Buying from co-workers (never again)

Nurses Relations

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So, in the heat of excitement over the Seahawks divisional title (Go Hawks), I ordered a Seahawks jersey through a tech at work. Two months later, after repeated inquiries, and polite "Where's my shirt?" mentions, it finally came down to "I want my shirt now!".

Got tired of the excuses ( It was Chinese New Year, my daughter is sick, it's en-route, I'm in Las Vegas, I'm only a middle man, I DON'T LIKE TO BE THE MIDDLE MAN!"

OK, new policy... NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM CO-WORKERS!

Did I mention, I'm now the 'bad guy'?

It gets tough when everyone comes selling their kids school fundraisers. The one that absolutely ended it all for me was the one who upped the price to get more donations for the cause. The items were a $1 bar and she was doubling it. I found it fraudulent. Never again.

In a different job it was discovered that a coworker was marking up the price of school fundraiser candy bars by a buck and pocketing the difference. That takes a big nerve.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.
In a different job it was discovered that a coworker was marking up the price of school fundraiser candy bars by a buck and pocketing the difference. That takes a big nerve.

Yeah, that is more disgusting diverting funds.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
It gets tough when everyone comes selling their kids school fundraisers. The one that absolutely ended it all for me was the one who upped the price to get more donations for the cause. The items were a $1 bar and she was doubling it. I found it fraudulent. Never again.

It seems that at any one time we have at least three or four people selling Girl Scout cookies, selling something for their kids' school fundraisers or selling cosmetics. Each and every one of them expects you to contribute to their cause. I can't afford to buy from everyone; I'm no longer buying from anyone!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I actually had people asking me for Girl Scout cookies for years after the kids were done. I left a letter from my daughters offering cookies and the order form in the lounge or the desk. No pressure and for heaven's sake, if you didn't want any don't order. People who expect and get mad about your not supporting their kids are just plain rude.

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Don't buy unless he/she is really someone you can trust on. :)

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I buy from the fundraisers when they are selling something I want like Girl Scout Cookies.. I am sorry, but I do pick and choose who I buy from. I try to buy from those I know who really need the extra help. Plus if the parent is a snot I'm not buying from them.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

We actually aren't allowed to ask coworkers to buy for our kids fundraisers at work, or any personal fundraiser type thing. If you do it on your own time I am sure they don't care, but if you do it public ally at work then you get reprimanded.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If someone/someone's kid is fundraising I may donate a couple of dollars, but otherwise I don't conduct any transactions involving the receipt of goods and services, just to avoid having what happened to the OP happen to me.

Besides, there's plenty of Girl Scouts in the neighborhood that can hook me up.

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Specializes in Oncology.
I actually had people asking me for Girl Scout cookies for years after the kids were done. I left a letter from my daughters offering cookies and the order form in the lounge or the desk. No pressure and for heaven's sake, if you didn't want any don't order. People who expect and get mad about your not supporting their kids are just plain rude.

Yeah, my coworker posted the order form the the break room without comment. She sold over 500 boxes. Then had to deliver all those. I don't envy that task.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Well that comment flies in the face of the "it's said so often it MUST be true" phrase of "nurses eat their young"!!! Just kidding =)

I love the pic and it symbolizes to me the big and strong protecting the smaller and weaker, like we nurses do. We protect the vulnerable, even if they are orange and puny.
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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Hell, I don't even contribute to fundraisers for my *own* kids, let alone other people's kids.

IMO, Girl Scout cookies get a pass. Those babies sell themselves; no high pressure sales needed. I did also buy Yankee candles from a coworker, just because I love them (the candles, that is).

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

I also get annoyed with the 'sales' party people do, particularly if you all have little to no interaction at work.

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