frenemies

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How do you handle frenemies in the OR? I know it is always hard for a group of (primarily) women to all get along. I work with nurses that engage you in conversations about issues with-in the department only to run to the mgrs office and tattle! It is all I can take. I have been recently "warned" about talking about these issues (real ones - like repetitive med errors, incorrect preps, techs leaving the room before pt extubated, chg nurse assignments to less experienced nurses.....I can go on and on...) among co-workers. I have taken them to mgt but absolutely nothing is done. I was given a written notice to NOT talk about the issues or the warning itself with any staff or surgeons!!!!(I will be terminated if she hears I have). The surgeons know that the pt safety issues exist and of course want them fixed. ASAP! Maybe I stepped on someones toes by letting the chief of surgery know about these issues but now it is about to cost me my job....What do I do?

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Cut your losses, keep your mouth shut, and find another job.

Do you really want to stay in an unsafe situation?

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Specializes in ICU.

Sounds like too much stress for me! you're an OR nurse,, surely there is another OR that would love to have you!!

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Frenemies are everywhere you go, but it sounds like you are surrounded. Try to keep comments to yourself that could be used against you and find another OR that wants a responsible & caring nurse like youself. In the mean time, do your best for your patients. Good Luck!

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I agree with everyone on this thread. Leave that OR.

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Specializes in OB/GYN,L&D,FP office,LTC.

I think it's time to move on.

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Specializes in critical care, + a mixed bag of tricks.

5 Things You MUST Do, from someone who has been there:

1. Hold on to your written warning -- it's whistle blower evidence. Stop talking to everyone, unless it's related to circulating. These people are NOT your friends. Buy a pocket-sized book and start writing everything down that might have later significance. Take some time while at home and make a written record (with approximate dates if possible) of every unsafe situation, incident, or inappropriate response by your nurse manager. Make two copies. DO NOT, under any circumstances, let anyone at work see it, or let your nurse manager know that this exists. Do not use patient stickers for any of your documentation, as it is a HIPPA violation.

2. contact an attorney who specializes in whistle blower or employment suits. They will talk with you free of charge. Take a copy of your documentation with you.

3. Look for a new job, but don't be surprised if your current nurse manager bad-mouths you.

4. get out of that unit as fast as you can. Take a local travel assignment if you have to. Not only is your job in jeopardy, but also your nursing license. As soon as you can and without letting anyone see you, make a copy of the schedule, or the call list (RN's and tech's) that has everyone's phone numbers on it. Store it with your other documentation.

5. When you leave, make sure you contact HR for an exit interview. By then you will have a new job, and can speak fairly freely about your concerns. Be professional, don't make threats, and don't let them know you have contacted an attorney.

Act quickly! Good luck with all of this and keep us posted.

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Specializes in ER, ICU cath lab, remote med.

Frenemies,

I think Blueloralai has given you some valuable, concrete advice on how to handle this. I can't imagine staying in a place where you can't speak out without losing your job?!? If things are as bad as you say, I'd work on getting out of there quickly.

Good luck!

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5 Things You MUST Do, from someone who has been there:

1. Hold on to your written warning -- it's whistle blower evidence. Stop talking to everyone, unless it's related to circulating. These people are NOT your friends. Buy a pocket-sized book and start writing everything down that might have later significance. Take some time while at home and make a written record (with approximate dates if possible) of every unsafe situation, incident, or inappropriate response by your nurse manager. Make two copies. DO NOT, under any circumstances, let anyone at work see it, or let your nurse manager know that this exists. Do not use patient stickers for any of your documentation, as it is a HIPPA violation.

2. contact an attorney who specializes in whistle blower or employment suits. They will talk with you free of charge. Take a copy of your documentation with you.

3. Look for a new job, but don't be surprised if your current nurse manager bad-mouths you.

4. get out of that unit as fast as you can. Take a local travel assignment if you have to. Not only is your job in jeopardy, but also your nursing license. As soon as you can and without letting anyone see you, make a copy of the schedule, or the call list (RN's and tech's) that has everyone's phone numbers on it. Store it with your other documentation.

5. When you leave, make sure you contact HR for an exit interview. By then you will have a new job, and can speak fairly freely about your concerns. Be professional, don't make threats, and don't let them know you have contacted an attorney.

Act quickly! Good luck with all of this and keep us posted.

Thanks for the valuble info. I intend to seek legal counsel in the am. I am not sure if I should resign (not already having another job) or quietly ride it out until I get all my ducks in a row. Hopefully, an attorney can advise me. One of the general surgeons already knows about all of this and is extremely upset. That surgeon and I practically tripped over each other as I was leaving the office and he ask me to step into a room and ask what was going on. The real issues are being swept under the rug and the focus is just on my "negative" attitude infecting the dept. I am so frustrated at the whole thing. I rcvd that notice Fri. afternoon and already I have rcvd emails and text asking what's up. A few people saw me leave Mgrs office upset and apparently a group of them were at a Christmas party and it was discussed that I must have been fired. (NOTE>>>I was not there)! I am only scheduled to work on Tues. of this week (which added to the rumors...of course my name is not on the board). So, there is no way the mgr has not heard that this is being discussed.

At what time should I try to get this info from the dept? I work when lots of people are around except on call. I am scheduled to be on call next Sat. (if I am still employed). I took what info I had (copies of med errors and occurence screens from my locker so I already have alot of it.)

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

As someone who has never been there, Blue's advice seems good. Do what Blue says and start looking for another place of employment STAT.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Perhaps you should make copies of any documentation you do on a patient, that way if something comes up missing you have back up.

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Perhaps you should make copies of any documentation you do on a patient, that way if something comes up missing you have back up.

Some things I have already made copies of. I learned the hard way that some occurence screens seem to disappear.

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