Now that I'm an "old" nurse

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So, I have been at the same organization for 20 years and have worked hard to develop a stellar reputation with a variety of experiences. Recently, I had an experience that is challenging all of that. I had a "Professional disagreement" with a surgeon about him marking his site. He felt it was beneath him to have to go to preop to mark his patient's site. Needless to say, the organization asked me to transfer rather than step up to fight for what was right. Two weeks later, same surgeon different issue but with a younger, skinny, cute nurse. Want three guesses to see how the organization handled it this time? Human Resources, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Lawyer, and the CMO all got involved.

HMMMM...

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I'm sorry that happened. I would be very angry too. It's quite likely there is more to the story as to why everyone got involved the second time that has nothing to do with you being "old" and her being "skinny and cute."

In fact, if you say that the hospital board and HR got involved, I would say it's VERY likely there was more there than just a dispute about marking a surgical site.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

All that involvement may simply be that it wasn't the first time anymore. Regardless, I think assuming it is because you are "old" and the other nurse is "cute" is quite a leap in logic.

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I'm sorry that happened. I would be very angry too. It's quite likely there is more to the story as to why everyone got involved the second time that has nothing to do with you being "old" and her being "skinny and cute."

In fact, if you say that the hospital board and HR got involved, I would say it's VERY likely there was more there than just a dispute about marking a surgical site.

Yes, there had to be more to this scenario, otherwise, although cute, she would have received some form of the brush-off herself.

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Unfortunately, since I was involved in the first dispute, they involved me in the meetings with the second incidence. I left feeling that they were more interested in protecting the younger nurse. While I was one they weren't worried about.

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Let me know what hospital, surgical center, you work in so I, my family, or friends, never go there for surgery!

For a surgeon to not mark his patient (if that is, as it should be, the policy) should result in an incident report. That management didn't back you up is....well I just hope, as others said, there is more to the story!

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so, she is cute but my feelings came from the fact that she is younger. I ended up losing 1/3 of my pay and they were able to pay her less because she doesn't have as much time with the organization. I advised them that this physician would continue this behavior.

" You did nothing wrong but because of who it is we just can't fight for you."

2 weeks later, they fight but not for me. I still lost out.

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thank you for the validation! í ½í¸Š

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Let me know what hospital, surgical center, you work in so I, my family, or friends, never go there for surgery!

For a surgeon to not mark his patient (if that is, as it should be, the policy) should result in an incident report. That management didn't back you up is....well I just hope, as others said, there is more to the story!

Yea, but, if it's an arm or leg, the surgeon still has a 50/50 chance of getting the right site. :woot:

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Yea, but, if it's an arm or leg, the surgeon still has a 50/50 chance of getting the right site. :woot:

And the organization still has a 50/50 chance of missing out on a lawsuit!

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This is ridiculous.

Unfortunately, since I was involved in the first dispute, they involved me in the meetings with the second incidence.

Absolutely ridiculous.

What is wrong with these people?

Nevermind. There is little in the way of mind-boggling treatment that is truly surprising after the past 5 years or so...

Out of curiosity, does your written policy delineate this duty according to AORN recommendations?

All things considered, I'd consider talking to a few other professionals to make sure your only option is a position with â…“ less pay.

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Specializes in school nurse.

It sounds like you might have a legal case...

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