inappropriate messages

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jan 19, 2014

I am going to explode!]
I would never dream of texting my boss the inappropriate rubbish she texts me. This woman has been nursing for 15 years she is not new to this world. I'd really like to respond by texting here rubbish back to show her what it is like getting texts on a Saturday afternoon about work!
Anyway thanks for the vent :)

thats an idea, or you could call her back, not text, and firmly ask "why are you texting this after hours? Do I text or call You outside of work hours unless it's unavoidable? Tell me what is so important that it can't be sent in an email or be addressed by an assistant manager!"

Address only the issue of her behavior, refusing to discuss her request outside of the proper channels.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2014

What about meeting with her in your office - set an actual appointment (even if it's during her shift - just the formalization of "please come to my office at 11:00") and stating please only call/text me on off hours if a situation such as X occurs -- patient or staff harm/injury, activation of the emergency/disaster plan, etc. End the conversation with "I'm going to follow this up with an email to confirm the things we've talked about today."

But is it possible that, even with her experience, she is unconfident in day-to-day decision making or unclear about things that may require your involvement?

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jan 25, 2014

Thanks to both off you.

I pulled her into the office and told her that there was proper channels for roster requests and other non urgent issues. I.e. the ANUM on duty. If they couldn't resolve it to leave me a note or email me. I asked her how should feel if I started texting her all the information that I talk at huddle and email to people, when they are not at work.

I told her if continued I would involve HR for a formal warning. Let's see how it goes ...............

adnrnstudent, ASN, RN · Jan 26, 2014

I personally would much rather get a text for an easy question than a phone call. On our unit, we text each other all the time asking if people can work OT or other simple stuff.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2014

I wold get a different work phone and remove it from the call list. I would also look at your institution's chain pof command and policy for requests etc. Talk with HR to see if you can begin a disciplinary action plan with escalting consequesces for not following protocol/policy. If no policy now is an opportunity to develop one.

MatrixRn · Jan 26, 2014

She is not following the chain of command and being manipulative. Does she have an issue with your assistant?

I would schedule a time to meet with her and lay out the specifics of what you expect her to do. If this happens she does X, if this happens she should do that. After the meeting, send an email that states what you just told her. Ask for he to acknowledge the email. Really she does not have to reply, just sending the email is generally enough information for HR.

Sam J. · Jan 27, 2014

I wold get a different work phone and remove it from the call list.

I worked at a place once that was so abusive regarding people for any or no reason that 90% of the staff had new numbers, so work couldn't call them for any reason. Then they had a mock disaster called, and they were unable to contact most of the staff. Only then did they finally restrict and make a new policy about who could call staff and for what reason. And it included all staff verifying or updating their phone numbers before receiving paychecks every two weeks.