discrimination help please

[lhsouthern]

i have been here at a military clinic for 4 months as a civilian lpn. ANd it has been a almost daily thing where someone has complained about me, sending me into the nurse manager which i immedialty comply: first it was the no scrubs i didn't have yet, then it was my hair was too long and messy ( i cut it twice), then my shoes weren't clean enough, so i cleaned them and then got new ones. I made novice mistakes with charting but nothing that jcaho would have a fit about. I fixed them. Then if i made even the slightest error, my RN would berate me, yelling at me in front of everyone. There were somethings i was rusty on and i made certain that I got that skill down pat and still i was yelled at. I finally got a chance to work women's health. I thought i was doing really well even getting feedback that I wasn't putting the doc behind, until one provider said i smelled bad. so i worked with another arnp. I was then put onto the computer taking messages and sending them to the doc RN. I found out that they thought, despite telling me that I was keeping up I WASN'T!!!! And that some of the providers were complaining about me. But never about my nursing skills. I found out monday that they are starting termination. PArt of which comes from that the staff here has totally ostracized me. One day I walk in and my preceptor just would not talk to me. I didn't hear a patient tell me when her LMP was and she (the LPN and RN waslked into my office and started yelling at me). If I have one speck of anything on my top someone complains to the boss. I called my union rep and she told me that a lateral transfer could be an answer instead of losing my job.. i won't know until monday to meet with the nurse recruiter. I watch the other nurses and i am here stuck behind a computer and its hell:angryfire BTW.. i am obese.

[Midwest4me]

I'm so sorry you're being treated so poorly. I'd take the union rep's advice and opt for a lateral transfer. the rotten bunch is gunning for you and it's time to get out. I'd definitely report the RNs' unprofessionalism(i.e. yelling). That's uncalled for. Best of luck.

[Fiona59]

UHM, how were you discriminated against? Harrassment would be a better grievance route to take. Have you documented the incidents?

Why did you start work without the proper scrubs? The military has high standards in grooming and personal appearance, you were brought to task because you failed to meet them.

What were the complaints the providers were making? Were they discussed on an individual basis or lumped together?

Harrassment maybe, discrimination, I really don't see that you would have a case.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

Union rep knows what to do, go to the expert in situations like this I say.

What does being obese have to do with it? Do you think they are targeting you because of that? I have a few extra pounds (OK, more than a few) but never had anyone bother me about it.

Best thing to do is keep a level head and stay on the professional track. By this, I mean dont let it get personal. The yelling that takes place and the targeting........go to HR and file a harrassment complaint. Have times, dates and what was said. Make sure you point out that (if it is the case) you are being targeted, that this doesnt go on with anyone else. The fact that they got personal is enough to be written up. With enough incidents, perhaps fired.

Now, I'm taking it that a "provider" is a doc. Mind you, they will get preferential treatment if you complain about them. I've heard of physicians being reported for much worse and not much is done by administration. They, the MDs, are unified and too hard to take down so administration will only confront them if they absolutely have to. As far as his complaint goes, take it with a grain of salt and if there is any truth to it, definately fix that.

[MSNorBUST]

Oklet me give you a little low down on military facility if that is where you actually are. I once worked in a military ob-gyn clinic and they were all military nurses and doctors except for a few civil service nurse aides. Number one if you are civilian and they are military then that is a problem for them. You know they can be reallllll cruel and want to treat you like you are military even though you aren't. I do not know if you were a direct hire or if you were already in the system, but a lot of those positions are filled by people who know people. and maybe that position was one that they wanted filled by a FRIEND OF THEIRS. The bottom line do not take any crap for anyone and if you are civill service then do that lateral transfer and go work with some people with some since and people who were taught to treat others with respect don't keep putting up with that crap. Another thing just to let you know if you are civil service and you manager and another nurse are walking in exam rooms and beratting you then that is illegal if you are in a union because any grievances that your boss has with you she has to have you union rep with you when it is discussed. Honey go hook up with one of those older workers there that has been in the system for a long time, they will school you real good on what you can do and the options that you have. Don't let some nuts run you from your calling.

[mskate]

I worked as a civilian on an active duty base for a while and I met similar resistance. I ended up having to go up the chain of command.

Make sure you are always clean, neat and professional looking. BUT - you are NOT in the military. they CANNOT make you cut your hair, as long as your hair does not get in the way of your job - you are not under their control. Also, as a civilian - they do not have the right to yell at you or berate you. If you were military, they would. Often times, the seem to forget their manners when dealing with civilians.

You will usually have to DEMAND respect and go up the chain of command if you are being mistreated, yelled at or being held to military standards - ie - cut your hair, it is too long.

Good luck and hang in there. I lasted 2 years before I finally went back to a civilian facility d/t being tired of fighting the system. :)

[Mr Ian]

Ask for every comment in writing and "do you mind if I send a copy to your CO?"