How do you deal with workplace drama?

[laurennnxo26]

I landed what I thought would be an awesome job at a Vascular Surgeons office in November. Everything was fine and dandy the first two months.. lately the drama has been ridiculous between the medical assistants, nurses, basically everyone. How do you guys deal with drama? I turned down another job for this position and I'm starting to second guess my descision.

[Sour Lemon]

I would do a lot of listening and NO talking ...about anyone or anything.

[AliNajaCat]

1) I would absolutely refuse to get into an conversation that is based in a drama-"worthy" topic. This will make some people try harder to rope you in, but just smile blandly and say, "How 'bout those Patriots/Falcons?" until they give up.

2) Post this quote on your locker door or in the break room or wherever is appropriate. (Often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, though she may have been paraphrasing a similar one from Socrates)

>>> Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

You can get it in poster format.

That often helps. I try my best to adhere to it myself when the gossip starts up.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Curious, what part in the play does the office manager take?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I don't deal with it, and I don't participate in it. If someone starts complaining to me, I don't I listen for the minimum amount of time possible and then change the subject or excuse myself to do work. I don't share what was said to anyone else. In fact, usually I'm paying such little attention I don't even know what was said. Eventually, the other people stop complaining to you or realize you aren't a good source of gossip.

[CalArmy]

Ignore Ignore Ignore!! If you don't give them the feedback they desire they will move on to someone else who does.

[brownbook]

I am soooo lucky, I am slightly hard of hearing from a childhood illness. I don't catch a lot of what the drama/gossip is. Maybe put an ear plug in one ear and just smile, nod, say "uh uh", or "right", and go about your business. Keep busy, even in down times, find paper work to file, rooms to be cleaned, patients to be called, crash carts to be checked, drug out dates, etc.

[sevensonnets]

You deal with it by ignoring it and doing your own job. Don't ever indulge in gossip or let yourself get pulled into it. Let them fight amongst themselves.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to Patient / Colleague Relations

[saskrn]

I deal with drama by not getting involved, by being nice and respectful to everyone, and by doing my job. I know it's tough, good luck!

[foggnm]

Play it like a dude. Because we just do our jobs and stay out of the b.s. Though sometimes if you're surrounded by drama/negativity it can get old. If the b.s. is likely to be a permanent fixture in your job, then maybe it is time to look at that other job offer.

[DeeAngel]

Be above it all and show no interest in what's being said. When drama starts up there are bonus points for excusing yourself and leaving the area. Keep your mouth closed for the most part and let these people know nothing about your personal life.