sexual jokes in the workplace

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm all for having a few good laughs at work, but I'd like an opinion on this. We have a new male RN and he frequently makes comments that can be taken sexually. He has been there less than a month, so we don't even know him yet, and last Saturday he commented to one of our new grads who was about 15 min. late to work (car trouble), "Well I guess your husband detained you in the bedroom this morning, huh?" she laughed it off & seemed unoffended by it, but a couple of us found it inappropriate. Our charge nurse told us that unless the person he directed his comment to found it inappropriate that we should ignore it. ???? No matter how I look at this, it seems unprofessional to me!! comments??

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

Oh, Tazzi brought up the supervisor. Well lets see, it would go in this order. First I would warn you. Then I would write you up and tell the supervisor. After that I would ask the supervisor to show you the door. Hey, there are plenty of jobs out there where you can can talk dirty if you really want to. Lets save the nursing for the professionals who want to look and SOUND like professionals.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
I'm going to gather up all those charts and try and find someplace else to finish my charting.

:lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti

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Oh, Tazzi brought up the supervisor.

I did?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
I did?

No, I guess you didn't, did you? :uhoh3: Firstyearstudent did. All these posts are starting to run together. Maybe all the dirty sex jokes going through my mind are clouding my judgement. By the way, I'm not at work.:lol2:

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By the way, I'm not at work.:lol2:

You sure 'bout that?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
You sure 'bout that?

Wait a minute, let me check..... no, I'm home.

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'Tis been fun but I must leave you to your own devices now....just have some pity and don't turn the screws too tight! My daughter is having oral surgery in the morning and I have to leave at 0630.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
'Tis been fun but I must leave you to your own devices now....just have some pity and don't turn the screws too tight! My daughter is having oral surgery in the morning and I have to leave at 0630.

Good luck with your daughter. Talk to you tomorrow. :kiss

Jill

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I'm not at work right now.

Hi jill . . . I know . . . . ;)

steph

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At home? I'm not at your home. I'm on a professional website where the moderators tell us CONSTANTLY to keep our posts professional. I guess no one here is capable of taking offense at what you might say? And the site is open to the public, so plenty of people are capable of "overhearing" what the nurses are saying. But I guess since this is anonymous you're off the hook. Or maybe you just don't have the strength of your own convictions.

Sure looks like she got to ya big time! :lol2:

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The EEOC defines sexual harassment.

"Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.

The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.

The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.

Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim.

The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome.

Hostile environment sexual harassment might include demeaning sexual inquiries and vulgarities or offensive language. "

I think it is very important to tell the person their words or behavior are offensive to you and please don't do it again. If they refrain from repeating it that is the end of it. I really don't want to work with a nurse who continues to make such remarks after being asked to stop.

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I'm all for having a few good laughs at work, but I'd like an opinion on this. We have a new male RN and he frequently makes comments that can be taken sexually. He has been there less than a month, so we don't even know him yet, and last Saturday he commented to one of our new grads who was about 15 min. late to work (car trouble), "Well I guess your husband detained you in the bedroom this morning, huh?" she laughed it off & seemed unoffended by it, but a couple of us found it inappropriate. Our charge nurse told us that unless the person he directed his comment to found it inappropriate that we should ignore it. ???? No matter how I look at this, it seems unprofessional to me!! comments??

This is sexual harrassment!! Plain and simple!! It doesn't matter who it is directed at. It is still inappropriate. I don't have problems with joking around etc. There has to be a cut off point.

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