Rumor mill at work

[Chrissygraduatenurse, LPN]

I feel like I'm being black balled. I work at a home are agency and the morning nurse who relieved me said that it smelled funny when she was relieving me. I told her that it was the client's household trash. This employee went and told the supervisor I smell. The supervisor contacted me via phone and told me about the accusations. I told her it wasn't true and she began asking me do I have access to running water, do I shower everyday , and do I wear deodorant. She als said she was just looking out. I answered her questions and informed her that I do not wish to discuss this further due to the conversation becoming inappropriate . She apologize and became defensive when I advised I would not be able to work my shift that day. My feelings were hurt due to the disrespect and I needed the day to regroup. She ended the call abruptly and tthen emailed me stating that I was removed from the case because it was reported that I had fallen asleep. This isn't true, now they're saying I can never work overnight shifts and have since removed me from the case. I'm thinking of resigning, any suggestions?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

This job doesn't sound like it's going to work out for you. It would probably be best to start looking around for something else.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Sorry this happened to you.

I have heard of nurses getting spoken to because of how they smell--"is that cigarette smoke" "you need a mint" to "your perfume is too overpowering" and everything in between.

However, the whole "have you got running water" thing is a bit too much. BUT I have also heard of nurses who do not have a place to stay that work overnights and sleep. NOT suggesting this is you, but there are cases when this happens.

For whatever reason, you are on the radar. And THAT stinks. I would start looking for something else. Be sure that if more is made of the whole "you fell asleep" thing that your malpractice insurance is in the loop.

Best wishes!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If she wanted to question you about hygiene, having an in person talk would have been much more informative. I suspect it's not about hygiene...but I don't know what it IS about.

And if you didn't fall asleep, not even for a minute, that's obviously not about sleeping. If you ever find out what the real problem is I'm sure it will be interesting.

[WinterLilac]

From your post, I am assuming that English is your second language, would I be correct?

Either way, please be assertive. If you do not have personal hygiene issues nor do you renege on your duties during the night shift, make the management of your organisation aware of this, write a letter. This treatment is unfair and is obviously directed at someone they think will be intimidated by it. DO NOT be intimidated when people say you do things when you don't and be strong when you know you are doing all the daily/nightly routines to the benefit of your client. Always practice care as if you are being watched. It sounds like a **** organisation you are working for so write a resignation letter outlining their faults and highlight your strengths, do this before anything else happens.

[Chrissygraduatenurse, LPN]

If she wanted to question you about hygiene, having an in person talk would have been much more informative. I suspect it's not about hygiene...but I don't know what it IS about.

And if you didn't fall asleep, not even for a minute, that's obviously not about sleeping. If you ever find out what the real problem is I'm sure it will be interesting.

I agree, thank you so much for your input. I would never be so careless to fall asleep. I am a night person...lol pretty much a vampire. Lol a good one though

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Who accused you/reported that you fell asleep? When I worked in home care, falling asleep would have been grounds for termination. We weren't even allowed to give "the appearance of sleep" (such as head bowed in prayer for more than a brief period) because it could be construed by the client as sleeping. It's a serious accusation and clearly is affecting your ability to work. If it's truly an unfounded accusation, I would insist on meeting with your supervisor and her manager to learn who accused you, and when, and make clear you refute the allegation.

[caliotter3]

Sometimes the "Queen Bee" nurse on a case will have such a level of control that they manipulate the client/family to complain about the other nurses on the case. I would not be surprised that this is where the accusation of sleeping on duty came from. The sooner you get a job with another agency, the happier you will be. One can not win when a backstabbing co-worker has agency personnel wrapped around their little fingers. Best of luck.

[Chrissygraduatenurse, LPN]

Who accused you/reported that you fell asleep? When I worked in home care, falling asleep would have been grounds for termination. We weren't even allowed to give "the appearance of sleep" (such as head bowed in prayer for more than a brief period) because it could be construed by the client as sleeping. It's a serious accusation and clearly is affecting your ability to work. If it's truly an unfounded accusation, I would insist on meeting with your supervisor and her manager to learn who accused you, and when, and make clear you refute the allegation.

They are trying to say that it was the client whose shift that I told them I wasn't going to work that day said it. Last night I worked and another client wanted me to stay due to the other nurse calling out and they were going to make a special exception for me to work overnight despite banning me due to the sleep accusation