I want to throat-punch my co-worker

Nurses Relations

Published

No, I never would assault anybody! Especially not a co-worker! I am not that type of person.

A little about me: I am very laid-back and easy going. I get along with everybody! I jump to help people anytime I can. If I see someone struggling, I offer assistance. I do not sit at the nurse's station playing on my cell phone when there is work that needs done.

Anyway, for the past few weeks, one of my co-workers has been "picking" at me in very subtle ways here and there. But yesterday morning, she acted like a childish brat. And I let her. I didn't acknowledge her behavior because I was busy, I am nonconfrontational and I did not want to get into a shouting match at the nurse's station. She was sitting at the desk with a chart open, I don't know if she was looking through a chart, or writing something. I think she was looking through it. Anyway, the top cover of the chart was lying on top of the mouse and part of the chart was covering the keyboard. She was not on the computer. I needed to log onto the computer to look up some labwork for a patient. I thought I approached her nicely and asked her if I could gain access to the computer for a moment. SHE DID NOT MOVE. AND I KNOW SHE HEARD ME. There was nobody seated beside her, so there was no reason that she could not physically move the chart six inches out of my way. Since she didn't move, I reached under the chart and took the mouse, and gently moved the chart myself so I could gain access to the key board so I could look up my labs. After I put in my passwords and finally was able to gain access, she informs me that the computer across the way is capable of providing me the information I need. I thanked her for the information, because I did not know that.

I finished my work on the computer, which took me three minutes or less. But inside I was fuming. I have been upset this whole weekend because I allowed her to treat me this way. I have always valued and respected this person as a nurse. When I first started here, I was amazed at the report she gave. Thorough, knows her patients, very smart, knows her business. A wonderful nurse. But I no longer have respect for her as a person.

I cannot understand why she would treat me like this. The next time she behaves like this towards me, I WILL pull her aside and ask her what her problem is towards me and how we can squash it. But she will not treat me (or anyone else) like this. Honestly, I do not have time for people like this and I do not have time to feel uncomfortable in the workplace.

I must admit I am afraid if I say something, it will make waves and make things even more uncomfortable for me. I'm afraid she will refuse to witness insulin with me and refuse to witness narcotic wastes with me. If she's childish enough to refuse to move six inches so I can gain access to a computer, she's probably childish enough to do that. She has alot of seniority in the work place over me. I have only been there about 6 months. This workplace is a newer environment for me, and I know she has way more critical care experience than I do. I don't go to work to make friends, but if I make friends at work...it's all good. She probably has friends here. I do not want to talk about her behind her back; I need to tell her to her face that her attitude towards me lately is insulting. And she acted like a brat that day.

Am I over-reacting?

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Your title cracked me up. Based on this very little information that you provided, I don't really view it as picking on you. I probably wouldn't have asked her to move it but rather, I would've asked "Is it okay to move this? I need to use the computer" and moved it. All I can say is to choose your battles wisely.

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OH GOD! After re-reading this, it appears that I am the damn brat! If that is the case, then why does this woman make me feel uncomfortable in the workplace? Why do I let her?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Calm down, I think you're over reacting.

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Specializes in PICU.
OH GOD! After re-reading this, it appears that I am the damn brat! If that is the case, then why does this woman make me feel uncomfortable in the workplace? Why do I let her?

We all have our moments. There are always people that press our buttons, get under our skin. I wouldn't day that you are bad. I sometimes think stress gets the best of us. It sounds like your co-worker was playing a little passive-aggressive with you.

Take care and I hope tomorrow is a better day

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Thank you for your reply. That sounds like good advice.

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Thank you. It will be. :yes:

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Probably. But I will admit, she seems to be escalating. Her treatment of me, that is. I just hope I do not SNAP. That would be bad.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

If it gets worse I would just say something to her. Not with an attitude, but just let her know how you feel maybe? There's a chance she doesn't realize how she's acting.

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If you can be recognized by your user name you should consider changing it or changing the title of the thread.

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Hasn't anyone ever read the book or seen the movie "MISERY" by Stephen King? I suggest you all watch it! The main character is a nurse by the name of Annie Wilkes... and she is crazy. Please, at least watch the movie!

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What is it you are trying to say? Do you have a famous author hobbled in your basement?

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