Gross Out Co-Worker

Nurses General Nursing

Published

OK, I know I've posted about this before but things have gotten worse! My co-worker has nauseating, foul gas and she passes it in close proximity to people. I don't know if she has some kind of health issue, but her gas makes your eyes water. Last night one of the techs actually had a dry heave because it is so nauseating. What I find particularly irritating is that she toots all day long---now I know sometimes one can slip out when you don't want it to, but if I know I have to toot, I excuse myself and go to the rest room. She seems totally uninhibited about this, as she never ever excuses herself.

Secondly, she is always laying towels down on the seats in the station, because she has 'accidents'. Sometimes she has these accidents on our seats. I understand incontinence but there are products to help with that. And it's not just urine---she has also bled on the chairs and then go change her clothes. I have as heavy a period as anyone, and I know that bleeding through like that can be contained. Unless it's some kind of different problem.

Thirdly, she talks with her mouth full, crumbs all stuck to lips, half chewed food rolling around in her mouth CONSTANTLY. It is disgusting! Sometimes when she is talking she even spews a little bit of food in your direction.

Let me say that this person is nice enough, she means well most of the time but has been stepping on toes by making nursing decisions although she is not a nurse. For example, when I pt would not take his meds, she negotiated with him to take CERTAIN meds, which was not really a good thing because the order was for the meds to be given together. She did this in front of me, without discussing it with me first, and so put me in a difficult position in front of the patient who was very volatile. She also went to my boss and told my boss that I was sexually assaulted and so I should not have certain kinds of patients. I told her that IN CONFIDENCE (she's a therapist) and I feel it was not her business to go to my boss and tell her my personal information. Moreover, I do not want my boss thinking I am too fragile to handle certain types of patients.

Does anyone have any advice for dealing with this person? Like I said, she doesn't mean any harm, but she is wreaking havoc on the unit!

Thanks!

MY two cents...

I work in a Central Telemetry room. Mind you this room is about 10x6. With a window that they bolt shut to keep the room "climate" controlled for all the pc's that we use. I have TWO coworkers that fit the bill with what you are talking about. One is so gross that she constantly toots and the laughs about it. It is filthy. Several of my coworkers and I have talked to her about it on a bunch of occasions. She laughs at us and thinks it is a big joke. If I feel the need to toot, I walk outside in the hallway. Finally I got fed up and told the supervisor and now...fresh air for all.

We work in the health profession. I have lots of understanding for alot of gross things because I see it on a daily basis. But this had to stop. You have to be very assertive and let this person know she is offensive. If she does not rectify her "problem" or at least go in the bathroom to do it, speak to the supervisor!

Just my two cents...

Wow! Do you know what the boss said to them? You poor thing, in a tiny room like that with those cretins!

Wow! Do you know what the boss said to them? You poor thing, in a tiny room like that with those cretins!

Just asking if you know what the boss said so I can use it !

Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.

I have to admit I'm kinda gassy too. I found out what was causing it - as I've gotten older I've developed lactose intolerance. But I gave everyone around a gift and stopped eating dairy products at work. Problem solved. I did my best to excuse myself and break wind off the floor, but sometimes if I was stuck and couldn't get away, I couldn't help it!

But at least I was aware and worked really hard on solving the problem.

I have a co-worker with a really gross habit. He eats raw garlic as a way of trying to control his cholesterol and he reeks!!! It's awful. Worse is he does this in the break room so not only does he stink, but he stinks up the break room and it's hard to eat breakfast after he's been in there. Being in there with him is even worse. He slurps, eats with mouth wide open, talks with his mouth full and has screaming cell phone coversations in Cebuano (a Philippine language) during his whole break. I do everything in my power to not take my break the same time as him. I'll even skip lunch before I'll eat in the same room with him.

Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.
Does anyone remember that TV show (kind of like American Idol) where contestants got to show their inventions? Someone on the show invented inserts to put in underwear that were supposed to absorb the smell from farts...if you could remember the name of the show, you might be able to contac the inventor and get her a present!

It was American Inventor. I thought that I was the only one who saw that one. Stupid show by the way. But that guy made me about wet myself.:roll

~Jen

Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.
But what about the stuff that is not infection control? I mean the disgusting eating-like-a-pig thing? Spewing little morsels of graham grackers in your direction because she won't stop talking with a full mouth?

She obviously doen't take hints. I would just look right at her, in the eyes the next time she does it, and say, "When you talk with food in your mouth, bits spray at me and it's gross (or nasty, rude, repulsive etc.)." And walk away. She'll be taken back a bit, but you weren't mean. As for the other stuff, I think all that was covered.

~Jen

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Wonder what this person's house looks like. :stone I mean, if she has no qualms about the things she does at work...

Specializes in ER/Trauma.
Wonder what this person's house looks like. :stone I mean, if she has no qualms about the things she does at work...

Oh, now that's a horrible thought!!! :barf02:

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Gas-X is an absolutely wonderful product. Maybe you could "present" her w/a package? Wouldn't solve all the problems, but...

p.s. If someone has previously mentioned this, I apologize!

It was American Inventor. I thought that I was the only one who saw that one. Stupid show by the way. But that guy made me about wet myself.:roll

~Jen

Someone should check it out...fart absorbing underwear would be great for everyone!

Specializes in Med/Surg; Critical Care/ ED.

I don't know if anyone else has suggested this or not, but when she spews food at you, you could just say "Hey! You're spraying your chewed food all over me! Come back and talk to me after you've finished eating." You could even make it a little jokey THE FIRST TIME. After that, you could say it a little more severely then just walk away.

PHRN

I don't want to be hateful about this woman, but maybe you should just print off all these posts and lay them on her desk. I think it would work for me.

I don't know if anyone else has suggested this or not, but when she spews food at you, you could just say "Hey! You're spraying your chewed food all over me! Come back and talk to me after you've finished eating." You could even make it a little jokey THE FIRST TIME. After that, you could say it a little more severely then just walk away.

PHRN

I like that approach.:monkeydance:

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