Lateral violence from manager

[Taramariah]

I feel that I am the victim of lateral violence from my nurse manager. I feel that this stems from the fact that I was pregnant when I was hired and chose not to tell her. She has told a friend of mine who is also a nurse manager that I have pink flags of concern concerning employment. She has told a coworker of mine that I am a trouble maker for informing a patient of his rights by law!. After she said these things I asked her if there were any areas that I needed to improve upon. She said "I would really have to think about it, I can't think of any right now." in addition I have gone in several interviews for positions that I really wanted, had been in communication great communication from area managers now suddenly nothing. I work in a small university system. Am I crazy, is this lateral violence?

[singleumm]

It sounds like she black balled you. Nursing is 98% FEMALE. I say female because not everyone is a woman. Very vicious indeed of her to do this.

[nola1202]

Not sure, I question your friends boundries, the other manager may have just been talking as one manager to another...I've said things about patients that I really would not have getting back to them. To me a pink flag isn't red. She has some reservations but no major concerns. So far as blackballing, don't know, the job market is really difficult right now, keep knocking on doors and following up. I don't live where you do so a peer might do better on the blackballing thing. You did the right thing talking to your mgr. I'm sorry she wasn't healthy enough to be direct with you.

[Taramariah]

In the end I had conformation that this was a lateral violence issue and worse, issues escalated. I did keep my cool, managed to stick up for myself and found a new position in the system. I was hired for a job with a manager that chose to give me a chance based on my interview despite the internal reference from my past manager.

Lateral violence causes problems, serious issues with communication and patient care issues. It is never okay but never punished, nor reported so continues to exhist.

As a rule though, I don't say things concerning people or situations that I would not expect to get back to them. It is a hard job market out for everyone. I am fortunate at this time to have a job that I love, that I can grow in and learn from.

As for my past manager, I hope that she learned something from this situation.

Thanks for all the support from everyone.