Need some moral/ethical (?) input

KellieNurse06 · Aug 25, 2006

Hi everybody. Here's my predicament. Took a job recently, I'm working at a LTC facility, they hired me (RN) to take the place of the present LPN. She is in management, DON and ADON have both said it is a corporate decision that an RN have her job. Problem is, they haven't said anything to this person about the upcoming change. They keep telling me, "she doesn't know yet, so don't say anything". They claim to have a position for her with the same hours/pay. Turns out it will be a unit she despises. I am having a lot of trouble with this, it feels very dishonest, underhanded, sneaky and mean. I really like the job but I don't like taking the job like this. I am very tempted to tell her or make them tell her. It's like she's training her own replacement and doesn't know it. I have only been there a few days but I can tell she has her unit buttoned up, patients and staff are all happier than anywhere else in the building. Last survey, her unit passed with flying colors. Seems to me they're trying to fix something that's not broken. Then there's always the thought that these obviously aren't the most honest or trustworthy employers on the planet. Feedback from everyone is appreciated.

I am not an RN yet....will be as of Dec God willing................

That does sound very shady............I would mention it if it were me.......but just put yourself in her place & think if you would want to know etc etc............ I hope I never have to deal with this stuff...it seems very back stabbing in my opinion.........good luck...

mysticalwaters1 · Aug 25, 2006

Hi everybody. Here's my predicament. Took a job recently, I'm working at a LTC facility, they hired me (RN) to take the place of the present LPN. She is in management, DON and ADON have both said it is a corporate decision that an RN have her job. Problem is, they haven't said anything to this person about the upcoming change. They keep telling me, "she doesn't know yet, so don't say anything". They claim to have a position for her with the same hours/pay. Turns out it will be a unit she despises. I am having a lot of trouble with this, it feels very dishonest, underhanded, sneaky and mean. I really like the job but I don't like taking the job like this. I am very tempted to tell her or make them tell her. It's like she's training her own replacement and doesn't know it. I have only been there a few days but I can tell she has her unit buttoned up, patients and staff are all happier than anywhere else in the building. Last survey, her unit passed with flying colors. Seems to me they're trying to fix something that's not broken. Then there's always the thought that these obviously aren't the most honest or trustworthy employers on the planet. Feedback from everyone is appreciated.

That does sound awful. The thing I don't like is them putting you in the middle of it. That's not fair to you either. They should tell her. Maybe tell them exactly how you feel. And if they do that to one of their current employees I'd keep in mind how they could possibly treat you further down the road.

RN007 · Aug 25, 2006

I am not an RN yet but come from many years of corporate experience in another field (PR). What you're describing is very unprofessional. It appears "corporate" needs to provide some basic HR training. If it were me, I would question how I would feel continuing to work with the DON and ADON after the incident and if I would trust them, not to mention the LPN. I feel for you and wish you good luck ...

weetziebat · Aug 25, 2006

You said it yourself - they are far from honest, trustworthy employers, and if they'll do something this sneaky and underhanded to this LPN, they'd surely have no qualms about doing something similiar to you.

Personally I'd first tell the LPN, then I'd tell the DON and ADON you don't want to work in a place that stabs its own employees in the back, and then I'd walk out the door and never look back.

moonchild20002000 · Aug 25, 2006

I totally agree with Weetziebat.

It really says a lot about the way the place is managed.

momdebo, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2006

Thanks all! I've been thinking the same thing as you guys. Just not a good thing what's going on there. My husband thinks that they're going to wait until I'm good and trained so when they tell her, if she walks, they'll already have someone ready. I thought about working until they tell her and then leave the place when they do. That's pretty mean, but part of me really wants to give them a dose of thier own medicine.

gitterbug · Aug 25, 2006

Remember the Golden rule. I think your hubby is a smart cookie. I know we all have to make decisions we do not like or want to make at times, but you are already questioning this employer's ethics, so why not address the DON in a frank manner. You could not tell this person and keep the terms of your employment, so if they fire you over your questions, then you may want to give her a heads up. I would be she has some idea of what is going on anyway. She was probably approached regarding this other unit earlier, when she refused to take it over and pull it together, they decided to make it look like it was the only job to be had in the place since they had a "more educated" nurse on her unit now. Good luck.

froghair · Aug 25, 2006

you are going to be the meat in the sandwich that cops all the heat when they are finally told. management who have made that decision will drop you like a hot potatoe to cop it all. you'll not only have her dispise you but any friends she has that will undermine your position

Trauma Columnist · Aug 25, 2006

It would concern me that if they would treat a current employee this way, then I wouldn't be treated any better. I would look for another job!

Jolie, BSN · Aug 25, 2006

I agree that this is terribly unprofessional conduct on the part of administration. However, I do not believe that you should tell the LPN about this yourself, as doing so is likely to backfire big time. You are not privvy to hiring/firing/or staffing decisions. Although I have no reason to doubt that they intend to have you replace the LPN, unless you have that in writing, you do not really have any proof. If you go to the LPN and trouble ensues (as it will), administration may claim that you have made all of this up, making you the bad guy.

I would go to your supervisor and let him/her know that you are uncomfortable with the current situation, and insist that the LPN be told of the upcoming changes immediately. If that does not happen, then request a 3-way meeting with administration, the LPN, and yourself, during which you raise the question about your future position.

Good luck to you!

grammyr · Aug 25, 2006

If it were me, I would "RUN FOREST RUN"!!!!!