Controlling Boss

[guest83140]

How do you deal with a controlling boss (nurse). Pops in unannounced, criticizes handling of past/present situations, outlay of clinic, your agenda, wants gossip and searches for it among teachers. Informs you of meetings, classes at the last minute, tries to take your weekends away in the name of the community/CPR classes, etc. Doesn't understand you have a family and a life. Calls your cell phone after hours and during the summer. Doesn't say what she wants but just call me asap. Oh brother, what is it now you think. You love your job but wonder how long can this go on. You're embarrassed if you don't go along with the unrealistic demands/ calls/ unplanned get-togethers. Anybody else dealing with this? How can you deal with it and keep your job and live in peace??? She's 65?

[ccnicurn]

Wow, sounds like you have some trouble on your hands. What kind of work do you do (in what setting)? Regardless of what setting you are in, your boss is behaving unprofessionally. She clearly steps over boundaries that should be in place, particularly ones that exhibit respect for her employees. The best way to handle a situation like this is to be direct and honest with her about your feelings. Ask to meet with her privately, and share your feelings in an open, neutral (not attacking or accusing) manner....make sure to approach it from a perspective of wanting to come to a mutual understanding, not complaining. If she has any worth as a boss, she should take this constructively and things should go well. If not, does she have a boss? Be prepared to take it to the next level if her unprofessional behavior continues. Chances are, you are not the only one who is offended by her behavior. Overall, you need to establish your boundaries with her and stick to them!

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

Hi Glo,

Sorry that you are going through such stress. It is definitely not fair to you. She sounds very unreasonable and as the other poster said....she is acting very unprofessionally. I too would set a time to meet with her on a one on one basis. Let her know how you are feeling and just have a very respectful attitude during the meeting. She must not feel as though you are attacking her...but just wanting to let her know that you have concerns about her approach with you. She needs to treat you as the professional that you are and not try to control your every move. I sure hope you can get this cleared up before you go out on summer break, or else I fear next school year will be much of the same. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

PS - I also have problems with teachers wanting to control every decision I make. I would like to tell them that I don't tell them how to teach...please don't tell me how to nurse !! (I know you have been there and done that too!) :trout:

Praiser

[caliotter3]

Those calls after hours and in the summer make it sound like you are dealing with a very sad and lonely person who does not have friends or family to interact with. Short of quitting your job, the only thing I can suggest is to approach her with your concerns like the other posters have said. Her response to your talking about what bothers you will dictate what you should do next. Good luck to you. Hope things get better between you and your boss.

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

She's 65? Maybe she'll be retiring soon and then it won't be a problem.