advocates? If you don't take care of yourself and your own well-being first, then what good are you to your patients? /quote]

I totally agree. This is why nurses need to organize and stand up together for themselves in a bargaining unit -- not leave one employee to confront management.

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It seems like there's a clear violation of policy here. You're being affected by this - at least in part. Why shouldn't you stand up for yourself - and your co-workers?

i'm curious.

have you ever taken a couple of motrin from the cart?

or taken a pen or notepad home with you?

these are also violations, since it is theft.

are you going to turn yourself in or rat on your coworker?

unless there is a consequence that affects pt care;

or, one that constitutes discrimination/negligence/abuse/harrassment, very few are going to make a fuss over the seemingly small stuff.

there is a good chance the other siblings did not get hired because they lacked specific and necessary qualifications.

i'm sorry, but this almost appears as a unit that lacks professionalism and insight-

the types that could/would gossip about pretty much, anything.

as for standing up for coworkers...

are they not capable of standing up for themselves?

if a colleague feels targeted in any way, why would it be anyone else's battle?

that's high school stuff.

yet, the workers who feel strongly about the same issue, should speak up together.

esp in nursing, it is so important to distinguish between what's important vs an all-out cat fight.

a nurse should advocate for themself and pts.

otherwise, let the (adult) other, work it out.

leslie

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If they are taking good care of patients, let it go. Put up with their attitudes.

Then next time someone is turned down because they are a relative, y'all can point to Bro and Sis. Ask for an official policy change.

I don't see a whole lot wrong with relatives being employed.

What are they going to do if two valued employees date and marry? I suppose shacking up would be okay?

Making waves for people who won't speak up for themselves is a risky move for you, and it's no skin off your nose.

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
i'm curious.

have you ever taken a couple of motrin from the cart?

or taken a pen or notepad home with you?

these are also violations, since it is theft.

are you going to turn yourself in or rat on your coworker?

...

esp in nursing, it is so important to distinguish between what's important vs an all-out cat fight.

a nurse should advocate for themself and pts.

otherwise, let the (adult) other, work it out.

leslie

No, actually, I haven't taken those items - or any items from work. In any case... please tell me what that has to do with gingbro's problem? Turning my question about so many who would "let it go" into a personal attack sounds a little catty to me though... :yeah:

Oh, and if you truly believe that nurses should advocate only for themselves and their patients (forget the other people around!), maybe you should question quoting the Dalia Lama, of all people. :bowingpur

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No, actually, I haven't taken those items - or any items from work. In any case... please tell me what that has to do with gingbro's problem?

re gingbro's post, you were stating it was a clear violation of policy by hiring bro/sis.

i am merely pointing out that most of us, are guilty of breaking policy in the workplace.

and most of it would be considered minor infractions.

nothing to get your panties in a wad about.

that's all.

you sound so very young.

best of everything in your journey.

leslie

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