Handling rumors

[bnrn75]

I am a new grad (male) nurse. I have been at my first job for 8 months. I love the work and the people I work with. When I talk to classmates I graduated with I realize I have lucked out. I have a very knowledgeable preceptor and have learned sooo much from her. Her style of teaching is conducive to my style of learning. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the nurses on my shift. However recently there has been a shift in attitude from one of my coworkers and I have been informed through channels that she feels that my relationship with my preceptor is more then one of teacher and student. She has gone as far as to tell nurses on other floors that we are having an affair. My preceptor has been happily married for 27 years, has 2 grown children (one is 4 years younger then me) and is 14 years older then me. I am shocked by these lies and dumbfounded as to where they came from. I see it as a personal attack on my moral/ethical code.

My question is...what do I do? Should I report this to my manager, confront the nurse spreading the rumor? MY preceptor is finishing grad school for education and could become the nurse educator in the hospital when she graduates. I would hate for this it interfere with a promotion for her. Nor would I want it to crush any chances for me to advance. Any suggestions?

Thank You

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

Inform your channels that is not only insane but insulting, then keep on working. Rumors will most likely die out, but the more fuel they get the bigger they grow.

[Babarnurse]

i would just ignore it. if you try to defend your relationship (or lack thereof), they will think you are guilty or hiding something. the people who matter know that your relationship is appropriate. don't fuel the fire, just move on! best of luck.

[Jolie, BSN]

In my experience, rumors die down fastest when they are ignored. You may want to quietly mention what you have been told to your preceptor, although she probably has already heard it herself. Then she can decide what, if anything, she wants to do.

[julie771]

I agree. I would not do too much about the rumors. It just may add fuel to them. Go about your job. If you have nothing to hide, hide nothing. Try your best to continue your normal routine, and not change your interactions with your preceptor. Good luck.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

Like those before me have said, just ignore the silly rumor's. Seems like there will always be people who want to get things "stirred up". Just keep doing the great job you are doing and forget the rest. Good luck to you !

Praiser :heartbeat

[Pudnluv, ASN, RN]

Some people just have nothing better to do with their time! Ignore it, keep doing what you are doing. Your actions will speak for themselves.

[debi49]

Problem is, people are willing to believe rumors, even without proof. This nurse and his preceptor have been slandered . Should this not be confronted? Im not talking about a Jerry Springer type thing but maybe privately say to the gossip "I have heard from several sources that you are speading rumors about me and so and so. This is slander and I insist you stop or I will be forced to take action." DOnt know what the action would be...talking to HR about the hostile work environment?????

THe other advice is probably better, to ignore....but there is always a couple people in every work environment that like to stir the pot, and they seem to get away with it.

[Scooter5]

If you do nothing and ignore the rumors, and there is no fuel for the fire, the gossip mongers will move on to the next topic. I would keep smiling and do nothing. Once they see it doesn't bother you, the one spreading the rumors will look silly, not you.

Good luck!

[abcotta]

I feel sad for you but I would talk to manager. This is not good to let it go or just be patient.

[Dolce, RN]

I feel sad for you but I would talk to manager. This is not good to let it go or just be patient.

I wouldn't just let it go either. Your post is very well written and it appears that you can articulate yourself quite well. Why don't you speak to the person spreading the rumors and let him/her know that they are not true. I would mention to that person that you will be discussing it with HR if it does not stop. Then, let your actions speak for themselves. Continue to be the best nurse you can be and pretty soon this will die out.

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

I am a new grad (male) nurse. I have been at my first job for 8 months. I love the work and the people I work with. When I talk to classmates I graduated with I realize I have lucked out. I have a very knowledgeable preceptor and have learned sooo much from her. Her style of teaching is conducive to my style of learning. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the nurses on my shift. However recently there has been a shift in attitude from one of my coworkers and I have been informed through channels that she feels that my relationship with my preceptor is more then one of teacher and student. She has gone as far as to tell nurses on other floors that we are having an affair. My preceptor has been happily married for 27 years, has 2 grown children (one is 4 years younger then me) and is 14 years older then me. I am shocked by these lies and dumbfounded as to where they came from. I see it as a personal attack on my moral/ethical code.

My question is...what do I do? Should I report this to my manager, confront the nurse spreading the rumor? MY preceptor is finishing grad school for education and could become the nurse educator in the hospital when she graduates. I would hate for this it interfere with a promotion for her. Nor would I want it to crush any chances for me to advance. Any suggestions?

Thank You

Here's my take on rumors....

When you walk thru the front door and fart...by the time you get to the nurse's station, they will be saying you made the poo on yourself.

ignore it!