Senior LPN - how do I handle this problem?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2014

I'd hate to sound bleak, but this scenario is not looking all that good.

In my personal experience, a doctor who wants a particular nurse gone will eventually get his/her way, especially in a smaller workplace setting such as a doctors' office or clinic.

My advice is to start maintaining a journal with details such as dates, times, first names, last names and titles. Record the facts carefully in your journal. Document every direct quote they say to you that is either hostile or discriminatory. Also document their openly expressed desires to see you resign.

Under normal circumstances I'd offer different advice, but based on your side of the story, your coworkers are openly complaining that you are old and slow. Age is a protected workplace category, and complaining that someone is 'old' and 'slow' is ageism. Good luck to you. I hope the outcome is favorable for you.

caliotter3 · Oct 11, 2014

The easier solution long term, litigation is costly, time consuming, and energy draining, and can be fatal to a career, is to look for a better job sooner rather than later. Chances are high that you will not be there any longer than it takes that doctor to get rid of you, so I am surprised they have not done so already. Take the hints. Best wishes.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Oct 12, 2014

That is horrible. I would also start looking elsewhere. And ageism is real. Here's a thought. Do you have any benefits at this job? Any retirement funds? You may want to start thinking about an early retirement, IF it is in your best interest to do so.

People start talking about bogus claims such as older nurses "are slow" or "not in the patient's best interest" to get out of paying out anything they owe you, unemployment, all sorts of things when they let one go. I dunno, guilt/sleep better at night mentality--at a huge cost to the nurse in question. So it may be in your best interest to get another job all together. Unfortunately, there's no loyalty anymore. And it stinks.

I wish you nothing but the best.

SWM2009 · Oct 12, 2014

I am sorry you are going through this OP. I concur with the others who say it is time to seek employment elsewhere. The deck is stacked against you at your current place of employment.

nurseu2 · Oct 12, 2014

I work for a large company we have 101 clinics all over US this Dr came in later she is part time but she wants to contro office like it is hers and she can't. She knows that I'm 100% company I know what we can do and what can't be done. At her other office she is trouble until they told her they are tired of her whinnying she is now only working 2 days with them and 2 days with us. If you want a clinic you should buy one especially if you want it a certain way. She has had other Drs to leave a practice due to her drama. At our clinic she kept complaining until they fired a Dr. Now I am the senior nurse with a MA I do all ordering put up drugs,drug screens keep phone line open with DCO and home office. I do work behind scenes they are not aware. I have not talk to DCO yet just wanted to get a response from others before I do.

caliotter3 · Oct 12, 2014

It is not safe to be at the crux of, or in the cross-hairs of, a power struggle. The DCO would probably choose to support the doctor over you. Why do you want to stay around to be in the middle of that maelstrom? Good employees get canned all the time, nobody cares about how productive you are. She is a doctor, valuable, you are a nurse, expendable.

nurseu2 · Oct 12, 2014

Thank you for all your thoughts I am 68 yrs old just want to work 2 more years not to be in this turmoil due to me recently having tongue cancer (none smoker/drinker) I really don't need this stress and someone else may not hire me due to age.

Mainergal2000 · Oct 21, 2014

So sorry nurseu2 you so don't need that! As I always say, karma! Hopefully they see the way she is there too and maybe fire her. Good luck and get well!

nurseu2 · Oct 22, 2014

Well after HR spoke to her it must have been about Ageism not sure, sugar has run out of her. She works for another clinic and out of her own mouth she got two Dr's fired and her nurse left. Short story they got a new CEO she said when she tried to tell him about an issue he told her that they had enough of her complaining she is totally mad now she only works 2 days with them. Well I'm not sure but I've been a nurse long time and all the patients love me, but not her I only want to work full time a couple more years but not in turmoil thank you for the note.

caliotter3 · Oct 22, 2014

Well, hang in there. And count those days.