Political Discussions at Work

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Specializes in OR, Informatics.

As my name indicates, I am a nurse in the operating room. Since I've started, I have had to endure political discussions by surgeons who assume that everyone in the room agree with them. I do not. Because we are not on equal footing, I feel that I can't speak up. So, I am left listening to them espousing their views, and feeling wholly uncomfortable to express my own. I know that I wouldn't be fired for expressing my opinion, however, I could be blackballed from that surgeon's room. I've born this burden quietly, until today. I was doing a case in which the patient was awake. The surgeon, anesthesia provider, and tech were all bad-mouthing Wisconsin public unions and stating their vociferous support for our Governor. My patient said something to the effect of, "I'm probably the only person in the room who supports our president and thinks that that Walker guy is a buffoon." I said, "No, you're not alone. There are two of us." I was mortified! It's one thing to have these discussions when the patient is asleep, and I'm the only one being made to feel uncomfortable. It's a completely different situation when my patient is made to feel as though he is an outsider! I don't like to make waves, but I feel that this conduct was SO inappropriate that I need to sit down tomorrow with my director.

All of our patients pass through the same corridors on their way to the OR. The last time that my director was on vacation, I had to remove a racist, sexist print-out about Michelle Obama from that corridor! I've tried to coast along and go with the flow, but I am at my wit's end! Regardless of one's political affiliation, this behavior is utterly inappropriate. And tomorrow, I'm going to see that it stops. Anyone have any similar experiences/wisdom to share? It would be much appreciated.

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While i have no advice im sorry you're dealing with this. Religion and politics have no place in the workplace. I'm still a student but I followed a nurse once who almost argued with a patient about their political views. I kept my mouth shut but it was very unprofessional.

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I think you are completely justified in bringing this to your director's attention. I have no problem talking politics with coworkers as political trends and decisions have a real bearing on what we do, but it is inappropriate in a patient's presence as it has nothing to do with providing the care at hand. As far as being ostracized for your political beliefs, I understand it works differently for OR nurses; you might just have to stay on the quite side unfortunately.

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Specializes in OR, Informatics.

When I worked on the floor, I would have patients attempt to engage me in political discussions. Regardless of whether I agreed with them or not, I would always maintain a neutral position. I'm not there to make a political ally or alienate a patient. I am there to provide the best possible care that I can. I think that surgeons and anesthesia providers can get so arrogant that they lose sight of why we are actually there. I am always willing to have a political discussion with my PEERS away from patients. In this case, I'm being preached to by a superior, which I think it illegal. Thank you both for your support. This is a really difficult situation. I think that I'm going to sit down with my director in the morning and let her know that I'm planning to speak with HR in the afternoon. I have a very ineffectual director, and the only way to get anything done in my facility is to go to HR. I understand the "chain-of-command", however, so I will give her the courtesy of letting her know that I'm planning to talk to HR. Thoughts?

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Go to HR and ask them what constitutes a hostile workplace enviroment.

BEST WISHES!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Well, I can certainly relate to hearing continual inappropriate conversations in the O.R. I seem to be pretty laid back to others opinions and I try not to let that kind of stuff bother me; I have more important things in my life to deal with. One piece of "Real World" advice that I will give you is this, "Do not try to expose a surgeon or report unprofessional conduct on their part; unless it is something that is REALLY BAD. They have been getting away with it for years and this will continue to happen......Money talks and unfortunately it is a political matter. The surgeons are generating money for the hospital and administration will most definitely always side with the surgeon.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
When I worked on the floor, I would have patients attempt to engage me in political discussions. Regardless of whether I agreed with them or not, I would always maintain a neutral position. I'm not there to make a political ally or alienate a patient. I am there to provide the best possible care that I can. I think that surgeons and anesthesia providers can get so arrogant that they lose sight of why we are actually there. I am always willing to have a political discussion with my PEERS away from patients. In this case, I'm being preached to by a superior, which I think it illegal. Thank you both for your support. This is a really difficult situation. I think that I'm going to sit down with my director in the morning and let her know that I'm planning to speak with HR in the afternoon. I have a very ineffectual director, and the only way to get anything done in my facility is to go to HR. I understand the "chain-of-command", however, so I will give her the courtesy of letting her know that I'm planning to talk to HR. Thoughts?

NICE......Generalization that is!

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom, but I do applaud you for going to the director and HR with this. VERY courageous step you're taking!!! I hope your outcome will be favorable. It really is about the dignity and care of the patients. Please do let us know how everything turns out.

:redbeathe

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Specializes in LTC.
NICE......Generalization that is!

In this case, I don't think she was really generalizing, considering she cited a specific example.

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Specializes in LTC.
Well, I can certainly relate to hearing continual inappropriate conversations in the O.R. I seem to be pretty laid back to others opinions and I try not to let that kind of stuff bother me; I have more important things in my life to deal with. One piece of "Real World" advice that I will give you is this, "Do not try to expose a surgeon or report unprofessional conduct on their part; unless it is something that is REALLY BAD. They have been getting away with it for years and this will continue to happen......Money talks and unfortunately it is a political matter. The surgeons are generating money for the hospital and administration will most definitely always side with the surgeon.

Sad, but reality. Like they say: MDs are assets, RNs are liabilities. :uhoh3:

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Work is home away from home so almost everything gets discussed eventually but your personal and professional goal should be to avoid any and all political/religious discussions in the workplace..you may not be able to avoid hearing them and if it makes you uncomfortable then use HR but discreetly...an open door policy just means the door is open..it doesn't mean you won't get any crap for shining a light on improper behavior...be professional and let others handle the issue..don't be the person who wishes they could take back something they said...

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I too am in WI, and the political talk is overwhelming!! I always just say " my father taught me that I shouldnt argue politics or religion because no one wins in that arguement""!!! He actually did tell me that years ago- and it does work.

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