My husband works for me- is this ever going to work?

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I just wanted to get opinions... I am the RN supervisor on the 11-7 shift at a LTC facility. My husband is an LPN. He now works here on a PRN basis, and he works the night shift also. Let me first add that he is a wonderful nurse, and that I have had countless staff members tell me how much they enjoy working with him. He is always willing to help out whether it be other nurses or the CNAs. He has even fixed the cars of staff members who couldn't get them to start. He also fixes the computers here when they go down during the night shift. Ordinarily I wouldn't be comfortable with this arrangement, but in the facility the LPNs work 7p-7a while the supervisors work 8 hour shifts. Therefore noone can accuse me of favoring him when it comes to assignments as he has been assigned for 4 hours before I come in. I also do not hire or fire, that is done by the DON (who, by the way, loves having him here and thinks he is one of the best nurses working here.) Also, I tend to be harder on him so noone can get the impression that I am favoring him in the slightest. My problem is this: there are a handful of staff members who really seem to resent that he and I work together. Not many, but just a few. I keep hearing things that were said, and I know that unfounded rumors have gone around before as to favoritism.

Is there anything I can do to eliminate this? He has only been here for about 2 months, will it get better with time? I love working with him, he is dependable and caring, which makes my job easier. I just hate thinking that there are people who are so petty as to resent this situation. I didn't even hire him, my DON did- and it was her idea.

Does anyone have any ideas? Or opinions?

Lori

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I am surprised the facility allowed that. I don't think that would be allowed at the hospital I'm at.

Sorry, but I don't have any advice, just the above comment.

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Let me add that mine is not the only situation like this in the facility. We have two LPNs who are sisters as well as charge nurses. We also have had a supervisor whose daughter worked for her as well. I agree that it is unusual, however isn't the important thing that he provides excellent resident care as well as assisting the other staff members? I know that if I were the one working here and seeing this situation, I would not automatically assume that my supervisor would not be fair. He is also only here on a PRN basis, not full time, which eliminates any responsibility I would have as far as pulling schedules or absences, time off, etc. He basically answers to the DON, not to me. Yet there is still a handful (actually three) staff members who have made snide comments that have come back to me by other staff members who love working with him.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I originaly met my husband on the lonley 2-10 shiflt (LTC) he was a CNA and I the charge nurse. We eventually ended up quitting that job and I found another nursing job and he went to something totally different. After we werer married and several kids later he decided to come back to work with me. Well this is at my current job but it happened several years ago. I am the weekend staffing/supervisor and Im not sure what the tug of war was about but I made it very clear to all involved that I dont want any part of his staffing ,disicipline or anything (conflict of interest). Weekday staffing was hunting me all over town on my days off to ask if he wanted to work a extra shift... when he was at home. He was after me to change his schedual or get extra shift .. I was more like a knowledgable messenger, who knew both parties and was playing tug of war......:uhoh3: WHAT DID I TELL YOU PEOPLE!!!!!! I told him and my job that the time spent focusing on their scabbles and problems was more time than on my nursing job ...... Someone had to go and he ended up leaving.To much drama for me. Ill never work with my husband again.... GEEEEZZZZZZZZ

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have worked with my husband when both of us were in the military. I wouldn't choose to work in a supervisory role with my husband just because it gives the APPEARANCE of nepotism. Just my opinion of course.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I could never do that.

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Seems like if it's working out for you, him, and the majority of staff... so be it. Let things be and be happy! If he's the peach you and the majority thinks he is, the others will either be won over, or they're looking to start crap in the first place.

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Specializes in NICU.

I don't think there are any legal problems or hospital policies regarding this matter...but it's bound to cause some issues sooner or later, no? It's not so much the working together that's the problem - it's the fact that one spouse is supervising the other.

I work with my future mother-in-law. She had worked on the unit for about 10 or 12 years before I interviewed, and the nurse manager asked for her permission before hiring me because she didn't want to cause any discomfort. Seven years later, we still work side-by-side on the same shift. It can be weird sometimes, especially when there is family drama going on. But the fact that we're both staff nurses and neither of us does charge nursing really helps because we're on the same level. Kind of cool, sometimes.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Here in the Uk I dont think it happens in case of conflict of interest. I have to say it is an interesting dilemma and I am interested to read others comments.

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hello, just gunna add my 2 cents worth.

So you are happy, your boss is happy, your husband is happy. the work is not compromised, infact it is at an excellent level, and the greater percentage of your workmates are happy. Not to mention that you really are not in a position to play favourites even if you wanted to.

From my perspective, you shouldnt even waste your time worrying bout this, its all in the minds of the petty little complainers, and face it, you will have those who will complain any move you make. :uhoh3:

anyhoo, hope it works out for you.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

I would be concerned if you were ever in the position where both had to report on an incident. The inherent conflict would at least *appear* be a problem.

Additionally, perception is reality to the observer, so whether or not there is any favoritism or conflict, any situation where there _could_ be will autmatically put you both in a bad light.

Additionally, I would not want all my financial eggs in one basket.

Not attacking you at all - just saying I wouldn't personally do this.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I would be concerned if you were ever in the position where both had to report on an incident. The inherent conflict would at least *appear* be a problem.

Additionally, perception is reality to the observer, so whether or not there is any favoritism or conflict, any situation where there _could_ be will autmatically put you both in a bad light.

Additionally, I would not want all my financial eggs in one basket.

Not attacking you at all - just saying I wouldn't personally do this

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I think this would be my main concern too, I wouldnt want it to erode on my home life as I like to keep it seperate from my work life if you know what I mean.

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