Punitive culture

[pink panther]

New management has taken over my facility and write ups are a constant now. I was wondering what is everyones experience with this? Is it best to stay and ride it out until the mass exodus commences and they realize they can't treat employees the way they have been. Or is it best to cut my losses and go to another facility?

I would really appreciate feedback from people who have dealt with new management like this. Thank you in advance for any advice/war stories.

[cleback]

I've been in my current organization for 8 years, so I am not a quitter.

But I do believe in recognizing the battles you are likely to win and minimizing stress when able. One person isn't likely to change a workplace culture, and I would find it exhausting to always be on the defense... or offense. The risk in this case... being fired... having an HR file... would also make future employment difficult. Not every place is like that (fortunately, I found one that isn't). Why would I tell someone to stick it out if 1) they aren't going to benefit, 2) their career, at least short term, may be harmed, and 3) it's possible to find work that is not ulcer-inducing?

[Neats, BSN]

I always keep a CYA note book, I do not place HIPAA information in this but just a note about the day with times. Like a mini journal. Helps me with my memory.

I would not quit unless you think they are after you. If you are written up for something that regularly occurs then yes I would look for another job.

[Davey Do]

I would find it exhausting to always be on the defense...

Yeah, you're right, cleback.

My work wife Eleanor told me, "You say all you want is to be left alone, but sometimes you go looking for a fight!"

I guess we all have our issues...

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

After almost 20 years I can say that your time working with the company USUALLY outlasts the time that you will be working with a particular manager. Either they will move on to different positions or you will move on. It doesn't look good on a resume to have a new job ever year or so either. Most companies require the past seven years. Some 10 but I've seen less and less of that over the years.

And then there's always the possibility that YEARS later you will encounter that SAME boss...yes, have had that happen, too. Different city, company...same lovely person!

I try to fly under the radar. I don't say much. I come in, do my job, most of my patients like me, and then I leave. I don't complain but I'm not squealing with excitement either. Knock on wood I haven't fallen victim to write ups. If I did I would probably consider finding a new job before that one bit me. Honestly though, if you aren't the one getting written up then it may be best to try to ride it out. It's rare that I see one manager last anywhere in the same department/position for more than a year. Everyone switches positions, especially with so many companies owning several others and making transfers to other facilities easier than changing companies. I laugh when I'm filling out job applications because they ask for your former supervisor and their contact information. Well, their work contact was this number/email, but you won't get them anymore because they left. However, I did stay in touch and I can see if they are okay with me giving out their personal contact info if you would like?

[TriciaJ, RN]

With all due respect to GIB, cleback, and Katie who have a history of displaying mentally healthy behavior and giving sound advice, I beg to differ.

When I saw the writing on the wall back in '06, I kept objective documentation on everything that I saw that was awry with patient and/or staff safety. Belinda says I have a suitcase full of documentation. Not so. It's only a briefcase full.

When I was called into HR last year for neglecting to complete that superfluous piece of paperwork, I got angry. No attention was paid to, dare I say, my heroic interventions in at least three situations in the preceding two weeks. I also had just completed three 12 hour MN shifts, so I was in no trifling mood.

I confronted both the HR director and the psych division manager on their past and present behaviors, initiated the grievance process, and have not been bothered by them since.

I like my job, coworkers and patients, am in the autumn of my career, and want to stay put until I retire. My tact is to get more on them then they have on me and come out ahead in a standoff.

Thus far my tact has worked. Stay tuned for updates!

Ah, but you have a union. Many places are not unionized so no grievance can be filed. I, too, was active in my union. The manager who harassed and intimidated everyone only tried it with me once. It wasn't fruitful for her. And even when there is a union many people still don't want to upset the apple cart so they tolerate nonsense.

So kudos to you, Davey for being a role model. We need more like you.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

With all due respect to GIB, cleback, and Katie who have a history of displaying mentally healthy behavior and giving sound advice, I beg to differ.

When I saw the writing on the wall back in '06, I kept objective documentation on everything that I saw that was awry with patient and/or staff safety. Belinda says I have a suitcase full of documentation. Not so. It's only a briefcase full.

When I was called into HR last year for neglecting to complete that superfluous piece of paperwork, I got angry. No attention was paid to, dare I say, my heroic interventions in at least three situations in the preceding two weeks. I also had just completed three 12 hour MN shifts, so I was in no trifling mood.

I confronted both the HR director and the psych division manager on their past and present behaviors, initiated the grievance process, and have not been bothered by them since.

I like my job, coworkers and patients, am in the autumn of my career, and want to stay put until I retire. My tact is to get more on them then they have on me and come out ahead in a standoff.

Thus far my tact has worked. Stay tuned for updates!

Are we looking for these? tack, than, tack

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

It happens everywhere. I remember getting a new job and thinking gosh my manager is such a sweet woman I am so lucky to have her in charge of me, sadly two weeks later she said she was leaving the place.

[Davey Do]

Are we looking for these? tack, than, tack

tact--adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

I'll give you than, Officer Mavrick of the Grammar Police!

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

Based on the vagueness of your post it's hard to help. But if you are doing what you are suppose to do, and being respectful, planning ahead and not putting in a bunch of overtime, why are you so concerned about getting "written up?"

Could be that your new Management doesn't put up with nonsense. That's not always a bad thing.

[djh123]

I have no advice, but I feel for your situation. I just took a new job at a facility where the top 2 people who were there when I first talked to them seemed like they'd be the type you're dealing with, but they're both gone now, and the new people seem far more normal & reasonable.

Btw, as Dave Barry would say, Punitive Culture would be an excellent name for a rock band. I'm thinking hair metal or punk...

[caliotter3]

I would leave before I had a list of disciplinary notes attached to my HR file.

Some of the most long-lived individuals I have ever met in the profession always had a job because they knew how to keep one or three steps ahead of the proverbial axe.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

tact--adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

I'll give you than, Officer Mavrick of the Grammar Police!

Can I be an Admiral or something like that? I thought you meant to inform us of your "tack" as in a change of a boat's direction into and through the wind. I pictured your sturdy form (think Titanic) facing a nasty storm head on with your hairs being jostled about.

I'm trying to find some tact for myself if you've noticed.