Lateral violence

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Hello all. Newbie here.

I've been an RN for about 3 years now; 2 years in Med/surg and 1 year in ICU. I feel somewhat more confident about myself in ICU with the experience I've had. I've received a few of our recognition awards from fellow coworkers about my work ethic, and pride myself on my compassion for the job. I've had my fair share of "oh, I did forget to do that, I'm so sorry" moments, but EVERY nurse ever has had a moment like that.

This is morning was different. This morning I've felt disrespected more than I've ever felt in my entire life. I was called lazy, that I leave my patients a mess, that I'm sloppy. This contradicts everything I've ever been told. I've had a problem with attitude from this nurse in the past, but never have outright been told this by her or anyone, no matter what job I have been in. I attempted to talk to her this morning in a civil conversation, but civil did not happen.

My my question here is, should I contact corporate compliance about this? I have no confidence whatsoever in management keeping this issue confidential or without conflict. And talking to her is obviously not an option. Really at a loss here on what to do.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

The shift in question, were you lazy?? Did you leave a patient in a mess etc?? It is rare for statements to be made to your face that holds no truth. I can see saying those things behind your back. But to your face, seems like something is off. Either you have left this nurse in a mess before and don't see it or she really has something against you. I'm not big on running to cooperate or my manager unless it's a safety issue but that's just me. We all have different personalities and will not always get along or like each other. However we should be civil. If you feel this is a major issue that you can not work out with this person, I would go to your manager first for assistance without giving names. Attempt their advise and if it's not doesn't resolve things and you feel you need to go higher, do so. Things may or may not get better

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

In addition to what the PP said, corporate compliance is not the next rung in the chain of command. If you cannot work out the conflict directly with the other person, the next step is your nurse manager.

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Hello all. Newbie here.

I've been an RN for about 3 years now; 2 years in Med/surg and 1 year in ICU. I feel somewhat more confident about myself in ICU with the experience I've had. I've received a few of our recognition awards from fellow coworkers about my work ethic, and pride myself on my compassion for the job. I've had my fair share of "oh, I did forget to do that, I'm so sorry" moments, but EVERY nurse ever has had a moment like that.

This is morning was different. This morning I've felt disrespected more than I've ever felt in my entire life. I was called lazy, that I leave my patients a mess, that I'm sloppy. This contradicts everything I've ever been told. I've had a problem with attitude from this nurse in the past, but never have outright been told this by her or anyone, no matter what job I have been in. I attempted to talk to her this morning in a civil conversation, but civil did not happen.

My my question here is, should I contact corporate compliance about this? I have no confidence whatsoever in management keeping this issue confidential or without conflict. And talking to her is obviously not an option. Really at a loss here on what to do.

I would be inclined to give her some breathing space and let her shed the 'tude just a bit before approaching her and asking what gives. She may feel she HAD to "dress you down" because everyone else raves about you. I had a supervisor that felt she had to do that with the strongest personalities in the dept. She lost big time because no one would trust her or count on her in a pinch.

Corp Compliance isnt the route....HR sure would be.

Good Luck

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.

Hi Newbie! Welcome to the world of Nursing! (hee hee). Unfortunately, this is not uncommon...but thankfully has been addressed more and more in recent years as we improve our professional behavior.

It is a topic discussed more and more in nursing and in other professions as well..not just nurses.

However, there will be rude, mean people wherever you go. I agree with what most have said so far... Chain of command is important. If you ever choose to not follow the chain, then you should have a solid reason as to why you haven't. You shouldn't just say, "well, I think the manager wouldn't Keep this confidential". Also, I wouldn't report her over one incidence, but I would be careful around her, and make sure your communications with her are always professional. If you witness her being this way with others, or if she continues to be hard on you, then I would discuss it with your manager after you try to work it out with her first. Whenever someone is critical of your work, no matter how experienced you are, before you react, ask the person if they can give you an example...broad, generalized statements she made aren't helpful and only sound like complaining. If at some point you inadvertantly had left something undone, or whatever she was complaining about, then you might learn something. If she was just being a mean girl, then nothing you would do or say would matter.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Hello all. Newbie here.

I've been an RN for about 3 years now; 2 years in Med/surg and 1 year in ICU. I feel somewhat more confident about myself in ICU with the experience I've had. I've received a few of our recognition awards from fellow coworkers about my work ethic, and pride myself on my compassion for the job. I've had my fair share of "oh, I did forget to do that, I'm so sorry" moments, but EVERY nurse ever has had a moment like that.

This is morning was different. This morning I've felt disrespected more than I've ever felt in my entire life. I was called lazy, that I leave my patients a mess, that I'm sloppy. This contradicts everything I've ever been told. I've had a problem with attitude from this nurse in the past, but never have outright been told this by her or anyone, no matter what job I have been in. I attempted to talk to her this morning in a civil conversation, but civil did not happen.

My my question here is, should I contact corporate compliance about this? I have no confidence whatsoever in management keeping this issue confidential or without conflict. And talking to her is obviously not an option. Really at a loss here on what to do.

Just because it contradicts what you've been told (or possibly what you've 'heard') does not mean it's not true. You can work really hard, and still leave a mess for the oncoming shift. And 'feeling disrespected' is not the end of the world.

In future, when someone criticizes- look for the truth in it.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

In future, when someone criticizes- look for the truth in it.

I just wanted to quote this again...very well said.

Sometimes one has to sift through the BS and see if it is true and take steps to improve.

Is this the first time this has happened?

If you decide to go up the chain of command, make sure you have everything up to snuff; if you were indeed "sloppy" or "lazy" based on your work performance (things not done, especially the "little things" in critical care are MAJOR things that would probably would be so major in other specialities), you will have an uphill battle.

I would wait, document, and approach the person; state what could you improve on your practice; if they give you sound advice (don't feed into he delivery) then there is no lateral violence. :no:

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