Hi all. Im going to explain the situation which is confusing. Not likely to be outright discrimination but I didn't know how else to word the title.
First of all, I look really young I know that's something i will appreciate as I get older. Im 22. I've always been told I look Younger. Im very small stature, short and very petite, I have a young face and a young voice, but I've never been questioned in my abilities. When I was 19 I used to model for a pre-teen magazine so I get that I could pass as almost a decade younger and been teased about it but never got under my skin til now
Long story short I am not allowed to take care of one of my patients as per family request because I am "a 12 year old."
My DON spoke to the family after they complained about me being too young to know what I am doing. The pt's daughter asked her for my age, where I went to school, if I have a valid license. She asked them if my performance demonstrated anything and the daughter couldnt give her any examples of any shortcomings or issues on my part- just that I look and sound like I have not even passed high school and she was uncomfortable because her elderly confused father kept calling me, "cutie pie"
btw I never encouraged him to call me that and I always just laughed and said my name is, "-----" to be professional.
My boss assured her that I am fully competent to do my job, very sweet and caring and not nearly as young as I look. That I just have "a baby face" but she also complained about my voice! My boss decided that since the daughter is completely irrational, that we'd just take me off her fathers care and things would he ok.
I guess I understand that she was just looking out for her dad. That's not a problem and if it stopped there I would not be so concerned.
I work noc shift and don't interact with this pt much. It wasn't a big deal. When I work as floor nurse my charge takes the patient for direct care, and when I am weekend charge I don't go in his room at all. The the family told another patients family member that I am still in high school and lied about my work ethic and capabilities as a nurse and that I must have not been background checked. I have a clean record and nothing against me, professionally or legally! I've had no other complaints at all! I feel that this borderlines some type of harassment or some legal issue. but I'm not sure. I am glad to not be a part of the patients care and never argued, complained, just went with whatever the family wanted! But she is coming off like she is trying to jeopardize my rapport with other patients and families!
DTWriter
322 Posts
What the patient's daughter is doing is defamation.
If it gets to the point that your job is in jeopardy as a result of her lies, then get yourself a lawyer - but as a last resort!
Also, check your employee's handbook on situations like yours. Maybe she can get banned from the building.
In the meantime, document her behavior (who, what, when, where, how, etc.)
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Edit: Ah~ You got management to step in. Nice~
Well, still document her behavior if she steps out of line again.