coworker complained: I dared to say "butt."

Published

My supervisor told me about it; I was having a deadly busy day. I had just had 2 discharges and the beds weren't cold before ER called report and delivered new 2 new admits. I hadn't seen the 1st admit yet and I had to discharge a third patient, and the very second that bed goes on the board to be cleaned, ER calls with a 3d admit. I was also charge nurse and had to deal with other issues on the unit. I called the house sup who was placing these patients and asked her to back off for a minute so I could breathe, because all these admits were mine. I know what she was doing, looking at a computer monitor downstairs at empty rooms. She had no idea who was taking care of what beds. So, I spoke to her very briefly and she hung up abruptly. After a few minutes I went into my supervisor's office, and she told me, don't use any kind of slander with this house sup. Apparently I said "butt" in some fashion to her and she became offended.

Did I say I was working my butt off? I don't recall. I really don't. So my question to you all is, do you work with easily offended people? And what are they doing in nursing?

Some people just don't have a sense of humor, or their sensibilites get ruffled easily. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez! I think, that woman needs a life! :rotfl:

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Good Lord! I hope this person never darkens the door of an operating room!! I guess she'd fall over dead! :hhmth:

I once was scrubbed in with an orthopedic surgeon. There was a piece of equipment that I was putting together and it was defective. I got so frustrated that I let the F-word fly...As soon as it was out of my mouth, I was mortified and started apologizing. This doctor actually high fived me and said that swearing was a sign that I was involved in what I was doing, and that I actually gave a crap(his word) about what I was doing.:mad::lol2:

Like someone else said, it all comes down to your audience and the culture of your unit. unfortunately, there will always be a Nurse Prissypants around no matter where you go.

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See . . I don't think making generalizations like "nurse prissypants" is helpful. I also don't think saying "butt" is a big deal BUT maybe it was more the way it was said as many folks have already mentioned. The stress level, etc.

As to whether the test of my level of involvement in my job relies on my use of profanity . . well, that is just wrong.:coollook:

Everyone slips up - no problem. But used to judge your value? No. :twocents:

steph

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See . . I don't think making generalizations like "nurse prissypants" is helpful. I also don't think saying "butt" is a big deal BUT maybe it was more the way it was said as many folks have already mentioned. The stress level, etc.

steph

i wouldn't take offense to be called a prissypants.

but i also wouldn't take offense to a stressed-out nurse using the word 'butt', regardless of its context.

i understand that we're all stressed, and would responded accordingly.

you know, don't sweat the small stuff?

leslie

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Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.

Would "I'm working my tail off" be any better........ considering we are humans and don't have tails....lol She needs to get a life.... Some people over react to things that are so trivial. Guess as house superviser she may have had a slow day and needed to pick on something or someone....lol Wonder what she does when she watches TV does she send letters to the networks if she is offended.... bet she doesn't have cable......

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Specializes in Operating Room.
See . . I don't think making generalizations like "nurse prissypants" is helpful. I also don't think saying "butt" is a big deal BUT maybe it was more the way it was said as many folks have already mentioned. The stress level, etc.

As to whether the test of my level of involvement in my job relies on my use of profanity . . well, that is just wrong.:coollook:

Everyone slips up - no problem. But used to judge your value? No. :twocents:

steph

But some people are excessively prissy-I think we've all been exposed to that kind of co-worker. I'm sorry, but I think anyone that considers the word "butt" profanity or would turn a coworker in for using it, has some serious issues. And hey, I wasn't TRYING to be helpful with my use of the Nurse Prissypants term..just stating my opinion.

My main point was that different units have a different culture, and in my "culture" the language police aren't going to go scampering off to the NM like a 5th grader if you let a "bad word" fly.

Anyone familiar with the George Carlin comedy rountine about the 7 words you can't use on television? Apparently, there is a hospital version of this list, LOL. Top of this list is the word "butt" apparently. Maybe the second one could be Nurse Prissypants?:D:lol2:.

Just kidding, BTW...

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i wouldn't take offense to be called a prissypants.

but i also wouldn't take offense to a stressed-out nurse using the word 'butt', regardless of its context.

i understand that we're all stressed, and would responded accordingly.

you know, don't sweat the small stuff?

leslie

I'm not taking offense . . . but nevermind . . . . if I respond I might be too uptight. :coollook::coollook::D:smokin:

steph

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I think the offended nurse was really majoring in the minors, butt that's just my opinion. Aren't there more important things to focus on? Who has time for this kind of thing?

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Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.
i think the offended nurse was really majoring in the minors, butt that's just my opinion. aren't there more important things to focus on? who has time for this kind of thing?

bless you--

those of us in the penalty box thank you!!:yeah:

meanwhile, back at the so-offended ranch..:nono:

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Not offended . . just trying to see both sides. It would be nice to hear from the person on the other end of that stressed out phone call.

If it is just about "butt" then that is not worth getting upset over. If the stress level for two nurses was exceptional, cut each other some slack.:cheers:

steph

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Specializes in rehab, antepartum, med-surg, cardiac.

You've got to be kidding! She was offended by the word butt? God help her if she ever is working around me when I'm frustrated. She might hear the f-bomb.:uhoh3:

Darn, I'd be fired, wouldn't I?:eek:

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Maybe next time you have a day like that, ask the 'lovely' nurse to bring up a broom and some skates for you too.

Good thing she does not work in labour ward, she'd be offended daily when we tell women where they need to push...

:uhoh21:

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