I Need Advice Please

[SuperScrubsTiffany, LPN]

I've been an LPN for 6 years. I currently work in a doctors office. I started this job about 2 months ago.

I was asked to plant a PPD and I noticed that the tuberculin syringe expired in 2017. I went to one of my coworkers who is also a LPN and has been working at this office for several years. She basically tried to coward me down and tell me that I was misreading the numbers. Obviously, I know where to locate an expiration date. I told her that I felt uncomfortable placing the PPD because the needle was expired and she gave me so much attitude. She went to the ordering doctor behind my back and made a big deal about, and he got upset and I overheard them talking crap about me. Ever since then she has ignored me and recruited other coworkers to stop talking to me.

I went to my manager about my concerns and she passed it off as that being her personality and no harm was meant. I beg to differ. I feel if we work in the same office, the goal is to communicate, respect, and help one another. I feel like me speaking up for myself caused a hostile environment. This situation happened in December and I overheard the same LPN and medical assistant talking crap about me today regarding the tuberculin needles.

We had a staff meeting 2 weeks ago in general for everyone to address their concerns, and what is going on with the company moving forward. NO ONE mentioned anything about this PPD situation. I feel this specific LPN loves drama and I'm just tired of it.

The manager seems like she's okay with her bullying me and accepting her behavior instead of handing down discipline. I'm not one to keep complaining about the situation. This is the reason why I resigned from my previous job. I hate working in a toxic- back stabbing environment. I love my job and the patients I encounter.

I don't know what to do at this point. I want to go to HR but I feel like it will ignite a flame. I spoke with someone from the front desk and confided in her about my situation. She basically told me that this behavior in the office is not unusual, as it was going on long before I was hired. The manager seems like she's scared to write people up because they're already short staffed, so she basically allows this type of behavior.

Long story short, WHAT SHOULD I DO?! HELP! ?

[Ym Bx, LPN, LVN]

You situation is a tough one. This type of conversation are noted as,”workplace harassment/gossip and slandering.” Typically all work place have rights and protection to employees. These misconducts can be acted upon legal actions. I cannot tell you to report or to not report because it is your choice. But I will definitely speak up. You are speaking up for yourself and speaking up to provide better management. As we nurses learn all expiration dates are critical and should be followed. 

[SuperScrubsTiffany, LPN]

10 hours ago, Ym Bx said:

You situation is a tough one. This type of conversation are noted as,”workplace harassment/gossip and slandering.” Typically all work place have rights and protection to employees. These misconducts can be acted upon legal actions. I cannot tell you to report or to not report because it is your choice. But I will definitely speak up. You are speaking up for yourself and speaking up to provide better management. As we nurses learn all expiration dates are critical and should be followed. 

Thanks so much for your advice! 

[Guest1167668]

You should quit! Remember this is your license on the line. I worked in a medical office like that with constant drama and I was miserable. I do things by the book, and they also had a problem with this and at the end of it I was the one in trouble for speaking up. There is no reason to be shamed for doing things the right way. This job won't help your nursing career if that is the environment that the doctor is allowing. I'm sure you would be the first one they would pin something bad on. No reason to stay somewhere that isn't of service to you. Good luck!

[Ym Bx, LPN, LVN]

Also one more thing don’t forget it’s also for your safety and patient safety. We are advocates. ?

[SuperScrubsTiffany, LPN]

2 hours ago, Ym Bx said:

Also one more thing don’t forget it’s also for your safety and patient safety. We are advocates. ?

I definitely agree. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

3 hours ago, nursekp said:

You should quit! Remember this is your license on the line. I worked in a medical office like that with constant drama and I was miserable. I do things by the book, and they also had a problem with this and at the end of it I was the one in trouble for speaking up. There is no reason to be shamed for doing things the right way. This job won't help your nursing career if that is the environment that the doctor is allowing. I'm sure you would be the first one they would pin something bad on. No reason to stay somewhere that isn't of service to you. Good luck!

Thanks so much for your response. I've already applied to other jobs and got a couple of calls back. I appreciate your advice. Thank you.

[TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN]

Sometimes in a toxic work culture it is best just to cut your losses and go elsewhere. 

However, there can be a LOT of toxic employers in healthcare and if you leave from every place that has this atmosphere you could be looking at not having a job.

I tend to be assertive when I feel as though someone's trying to smear me, so I would probably pull her aside and ask her if she had any concerns about you she wanted to discuss. Remain calm, objective, and hear her out if she does actually bring anything up. Tell her that you feel as though there's been a lot of tension and you want to work out whatever difficulties there may be, a lot of people will respond favorably, I've found, and sometimes that's enough to take care of the issue.

If that's not your style, my other piece of advice would be to let it ride and just ignore their juvenile behavior. If they don't want to talk to you, who cares? You're there to do your job, get paid, and go home, sure it would be nice to be on friendly terms with your co-workers but there are many days I wish I could get the silent treatment from my co-workers ?. Besides if these people are so bent out of shape over an expired tuberculin syringe I probably wouldn't have much use for them as co-workers anyway.

[SuperScrubsTiffany, LPN]

On 2/4/2021 at 11:23 PM, TheMoonisMyLantern said:

Sometimes in a toxic work culture it is best just to cut your losses and go elsewhere. 

However, there can be a LOT of toxic employers in healthcare and if you leave from every place that has this atmosphere you could be looking at not having a job.

I tend to be assertive when I feel as though someone's trying to smear me, so I would probably pull her aside and ask her if she had any concerns about you she wanted to discuss. Remain calm, objective, and hear her out if she does actually bring anything up. Tell her that you feel as though there's been a lot of tension and you want to work out whatever difficulties there may be, a lot of people will respond favorably, I've found, and sometimes that's enough to take care of the issue.

If that's not your style, my other piece of advice would be to let it ride and just ignore their juvenile behavior. If they don't want to talk to you, who cares? You're there to do your job, get paid, and go home, sure it would be nice to be on friendly terms with your co-workers but there are many days I wish I could get the silent treatment from my co-workers ?. Besides if these people are so bent out of shape over an expired tuberculin syringe I probably wouldn't have much use for them as co-workers anyway.

Haha! I felt that WHOLE post.. ? .. So I'm transferring to a new office because the doctor I worked with resigned today. 

[caliotter3]

2 hours ago, SuperScrubsTiffany said:

Haha! I felt that WHOLE post.. ? .. So I'm transferring to a new office because the doctor I worked with resigned today. 

Good.  Your problem has been solved for you.  Send the doctor a thank you card.