Now that I'm an "old" nurse

[Tasern1214]

So, I have been at the same organization for 20 years and have worked hard to develop a stellar reputation with a variety of experiences. Recently, I had an experience that is challenging all of that. I had a "Professional disagreement" with a surgeon about him marking his site. He felt it was beneath him to have to go to preop to mark his patient's site. Needless to say, the organization asked me to transfer rather than step up to fight for what was right. Two weeks later, same surgeon different issue but with a younger, skinny, cute nurse. Want three guesses to see how the organization handled it this time? Human Resources, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Lawyer, and the CMO all got involved.

HMMMM...

[Kitiger, RN]

So, I have been at the same organization for 20 years and have worked hard to develop a stellar reputation with a variety of experiences. Recently, I had an experience that is challenging all of that. I had a "Professional disagreement" with a surgeon about him marking his site. He felt it was beneath him to have to go to preop to mark his patient's site. Needless to say, the organization asked me to transfer rather than step up to fight for what was right. Two weeks later, same surgeon different issue but with a younger, skinny, cute nurse. Want three guesses to see how the organization handled it this time? Human Resources, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Lawyer, and the CMO all got involved.

HMMMM...

The organization won. They get to pay you less, and now they can hire a new nurse who will also "cost" less.

The surgeon helped them; why would they want to fight him?

Sorry, I sound jaded. But as I get older, I hear about more of this happening.

[Tasern1214]

exactly how I felt.

[Julius Seizure]

Do you plan to take this to your union (if you have one), or HR?

[nursel56]

exactly how I felt.

Although you weren't fired, Tasern, just so you know how much your feelings are shared, here is a thread that painfully details the experiences of nurses with many years of experience being devalued by their employers.

I keep an eye on this thread, hoping somebody will say something encouraging.

I'm not trying to make this older vs younger. I lay it at the feet of corporations who care about nothing but a balance sheet.

Hospitals Firing Seasoned Nurses: Nurses FIGHT Back!

[Tasern1214]

HR was directly involved, they, along with my hospital administrator, were the ones who advised me to transfer because they couldn't fight for me.

[Tasern1214]

Thank you, I agree that it is not Nurse vs Nurse but Hospital Admin against Nurse to boost their bottom line

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

So, I have been at the same organization for 20 years and have worked hard to develop a stellar reputation with a variety of experiences. Recently, I had an experience that is challenging all of that. I had a "Professional disagreement" with a surgeon about him marking his site. He felt it was beneath him to have to go to preop to mark his patient's site. Needless to say, the organization asked me to transfer rather than step up to fight for what was right. Two weeks later, same surgeon different issue but with a younger, skinny, cute nurse. Want three guesses to see how the organization handled it this time? Human Resources, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Lawyer, and the CMO all got involved.

HMMMM...

Wow. Every surgeon I have had experience with "marks" the site, and also asks the patient what their understanding is regarding which part is being operated on. Any surgeon worth his salt shouldn't be offended. He's got "ego" written all over him.

[Accolay]

Have you talked to a lawyer? Just wondering what they would make of it. The older I get, the less likely I am to deal with BS like that and would want to go with the nuclear, no-holds-barred, lay waste, take-no-prisoners option. Doesn't sound like your organization values you so why value them? You're an OR nurse yes?

[CalRn8]

You state that HR was involved....but did you go so far as to file a formal grievance? I suggest you read your hospitals grievance policy and file a complaint. Until it is in writing, they will likely do nothing. Then if you decide to pursue this later within the legal system, you will have the documentation needed.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

So, I have been at the same organization for 20 years and have worked hard to develop a stellar reputation with a variety of experiences. Recently, I had an experience that is challenging all of that. I had a "Professional disagreement" with a surgeon about him marking his site. He felt it was beneath him to have to go to preop to mark his patient's site. Needless to say, the organization asked me to transfer rather than step up to fight for what was right. Two weeks later, same surgeon different issue but with a younger, skinny, cute nurse. Want three guesses to see how the organization handled it this time? Human Resources, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Lawyer, and the CMO all got involved.

HMMMM...

Could this be the difference?

You devalue yourself if you assume it's because of you.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

HR was directly involved, they, along with my hospital administrator, were the ones who advised me to transfer because they couldn't fight for me.

Why did you receive a pay cut for being transferred? What happened did the surgeon demand you be fired and admin sided with him? Why can't you get your job back now that they finally stood up to him. I would consider getting a lawyer. Wonder if you could have been a whistle blower to medicare re his refusal to follow safe practice? Probably no money to be had though if admin broke down and stopped his refusal to follow protocol.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

sorry but you do not know who or whom she knows,get mydrift?

Do not let this keep you awake that surgeon will soon show his true colors.Hold your head up high and laugh it off.