Bullying and Nursing -Stories Wanted

[RNtobeinSoCal]

Hi Everyone,

I am doing a paper on bullying and nursing and would like to hear your story. This is a to[ic we cannot ignore, as there is significant data showing how it negatively affects patient care and outcomes.

Thanks!

[HollyWould]

Hello, I am unsure of whether I am indeed being bullied or not, or whether you will consider this to be a direct bullying story. I am well aware that I am disliked in the current facility I work in. I was a new grad when I began working here, and now it has been one year almost to the day. I had previous CNA experience (four years) in critical care, and now am working in a group home for developmentally disabled children. I'm 25 years old, and there are a lot of dinosaurs in the small nursing department in this facility. Prior to working here, I was very well liked at each job I'd previously held. Over the past year, there have been too many instances to count where I felt I was being "bullied".

The one that stands out the most to me was back in February. I had gotten written up for allegations that were both untrue and un-investigated. I work alone 2pm-10pm every night in the nursing office of this facility. Therefore, the staff in the residence (CNA-type workers) could make any accusations they'd like. It's my word against theirs. I had made several informal sexual harassment claims against the male workers (a different story altogether). In retaliation, there was a formal complaint sent to my supervisor claiming that I took excessive breaks and left early often. It even specified dates and times. I do not relieve anyone when I leave or return from a break, so I don't always look at the clock when I take my break to be perfectly honest. So it is entirely possible I went over 10 whole minutes here and there. The leaving early accusation is completely false. Also, I only take a break about one day out of a five day work week, usually if I forget food. Also, my co-workers leave 2-3 hours early several days of the week-particularly Fridays. Anyway, I learned my lesson and stopped taking breaks altogether (even though it's docked from my pay every single day) and stay 5 minutes late just in case anyones' clocks are off. It's a shame that my complaints were met with "Stop being so friendly" and ended up getting my written up. This is merely ONE example out of over 20 different occasions in which I was treated unfairly.

[amoLucia]

I detect some antagonism on your part in your referencing senior nsg dept staff as 'dinosaurs'. You may have laid the groundwork for your unhappy work environment. You're the 'new kind on the block' and for whatever reason, you angered someone about something.

It's going to be difficult to get over that animosity.

My post is directed to the first respondent here, not OP.

[130tobe]

Try using the search feature...I'm sure you will find lots of examples for your paper...there are lots of forums and posts on this topic on the AN site- best of luck.

[rrlpn]

you know there is something called slander and defamation in the workplace and it shouldnt be tolerated. did you consult with human resources or your manager?

[Whoatemyburger]

Don't forget to add that Young nurses also bully the older nurses. I am a new nurse( 1 yr) and I have seen AND witnessed it.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

OP, I would suggest looking into nursing articles for a more rounded paper; The American Nurse has an article specifically on inappropriate professional behaviors.

Best wishes.