heartworker

I agree that failure to act allows this man to continue his behaviors. However, it is imperative that the victim is not "blamed" for continuing to keep silent. Fear, embarrassment, worry about retaliation, even anxiety about having "asked for" the unwelcome attention, are all issues for the victim of sexual harassment. If you are afraid to step forward, ask a co-worker to accompany you. Report this man to HR, to the police, to the Nursing Board in your state, and to your lawyer!!

This person is sexually harrassing you. He should be reported immediately to his supervisor, and to the HR officer. There are laws that protect you against sexual harassment at work. You may feel nervous about confronting him personally, but you need to tell him that his behavior is inappropriate, uninvited, and illegal. I am sorry you are having this issue.

Hello, I am appalled at the racial bias your workmates are perpetuating against you. There is no excuse for it. I wish I could say that as people getting to know you, things will improve. Unfortunately, the social and political forces are exacerbating the racial prejudices in the south, and in many rural areas. If I were you, I would search for work elsewhere. Explore areas where racism is less tolerated-- that is usually in the west. Don't put up with offensive treatment at work, while you are stuck there.

Patients experiencing pain may exhibit regressive behaviors, causing care personnel to label them as "drug-seeking", "unruly", or "borderline". This is especially prone to occur in Emergency Departments, where there may be several critical situations happening simultaneously. Passing kidney stones is an excruciating experience, and patients are likely to be terrified, particularly if their nurse withholds medication, or is not supportive of their emotional needs. Their behaviors may escalate dramatically, as the pain continues. The care provider must medicate adequately, and be present to emotional and behavioral cues, from the patient, and her significant other. I would suggest that you take a course in pain management, to assist you in gaining knowledge, and coping strategies for managing pain. Having worked in ED for years, I know how hectic it can be...however, advocating for ample pain relief, and being emotionally available to patients who are experiencing acute pain can help patients to move through even very painful events more ably.

I am currently looking into a Nursing Education Masters (MA, not MS) online at Walden University, and they charge $330 per unit. This is the first Nursing Ed master's I have found, and it really jazzes me, because Nursing Ed is my love!! heartworker

Perhaps you can consider first if there is a MS program near you where you would also have more "people resources" at your disposal, and which might even be less expensive (though that's questionable). Being in a classroom with other students to share ideas and experiences is an important part of the learning experience. If your workplace will kick in $2500/year for school, you are blessed! Look at your own budget and think about all the places your income is going. Money spent for education is an investment in yourself, not an "expense". If you invest in your education, you will derive a benefit that is long-lasting--especially if you are only 37 now and have, say, 20-30 years to work yet. Search your heart! If you really want to advance your nursing education, find a way to support your dream. Think about your budget--combine credit card balances, cut out unnecessary expenses, set up a fund for school, seek out school loans or grants. The big thing is to consider yourself a good investment! Good luck, Heartworker