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!

Specializes in Day Surgery/Infusion/ED.

I have a hard time believing most of this.

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.
literally

Baha

What is this Czhilispiel XXXIII of which you speak?

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Specializes in LTC, MDS/careplans, Unit Manager.

i don't know if this has been brought up or not as i did not have the time to read all of the posts but i would consult your infection control department. i worked at a facility where we had a nurse that had a huge boil on her thigh (this was actually the least of her problems). it did not bother her at all that she had bloody drainage seeping through her white pants (like a tennis ball sized area). when out nurse manager saw this she was sent to employee health and was told she would not be able to return to work until she was treated with antibiotics and could contain the drainage. huge infection contorl issue. i would think employee health &/or infection control would definitely be on your side with this one.

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You guys are great! I think you have some good ideas. We did try the light hearted jokey thing, sprayed Glade around, but she wouldn't 'fess up. We are going to have to pull out the Big Guns. So to speak. 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? Obviously I don't eat with her, but she comes into the nurses' station spouting bits of lunch?

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

For the face thing have you tried handing her a Kleenex and saying here you need to go to the restroom and wipe your face. (put on your depends and wash).

I had a NM who would finish lunch (mouth open all the while) and then take her napkin and start nostril hygiene. Ewwww.

We"d arrange NOT to take our lunch at the same time she did. Since she WAS the management there was not much more to try.

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Another good idea.

I'm glad you mentioned the nostril hygiene.

Recently I had a really really bad cold...it was going around the hosp actually. Not to be too graphic, but I was having copious amounts of nasal drainage. I had to blow several times an hour and it was frankly a pain in the butt to go to the bathroom each time to do it, but I figured it's pretty gross to have to listen to someone honk into a tissue all day. I'm glad I did the right thing. :)

Incidentally, someone said to me, "I was wish you sick people would stay home instead of infecting the rest of us". I realize it's not enjoyable to have a sick co-worker, but if they will pay my light bill so I can stay home, I'll gladly stay home!

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Specializes in floor to ICU.
Baha

What is this Czhilispiel XXXIII of which you speak?

http://www.czhilispielfestival.com/

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
You guys are great! I think you have some good ideas. We did try the light hearted jokey thing, sprayed Glade around, but she wouldn't 'fess up. We are going to have to pull out the Big Guns. So to speak. 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? Obviously I don't eat with her, but she comes into the nurses' station spouting bits of lunch?

How i'd approach it would be to have a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a rag near by, and when she flings food, put gloves on right in front of her, and wipe of the counter with an alcohol dampened rag. It's a matter of getting rid of what landed on the counter, maybe she'll get a clue.

If that doesn't do it, i'd flat out say "Kindly do not talk with your mouth full, please, bits are coming out of your mouth.".

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
"I was wish you sick people would stay home instead of infecting the rest of us"

Years ago someone said something like that to me, when i had sinus issues (no infection), and was having a hard time breathing. I was cranky anyway, because i felt lousy and wasn't sleeping well, and the first thing taht came to mind was "unless i'm flicking boogers in your direction, you'll be ok, PHYSICALLY at least".

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Specializes in critical care transport.
You guys are great! I think you have some good ideas. We did try the light hearted jokey thing, sprayed Glade around, but she wouldn't 'fess up. We are going to have to pull out the Big Guns. So to speak. 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? Obviously I don't eat with her, but she comes into the nurses' station spouting bits of lunch?

A slight grimace on one side of your mouth and a muscle spasm in one of your eyes should get the point across.:uhoh21:

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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!

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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...

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