flirting at the workplace

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Hey guys- so, you're all probably going to tell me to just keep my head down, focus on my work and ignore it, because ultimately, it's not my business.

I'm new to med/surg, and am so excited and nervous about transitioning from psych (where I've been since graduating 3 years ago). I'm overall RUSTY with the med/surg clinical thinking and clinical skills.

And I hate that I have to wait for one of the doctors and one of the nurse's to get done flirting before I can ask for help, or ask any assistance. The doctor, he pretty much just treats me like I'm a fart. The nurse, she is helpful, but as I said before, a lot of times she's too busy giggling at the doctor's inappropriate (to the workplace) sexual innuendos to help me out.

And she's not the only one, there are a couple other people (nurses, secretaries) who feed into his behavior too.

One of the agency nurse's told me that this behavior's been going on for years.

I don't know, I just find it really irritating. I come to work to work. I feel I'm this old fuddy duddy who is just anxious and irritated and always needs help anyway sorting out prioritization and learning numbers and protocols.... I don't know.

Anybody got any similar stories? Can anyone relate?

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Hey guys- so, you're all probably going to tell me to just keep my head down, focus on my work and ignore it, because ultimately, it's not my business.

I'm new to med/surg, and am so excited and nervous about transitioning from psych (where I've been since graduating 3 years ago). I'm overall RUSTY with the med/surg clinical thinking and clinical skills.

And I hate that I have to wait for one of the doctors and one of the nurse's to get done flirting before I can ask for help, or ask any assistance. The doctor, he pretty much just treats me like I'm a fart. The nurse, she is helpful, but as I said before, a lot of times she's too busy giggling at the doctor's inappropriate (to the workplace) sexual innuendos to help me out.

And she's not the only one, there are a couple other people (nurses, secretaries) who feed into his behavior too.

One of the agency nurse's told me that this behavior's been going on for years.

I don't know, I just find it really irritating. I come to work to work. I feel I'm this old fuddy duddy who is just anxious and irritated and always needs help anyway sorting out prioritization and learning numbers and protocols.... I don't know.

Anybody got any similar stories? Can anyone relate?

You're new and you need them much more than they need you. I would stop the unflattering gossip in a hurry. "Agency nurse" may be your friend today, but repeat everything you've said tomorrow. If you have an urgent issues, just interrupt.

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Specializes in ICU.

You should keep your head down, focus on your work and ignore it.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Hey guys- so, you're all probably going to tell me to just keep my head down, focus on my work and ignore it, because ultimately, it's not my business.

Yes, exactly

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I agree---just ignore it. You're not going to change anything by calling attention to it, and it will probably backfire on you if you do. Just do your job and leave it at the door when you go home.

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just keep your head down, focus on your work and ignore it, because ultimately, it's not your business.

The fact that it is flirting makes it annoying. But no real difference if the parties involved shared an interest in fishing or classic cars or scrapbooking, and were inappropriately focused on it at work. Now, if the two of them are having hanky panky in the supply room during a code........

Mainly, I love the fact that you used the term being treated "like a fart".

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

That would annoy me. I used to work with a nurse who shamelessly flirted with every pair of meatballs and a sausage that came through: tech, doctor, whatever. No matter how old he was, whether or not he was married, etc. She was the horniest lady ever.

It was like fingernails on a chalkboard.

That having been said, put your head down and focus on your work.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I would just reinforce Sour Lemon's advice. Do not talk about them to anyone, even seemingly supportive people. Widespread tolerance in any unit for one type of unprofessional behavior is like a big billboard for tolerance of other types of unprofessional behavior.

As a veteran of a unit such as yours, I'll bet there are many people who notice the flirtatious antics, but keep it to themselves until that flirty nurse/doctor asks for a letter of recommendation, a reference, or is being considered for a promotion. That thought may help you tolerate them a little more easily.

After a while you'll get to know these quiet but competent types, and use them as your first resource if possible.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ICU.

Sorry I have nothing of value to add, but thank you for giving me the phrase "treating me like a fart."

A+ advice so far though. Don't be afraid to interrupt if need be!

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I "brown-nose" until I achieve seniority.

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The doctor, he pretty much just treats me like I'm a fart.

I'm sorry, but this is hilarious!

:roflmao:

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.

Sounds like it's just not a good fit for you. Start looking.....

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