When to report to BON, authorities, and/or HR (workplace harrassment & threats)

[jfrederickson80]

I have a coworker with whom I've been cordial with for 3 years who has made racist, homophobic, and derragatory statements about coworkers and patients. Our relationship is no longer cordial as recently I reported him to management for threatening me during an emotional outburst. I wrote an email in detail quoting what was said, "I'll kick your ass!" and physically placing his hands on me prior in a "joking" way.

The reason for the outburst was that he was having a bad night, and was "fed up" with my "harassment" ie; joking for years about possibility of racism though I have direct quotes on such instances. Then continued to confide in the charge nurse that I was "spreading gossip" and "bullying" him when each time he has asked me to stop joking; I have.

In our meeting the manager and supervisor, I felt, swept this incident under the rug by not addressing the threat and physicality. They stated there is a no tolerance policy and each of us can be terminated, which I agree is just. However, I am not the one physically threatening or touching another coworker.

Should I present this to HR, the BON, or authorities? I have witnesses and documentation of the incident. I also fear being terminated for reporting this incident.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

"Then continued to confide in the charge nurse that I was "spreading gossip" and "bullying" him when each time he has asked me to stop joking; I have. "

'each time' means you indeed haven't.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I'm having trouble understanding exactly what happened here. There were years of joking on your part about the possibility of racism? What in the Sam Hill does THAT mean??

[amoLucia]

Sounds like you made it a regular habit of peeing him off for quite some time. Goading him can be considered harassment. That is grounds for punitive action against you. His actions need to be addressed also.

I have a feeling there's a whole lot more to this post than we've been made privy. Hope we're not being trolled by a new poster.

Popcorn anyone?

[MatrixRn]

Then continued to confide in the charge nurse that I was "spreading gossip" and "bullying" him when each time he has asked me to stop joking; I have.

In our meeting the manager and supervisor, I felt, swept this incident under the rug by not addressing the threat and physicality.

Based on what was said in the original post, he has been going to the manager right along and reporting the 'joking' as harassment. And in doing so, it would make sense, in the manager's mind, that one day he would have had enough and snapped back.

That said, even if he 'felt harassed' it does not justify him laying hands on you.

I would wonder, if management has known this for 3 yrs, why is this the first meeting?

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

What do you want to happen?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Workplace harassment is an issue that should be discussed with your nursing and human resources manager, it has nothing to do with the BON. The BON's role is to protect the public by ensuring that nurses comply with the nursing practice act and standards of practice, they are not interested in incivility between nursing colleagues.

If after speaking to human resources, you are worried about future harassment, contact the department of labor or look on their website for information about workplace harassment and workplace violence.

If you can be identified by your user name suggest you ask the moderators to help you change it to something more anonymous.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

You sound just as guilty as your coworker.

[amzyRN]

I'm curious as to why you didn't report this 3 years ago. Making racist, homophobic, and derogatory statements is unprofessional. For me personally, I would have paused them in the first instance and said that made me uncomfortable. If I felt uncomfortable in the moment to call them out, I would have reported this to someone else. I don't like racism or homophobia and have a zero tolerance for it in the workplace. It sounds like you were okay with this until he vented his aggression towards you.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you made it a regular habit of peeing him off for quite some time.

I read this as "a regular habit of peeing on him."

Hahahaha, sorry.

[K9lover, ASN, RN]

You should present your case to a workplace rights attorney. IMHO all the rest will brush things under the rug and HR exists only yo suck-up to the business.

[BadwomanM]

I also remain confused as to exactly who did what to whom initially.