bullying at work

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Hi,

I started at a new job around six months ago. My life has been a series of being gossiped about, being given misleading information, having my shoes dissappeared, and now finding my sneakers cut. I have spoken to the 'boss' but that has made matters worse. One of the people who actually go out of their way to be mean to me is actually the charge nurse. She is at the middle of the clique.

I know that I have to go to HR. I also know that I might need to hire a lawyer to get my name cleared. However, I need serious advice on the steps I need to take to avoid getting into more trouble. I have no one of my side, and I will be fighting a bloody war. I need the right weapons.

Your advice will be appreciated.

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Time to find a new job! You are at risk for being set up for something bigger, and possibly putting your license in danger. Are you really sure you want to win this battle?

Also look up hostile work place, and do a little research before you decide to go to HR.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

madfowl:

First, allow me to empathize with you. It is a terrible situation when you have been picked to be pecked upon. It's stressful and demeaning. Totally negative and nonproductive.

I assume you plan to fight the good fight. Stand against this type of behavior. When in reality, you probably merely want to do your job. To have to use your energies against a bunch of low self-esteemed bullies is a shame.

Having been in a similar situation, I chose not to fight. It was me against all of them. I considered the better part of valor: I resigned, in a sense saying, "I don't need this sh*t!"

A wise man once said something like, ""If a town won't have you, shake the dust from your sandals and move on."

If you plan to stay and try to make the most of this situation, my advice would be to document everything: names, dates, incidents, etc. That way, when you get terminated, as I believe you will, you'll be able to prove unfair working conditions and be eligible for unemployment benefits.

The best to you.

Dave

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

I totally agree with Davey Do. Now you also have a chain of command. You have the director of the unit and last chief nursing officer. If you have to go to risk management. You have options please use them prior of making a decision to leave your job.

Now I was in this type of situation. I had director and this person was my clinical coordinator prior being promoted. This person was so into micromanagement. I couldnt stand it anymore. I dont need no one on my back at all times. Now if I had a problem or needed guidance that is a different story. I decided to change positions, this was better for me. I dont have to worry to much about the politics on the units. I work different units and I love it so much. I know I made a good decision. I went to the Assistant CNO and expressed my concerns and feelings. I had to make a choice for me not the unit. I feel so much better. I am not stressing about too much anymore. Good luck to you. I hope everything will work out. Please keep us posted.

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Wow, your sneakers cut. That is some resentment towards their part. Start looking for a job in the down low and document everything for your sake. I understant the harrasment. Remember a job is not worth anxiety. I hope God blesses you and gives you strenght. I deal every so often with bullying, at the end of the day I think they are immature, middle-schoolers trapped in a grown body. I count the days until I reach my goals. I keep saying to myself as well that is the way they are and they are unlikely to change, so I will eventually get out. I know higher ups are there to help but when you "rock the boat" things could get ugly. I have had several of my items missing every so often. I now bring nothing fancy to work and act as if they are not there. It's hard but I rather have good friends outside work rather than being around fake co-workers. Finish this year if you can tolerate it and leave ASAP. Good luck.

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...and I thought hospitals are the safest place to be.I just don't understand and will never understand why people love to gossip, threaten people, judge, complain about everything little thing. Okay, there are people that we dislike it is almost impossible to like everybody but you don't have to make them suffer, offend them, to set them up for something...you can simply ignore them.At least that's what I do. It's like some people didn't learn how to behave. If it's so hard to behave at least try to ACT like a nurse when you are working in the hospital.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

How are people getting to your belongings? What did you do when you found your sneakers? I would have called security, at the very least. And gone directly to the head honcho, whoever that is.

Look for a new job, pronto, and file for a hostile workplace with HR NOW.

Best wishes.

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wow am I glad I'm not you. Get out and get another job! Having to deal with that says a lot about your coworkers. I am a big believer in getting HR involved, and claiming that you work in a hostile work environment, but be forewarned that it may turn into he said, she said. As stated in a previous post DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT! You may want to think about having something lined up in regard to another job prior to doing this.

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Were these personal sneakers / shoes?

That's downright nasty.

I agree with the others, if there's another place you can go, PLEASE get out. Also, please document EVERYTHING said and done. Pictures are worth a thousand words, as well. If they cut your shoes, I'd definitely invest in a lock for my locker (if you have one). If not, I'd change my shoes at my car. It's not the most convenient especially when it's cold, but it's something that has to be done so they don't waste tons of your hard earned money.

After you have sufficient "evidence", you can consult legal advice and see what to do about it.

Finally, sometimes it takes you having to confront the offending people before things stop or at least slow down. Saying something along the lines of, "Have I done something wrong to offend? I feel like we aren't seeing eye to eye, what can I do to resolve this?" Please don't make "you" statements as this will almost always offend in a confrontational environment.

Finally, good luck.

PS- I wouldn't file for a hostile work environment until AFTER you find a new job. While they won't fire you outright right away, they WILL scrutinize everything you do from there on out and find a way to do this.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have seen situations where people's personal belongings such as sneakers, cell phones, etc...have been vandalized by catty collagues. I would also document dates, times, people involved and also search for another position. Only you would know, but, how are the powers that be? Are they approachable or do you suspect they are part of the problem? Are there any other positions open in this facility?

And, I would also review myself. What I mean is that there are some people who are not assertive, meek, shy, introverted and unfortunately are targets of bullying. Sometimes, a surprize comes when that same person advocates for themselves like a lion. You may have to do this, at least in the meantime. I am not saying to curse or support violent behavior, I am saying to stand firm in stating this behavior is unacceptable.

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I would just look for a new job.

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What do you think is the reason for why they are targeting you?

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