SheRN12

What a brutal environment to work in! You need to think about it in terms of protecting your mental health. Put a formal complaint in writing and submit it to not only the "DON's" boss but occupational health as well-use dates and multiple examples. You will need something to back you up when you quit saying this is a hostile work environment and is effecting your ability to do your job. Remember Bullying/harassment occurs over time and is repetitive. You have to prove that it is not a one time occurrence. Let the Don's boss know that you are considering taking sick time due to stress...the company has to see the DON as a financial liability before they will act. Secondly, think about it terms of protecting your license. This woman is not going to protect you if something goes wrong with a pt. Call your Nurses organization AMA or your state nursing union. They may have some advice too

I am a new RN working at my first med surg position for just over a year. It has been a good position for the most part, good training, excellent manager and clinical supervisor and with few exceptions fair staffing. The bet part is I just reduced my hours so I only work two days a week... With a bunch o' kids at home, it is a good balance. Unfortunately, a handful of RN's on the night shift make it so uncomfortable to work on the floor. They r just constantly stirring the pot, complaing about the assignment, playing the "whose to blame" game...basically, bullying the day shift and me I particular. You can't do anything right. It has gotten so bad that I had to complain to the floor manager, and the nursing director. Even if they stop with me, they have made me self conscious about my practice and there will always be animosity between us. Even though I am still learning a lot; I have a feeling I will be happier elsewhere. I keep thinking there has to be a place where people aren't so rude to each other. So do I make hat jump, or stay and take my licks. Everyone says your first job is tough but stay in med surg for at least two years. Am I thinking of leaving too soon. I applied to an ortho floor in a different hospital. Is that a comparable experience.