2 married ER nurses having an affair

[Sarah, RNBScN]

2 coworkers married each with 2 kids. Male coworker spouse also works in ER but usually opposite for childcare issues. We (staff) suspect that she has no clue of what is going on and has been for 5 months.

:nono:

The problem:

We (staff) feel uncomfortable working with them due to blatant affection, playing footsie at the desk in plain view, just to name a few. We (staff) already have morale problems in our department due to increase work load, short staffed, etc...This is an unsightly situation. What do we do? We are a close unit in a small hospital. We (staff) feel it is a problem because they are not showing professionalism while behaving like that at work. The wife who we think has no clue is the nicest, most giving person. She is a coworker that you would want 10 of.

Any thoughts or has anyone ever had this in there ER?

Please advise.

[TazziRN, RN]

My advice...Not your Business!!!!

You have enough to worry about taking care of patients and CYA.

It's very much her business if it makes her uncomfortable. Not the fact that the two may be having an affair, but that the rest of the staff is having to be witness to their antics.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

It's very much her business if it makes her uncomfortable. Not the fact that the two may be having an affair, but that the rest of the staff is having to be witness to their antics.

Exactly

[erdaynurse]

I have to agree that it is anyone's business that this overt behavior affects. The workplace is not the place to shove an affair in everyone's faces. Also, I agree that sex is not the only way to have an affair. It is up to the individuals involved in the affair what they do on their own private time, but work (especially in healthcare) is not the place to showcase it - co-workers and patients should not be exposed to this and it should be addressed (not the morality of the affair, but the unprofessionalism of the behavior).

[ahsitters]

"Unless you have actually seen them having sex you have no proof to base your assumptions"

So, you think that it's not cheating unless they are having sex?? Surely not.

Please clarify...

So, you think that it's not cheating unless they are having sex?? Surely not.

I'm just saying that accusing and actually having proof are two totally different bags of worms. There are ten million different opinions on what having an affair is and what constitutes flirting (remember Bill Clinton). I stand by my point that If you have no direct proof you can't accuse based on an assumption. Dispite this being a close knit staff they have no idea what goes on in others lives out side of work. All they can do is address the flirting that they do see and inform the culprits that it makes working with them uncomfortable.

[Geena, BSN, RN]

Well I hope one of the two reads this forum. Frankly I don't believe this issue is being discussed. If you are uncomfortable - talk to your manager, not the whole universe please.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

It their business let them mind it

But good general rule is never cheat on your spouse to begin with.

[rn/writer, RN]

It their business let them mind it

But good general rule is never cheat on your spouse to begin with.

They make it the business of other people when they flirt in front of them. Especially in the workplace.

Ideally, no one would cheat. Second best would be that the adulterous parties would be so discreet that no one would suspect.

Far, far down the list is carrying on a public "flirtation" that makes others uncomfortable for both the moral aspects and the unprofessional demeanor.

Another notch lower still is getting a thrill out of indulging in illicit behavior and thinking you're getting away with something.

Don't know exactly where the two offenders fall on this spectrum, but it doesn't sound like anyone would accuse them of being discreet.