Nurses getting screwed over....then speaking up!

[PopeJane3rd]

Ok, I could have put this one in my last post but wasn't sure my responders would ever go there again. I understand being assertive is a huge plus not only at work but in life in general. Speaking up though when one is not happy can have a downside: being fired from your job. This is what I fear. I remember a guy spoke up about an issue in front of a couple of managers and was terminated shortly after that. It happened in like 2000, and it sticks in my mind to this day. I no longer work at that place, but believe me every time I want to complain about something that example comes to the surface in my mind.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Situations like the one you describe (in which someone is fired) are often related to HOW people speak up. In the situation you described, the person spoke up very publically, in front of a couple managers.

Unfortunately, being a good nurse and being assertive is not enough to drive positive change. You also need to develop the polical skills to know how to influence change in a positive way. That's where classes on leadership, professional behavior, etc. come in along with mentoring from successful leaders.

Yep. Just shooting your mouth off can get you fired. Embarrassing your boss in front of others can get you fired. Rocking the boat at the wrong time can get you fired. Etc. But people who have taken the time to develop political skills CAN often make positive change and still keep their jobs.

However ... I acknowedge that there are some situations that are so bad, it's just best to leave if you are that unhappy. I've worked in a few of those places and chose to leave. I've also worked in some good places with some problems and decided to stay and work towards change.

[oslogirl]

I prefer one on one confrontations myself. I will talk to the person giving me grief over whatever reason. Rarely will I bring things to mgt, as i think it best to take care of the situation as described above.I go to mgt mainly to express interest in advancing my career in some way; feedback on how im doing and the like, and to praise the good work of coworkers..nevr to complain about them. I have found mgt generally doesnt like to play mediator to differing personality types. They prefer you take care of your own problems w coworkers. Thats been my experience anyway. I choose my battles carefully, though. Some things are just so petty and trivial its best to just let it go.Ive had coworkers backstab me, gossip about me, etc. I pull em aside and say whats up? Other times, coworkers I hardly know say rude things to me,sometimes i just ignore her, and at times I will look them in the eye and ask just exactly did you mean by that? That usually puts a stop to it, so they resort to talking behind your back. So be it. I dont really care. Its called lateral violence and its rampant in nsg. Until emplyers institute a zero tolerance policy, it wont stop. You can be nice and a good nurse too. Be yourself, only assertive. You dont have to be a total b----. Too many of those already.

This said, when it comes to needing help when youre your drowning, or you need clarification on something, or you feel your assignment is unfair,etc etc the time to speak up is now.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Be proactive. Serve on committees, especially ones that are heard by Admin (Like Environment of Care - JC encourages feedback). Know your chain of command. If there is no nursing leadership group in your facility, ask about starting one. Join professional organizations to keep in the loop about legislation in your state pertinent to nursing. And I agree with the above post, if things cannot be changed then vote with your feet - leave.