Lateral violence. How did you handle it?

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2015

Mavrick,
I have addressed each instance in a firm and assertive manner. There have been multiple occasions. I have first addressed the instances with staff, then went to unit managers, then went to management, then went to my collaborating MD and my clinical supervisor. It becomes exhausting after a while, that is why I said "no negative comments please" because I am tired & on a personal note my father just had surgery so I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. (not for anyone to take pity on me, but I did want to vent a bit & get input however avoid negative comments/replies if possible). I may have a small stature but I do stand up for myself very well. I am far from being a doormat. Just because I show respect for people, does not mean that I accept nor tolerate negative behaviors. I was a former mental health counselor so I am well aware of how to establish boundaries and the difference between being passive/assertive/aggressive. This is the culture at my work place, and I doubt that I am going to have much of a change on it despite what I do. The staff brags about kicking out a former NP and other RNs that "we couldn't stand." And yes, this has been a great learning experience. I am also tired of people placing blame on me, when the staff needs to accept responsibility for their behaviors. But why should they when it is tolerated and management demonstrates the same behaviors themselves> Thanks for you input and have a blessed day.

Then you have learned something valuable. What you will NOT tolerate.

I hope you find a much more suitable work environment and leave the wolves to gnaw on themselves.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Apr 27, 2015

Since you have already been up the chain of command and nothing has changed, it's probably not going to. I have worked in LTC for almost 8 years now and one thing holds true in my experience: The culture of a building is immalleable. I believe the reason being is that it's difficult to staff a NH so poor behavior is generally tolerated just to keep staffing ratios up. I have witnessed countless nurses and other staff with very poor behavior, poor practice, bad attitudes, and poor attendance keep their job simply because "I can't find anyone to hire." (Direct quote from HR.)

My personal approach to issues such as yours is to do what you've already done. Go up the chain of command, and watch to see if things improve. If after a reasonable amount of time I see no improvement, I move on to another job. I get to choose what I will and will not tolerate as far as how I'm treated and what I will tolerate in a work environment. You have that choice as well.

Best of luck with the job search and speedy recovery to your father.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Apr 28, 2015

I've only worked in hospital settings as an NP and a big part of my job is dealing with nursing, allied health, and ancillary staff as a consequence of my provider status. You deal with diverse personality traits from various staff members and unit cultures that can run the spectrum from supportive to toxic. My rule as a provider is that I must be able to provide care that is safe, appropriate, and evidence-based. If nursing staff or any other staff is preventing me from doing that, I address it with the individual involved with an explanation of why I wanted the things done. If I still meet resistance, that's when I bring it up to the chain of command. Other behaviors that do not affect or interfere with my goal of what is good for patient care, I leave those alone. Luckily I've not had major problems. It sounds like you've had it rough where you work so I would look for another setting to work.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 28, 2015

I don't understand why people would fight so hard to stay in a work environment that is miserable. Its like the people you see on the evening news who have had decades long problems with their neighbors....freaking move! Its not about being weak or allowing someone else to win. The most basic advice I can offer is if for whatever reason a job isn't a good fit find another one.

CASTLEGATES · May 8, 2015

For me, I know they cannot fire me, since I follow the rules and do exactly as directed. If they're breaking the law, I'll say something and run it up the pole (if that's what needs to happen). My only issues are unfair treatment and lateral violence, for which I have zero tolerance. If someone is targeting me, they'll pay and I won't let it go until something permanent has been done about it. It's just that simple. I cannot comment because I cannot see you in person to sense your demeanor, how you carry yourself, etc. I do sense the vibes another astute nurse observed, though.

It reminds me of a comedy where the bad guy jumps into the window of a hotel, and the woman inside started yelling, saying "don't touch, me, don't touch me" (but her body was following him as she was disrobing)!! Two completely different things if you had either your eyes closed, or the sound off.

It's very possible body language is saying one thing, words are saying another and I would also venture to assume this has been a pattern in other jobs and environments, before. Never is the victim to blame (don't get me wrong), but if I were you, I'd go for the kill (never maim). There is a process for formal complaints, and if it's not handled appropriately, they will owe you some money when you take them to court. You're there to work, not to make buddies. If they're making this impossible, there are plenty of ways to hold others accountable and if higher admin supports this, then you've got a slam dunk suit. Just that simple. Don't tolerate a second of it. Not a second. If they're not in the line of decisions that affect the jobs, or get things done, don't complain to them (collaborating physician, etc). Go to HR, tell HR you want to pursue and send certified letters.

synaptic · May 9, 2015

Usually if somebody comes at me laterally ill try a side kick or a good hook punch.

lvan0904 · May 12, 2015

Jules,

I'm not fighting hard to stay in this work environment. I asked how others handled this type of experience, in hopes of learning from it and avoiding it in the future if possible. I am currently searching for another job. If I could simply pick up and move, believe me- I would immediately.

lvan0904 · May 12, 2015

Castelgates,

To my defense, I had a rough week and I was fed up with the level of disrespect encountered at work. I would never address an NP (or anyone regardless of title/position) in the manner of which the staff at this nursing home have addressed me time & again. My father just had major surgery when I wrote the post, so I may have presented myself as a bit frail and emotionally weak. Trust and believe that I uphold myself in a different manner at work.

I treat staff with respect and professionalism, and I demand it in return. I expect quality care to be delivered especially when my license is on the line and take my job seriously. Some of the employees are unhappy with my orders/interventions because it results in "more work" for them. Well, too bad!!!

I am a newer NP learning the culture of post acute care. I am coming from a background in the hospital, where hospital employees are managed under a totally different set of rules/standards. I have witnessed many behaviors and lack of compliance go without disciplinary measures (some that would result in firing at the hospital). It's a different world with different rules/regulations in the nursing home setting. Other NPs and even MDs have similar complaints, so I'm not the only one who has had these problems.

I don't know exactly how to take your example of the woman and the intruder, but I am not the type to send mixed messages. Also, I have taken my complaints up the chain of command, as mentioned in earlier posts. I'm not just sitting back letting this just happen without addressing it to the higher ups. My conclusion: it's time to move onto another job where patient safety, quality care, and professionalism are upheld.