New job, old scene

[NewNurseAlert]

I recently got hired into a facility as RN. Well, it has been brought to my attention that a coworker, who I've worked with in the past, has been saying negative, un-work related, things about me. I am brand new and this person has worked there for a long time. Should I confront her, take it to the supervisor, or grin and bear it?

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd like to say just ignore her but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to keep my big mouth shut for that. I'd more than likely talk with her although if the rumors are not work related I'd pay less attention to them than if she was insulting my work. Make every effort to fit in and mend any fences though because you are the new kid on the block. Hang in there!

[diane227, LPN, RN]

You need to have a talk to her directly and you need to be direct and to the point. This is the only way to put her in her place. I went through this at a job once and once I took this woman to the side and had a direct, frank talk with her she shut her mouth and went on to harass someone else. Do it now and don't wait.

[NewNurseAlert]

Thanks. I got the "message" from a few people to watch out for her because she does not like me. It stems from an incident in the past where she got reprimanded, although the trash she is spreading around has nothing to do with that. It's important for me not to sink to the level, because a huge part of me wants to tell people the REAL reason she has a problem with me. I am better than that. I am so ticked to enter a new workplace and new role to find she has been talking bad about me before I was even there.