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.
This has disaster written all over it. Most places do not allow a spouse in a supervisory role over another spouse. While it can work, it has the potential to be very disastrous.
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
I just want to point out it isn't really a matter of if you can or are being professional but the appearance/possibility that you wouldn't/couldn't be.
In ethics, it's not always about the realities of a situation, but the possibilities.
And that is why, when it comes to ethics, the key words are normally 'avoid the appearance of conflict of interest'.
I am an RN who owns and operates an AFH (Adult Family Home). I am in the process of buying a second AFH. My partner (together 35 yrs.) and my daughter work for me. Its a family affair. We work very well together for the most part. I really could not do this without their help. However, sometimes I ask myself what the hell am I doing. When we are all under alot of stress at the same time it can be hell. Emotions run high, and everyone wants to unload. One thing I've learned is to just let everyone have his or her say even when I feel like I am right and don't really have time to listen. When I stay calm and listen it really helps to defuse the situation more quickly so that we can all get on with our very important work. Also, I just recently worked in a facility part time where there were at least 3 couples who all worked together. I don't recall there being a problem or anyone saying anything negative. As a matter of fact, because they were couples working together it appeared to me that they enjoyed their work more and conferred with each other (2 heads are better than 1) regarding their patients. I don't see the problem if you have no authority over him. Some people, unfortunately, try to find something to complain about. Ignore the gossip and the nay-sayers and enjoy your work. Peace, Granny
I am an RN who owns and operates an AFH (Adult Family Home). I am in the process of buying a second AFH. My partner (together 35 yrs.) and my daughter work for me. Its a family affair. We work very well together for the most part. I really could not do this without their help. However, sometimes I ask myself what the hell am I doing. When we are all under alot of stress at the same time it can be hell. Emotions run high, and everyone wants to unload. One thing I've learned is to just let everyone have his or her say even when I feel like I am right and don't really have time to listen. When I stay calm and listen it really helps to defuse the situation more quickly so that we can all get on with our very important work. Also, I just recently worked in a facility part time where there were at least 3 couples who all worked together. I don't recall there being a problem or anyone saying anything negative. As a matter of fact, because they were couples working together it appeared to me that they enjoyed their work more and conferred with each other (2 heads are better than 1) regarding their patients. I don't see the problem if you have no authority over him. Some people, unfortunately, try to find something to complain about. Ignore the gossip and the nay-sayers and enjoy your work. Peace, Granny
I would say being a family run business isn't the same as the thrust of this debate.
Theorectically, anybody working for you understands that you are a family affair. If I hire into a situation w/ that understanding, that is a world of difference between having it thrust upon me.
Also, I just recently worked in a facility part time where there were at least 3 couples who all worked together. I don't recall there being a problem or anyone saying anything negative. As a matter of fact, because they were couples working together it appeared to me that they enjoyed their work more and conferred with each other (2 heads are better than 1) regarding their patients. I don't see the problem if you have no authority over him. Some people, unfortunately, try to find something to complain about. Ignore the gossip and the nay-sayers and enjoy your work. Peace, Granny
I believe this DOES pertain to the thread topic, very well in fact. And thank you so much for writing it- that is very reassuring!
Hodge
116 Posts
This has disaster written all over it. Most places do not allow a spouse in a supervisory role over another spouse. While it can work, it has the potential to be very disastrous.