Say something or no?

Published

I'm looking for input. Would keep your mouth shut or say something to an old co worker, who is a new hire at your current job. I found out a former coworker (tech) is starting at my place of employment next week. We had a great working relationship but haven't really kept in touch since, besides FB friends. 

The current "head tech" has some insecurities about someone starting with 15 years experience, and is asking me things like, "was he head tech over there?" and "do you think he will be trying to run things here?" "I hope they aren't paying him more than me". She is great, but I do see her as territorial. 

I kind of want to give him the heads up, maybe saying something like "be sure not to seem like you're stepping on her toes, she seems a litte concerned about you having more experience" at the same time I do not want to get in his head and make him worried or paranoid that people already don't like him when he has not even worked a shift. I think if he is just himself he should get along just fine. I also know when starting somewhere new with experience, sometimes people may say things like "I do this that way" or " at xyz they did this", I feel like if he makes one comment like that, it will be taken in the worst way by the current head tech and she can make it difficult for him if she chooses or even tell the manager he is not working out. What would you do in my shoes?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nurse.

I would give him a heads up about the state of the manager's ego and advise him to enter the new department "slowly" and be aware of the particularities of the situation. I wouldn't go overboard and overly prejudice him, but a word to the wise would be nice.

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your proposed intervention is really interesting to me!

Here you report about a territorial coworker who is already worrying about inappropriate things and ramping up for an inappropriate relationship with someone who hasn't even worked a day yet, and your concern is to warn him so he doesn't step on her toes??

I wouldn't say anything to him right now. And if/when I did find it necessary to say something to him, it wouldn't be that! ? It certainly isn't appropriate to counsel the new guy to make sure he walks on eggshells for this kind of nonsense.

Right now, if I overheard Territorial worrying out loud about New Guy before he has even started, I would reassure her that he does a good job, they will get along well, and state that I hope she plans on giving him a fair chance.

9
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

If it was me, due to start a new job, where there could be issues with the manager, I would want to know! Once you make a bad first impression, it’s very hard to overcome. Give him a heads up !

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Giving him a heads up is better than letting him get blindsided by someone obviously dead set against his presence. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

You can say something, just be professional and PC about it 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SCRN.

What is a 'head tech". The biggest bully in the building? LOL

Say nothing. The "head tech" is so insecure, s/he will just have to figure this one out.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your mistake was telling the "lead" tech that you knew the new hire. I would let it playout without my interference.

By the way, I  love your user name.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.
29 minutes ago, Been there,done that said:

By the way, I  love your user name.

I got a kick out of it, too!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks!

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion