Question about verbal threats

[WVNurseLee]

I am an LPN charge nurse in a long term care facility. Recently, I sent an email to my Director of Nursing and Administrator concerning short staffing at our facility. The Staff Development Director (SDD) had a meeting with the Nursing Assistants regarding their complaints about this matter. At the end of this meeting, he proceeded to tell them, "he is just jealous of me because he wanted this job and if I see him out, I'll kick his a _ _!" (referring to me)

I haven't discussed this with the Director of Nursing or Administrator. Should I? The SDD is an LPN and is therefore not my supervisor. The CNAs complained to me and I felt it necessary to inform my supervisor.

The SDD has also made threats to the CNAs that he has no problem firing them over any thing. I feel he is creating a hostile work environment.....PLEASE, any suggestions would be appreciated!!!!!

[mumseyllama]

By all means, consult your Director of Nursing and begin a paper trail. What a difficult environment to live through. It's hard to believe that in this age of short staffing all of you are not treated as golden.

I have, in the past, needed to create a paper trail documenting inappropriate work in a colleague. It's not fun. But you do seem to be responsible in the oversight of the work environment of your staff and taking appropriate action. It's always important, however, to keep in mind that they can terminate you and you must be willing to accept unforeseen results from your actions. We're all faced with immense moral dilemmas and there are many ways to cope appropriately with them from, sometimes, silence, to working behind the scenes, to creating a paper trail, to meetings with administrators etc. Best of luck!

[sjoe]

I agree with the above AND:

In a number of states, to threaten bodily harm is against the law. I would not hesitate to file a police report about this matter, listing the witnesses as well. The sooner the better--BEFORE any further steps have been taken against you. (This is not simply theory--I have done so myself in the past.) Even if the cops don't move on it, this complaint gives you a LOT of clout should you be terminated and wish to file a suit for unlawful termination. I would also ask at least one of the witnesses to make his/her own complete notes on this incident, in case she/he is questioned later on and may have forgotten some details by then.

Remember:

[emily_mom]

Oh man...what a pr*ck! Definitely start that paper trail going. I wouldn't stand for that.

Kristy