Is there confidentiality in workplace.

Riseupandnurse · Jul 31, 2008

I think you need to go speak to this educator/manager face to face, right away, and see what really happened. Then take it from there. This sounds horrible, but I have learned that even something as bad as this could have been a misunderstanding.

lorster · Jul 31, 2008

There was no misunderstanding. The nurse that came to me heard it herself. She was shocked that such information would be disclosed at an informal meeting. Plus, I am not being disciplined at all. She lied to them. I'm angry about this and just do not know how to fix this.

Zookeeper3 · Jul 31, 2008

Me, I would very politely aproach this educator, let her know how word has gotten back to you. Then provide her with the correct information. I would go as far as to request her to rectify the information she has spread to your peers. As well as tell her in the future any further breaches in confidentiality would be handled as a grievance through human resourses.

First offence I"m professional, but make myself very clear, second offense... I'll take you out:D

grammyr · Jul 31, 2008

Just make sure you have a witness, like HR or somebody.

allnurses Guide · Jul 31, 2008

We have something called a dignity at work policy that covers this, this person by spreading these rumours has breeched your dignity at work and in doing so has put you under pressure and stress that is unacceptable.

Even if you were going to be disciplined this is unacceptable, it is a form of bullying and harrassment and should not be tolerated.

Make a note of dates, names and times, personally I would not confront her directly but go to your manager and HR, if you confront her it gives her warning that you know and she will have time to think of a way to change her story.

Nightinmale, BSN, MSN, DNP · Jul 31, 2008

I would get HR involved for the fact that this isn't simply a breach of confidentiality or the spreading of a benign rumor. It's called "slander" and it may have legal ramifications.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jul 31, 2008

you will need to confirm with others present , that this was actually said.....the person whom "reported" it to you, wouldnt be the first to be "fishing" for info with lies.....or trying to start a war at work, to distract from her own issues

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

i'd ask for a meeting with my manager, the educator and the person that reported it to you. then you'll see who squirms first. if it truly was the educator, i'd tell the manager i expect her to be disciplined and the rumor put to an end immediately with an announcement of its falsehood in a unit meeting. then i'd look the educator in the eye and confidently tell her that any further implications will be handled in HR. if it was the person fishing for info, the same would be said to her and she will be revealed for the underhanded person she is. this kind of situation is NOT COOL. :angryfire

Dorito, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

i'd ask for a meeting with my manager, the educator and the person that reported it to you. then you'll see who squirms first. if it truly was the educator, i'd tell the manager i expect her to be disciplined and the rumor put to an end immediately with an announcement of its falsehood in a unit meeting. then i'd look the educator in the eye and confidently tell her that any further implications will be handled in HR. if it was the person fishing for info, the same would be said to her and she will be revealed for the underhanded person she is. this kind of situation is NOT COOL. :angryfire

Good advice. I agree and I hope the poster keeps us informed how this turns out.

lorster · Aug 1, 2008

thanks for all your responses. i contacted my attorney today. he gave me advice on what to do. i am a union nurse but my union is absolutely worthless. our reps are in managements pockets and it is about to all fall apart. i cannot trust my rep currently. i am going to go to the state rep though and file a grievance. i feel it is slander. my attorney states he will stay in the loop and if i get disciplined or fired, he will intervene. i will keep you posted.