Slanderous rumor mongers in the workplace

Nurses Relations

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Specializes in ER.

One of the techs at work informed me that our manager at work is having an affair with one of our doctors. She is 'sure' of this because they have long meetings behind closed doors. Then she let me know that I am the only one she has told and that I mustn't breathe a word.

Prior to telling me this, she informed me that our manager had called her into the office and raked her over the coals over her work ethic, and that she was a backstabber. Well, frankly, she does suck and has needed to be taken out to the woodshed for some time. And why she was confiding this inflammatory nonsense to me, God only knows. And, I seriously doubt that I'm the only recipient of her 'inside knowledge' about the adultery she claims to be occurring.

Frankly, this is slander. I quietly informed the charge nurse who is my best confidant at work, and she has made sure that the victims of this malicious gossip are aware. Defaming someone's reputation is a serious matter, in my opinion. I think we all should stand up against this sort of thing.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Drama drama drama....has no place in the work place.

Unfortunately emotional maturity is not required to be a nurse.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

the next time you are approached by the tech with "information" stop her in ther tracks and tell her you do not like to be involved in gossip. It is a quick way to get fired around here. Eventually the gossiper gets caught

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Well, doesn't seem like the manager was too far from the truth - sounds like she does a pretty good job at "backstabbing" - I HATE working with people like that!

And it's none of her business who the manager is or isn't sleeping with.

Maybe if she took some of that energy she's wasting talking crap behind backs into her work she wouldn't get called in the managers office.

Kudos to u for working with her -we just don't get paid enough for that. Ugh!! !

Anne, RNC

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I doubt that gossip will last long. People like her tend to quit or get fired easily. So wait her out. In the meantime,learn to suddenly remember that you need to do something elsewhere when she starts the gossiping. Practice the expressionless under-reaction that takes all the fun out of spreading juicy stories, and eventually she will seek a better audience. Share nothing about your personal life at all with her, no matter how friendly she seems.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

You told the charge nurse instead of the manager? I'm just curious why you told someone else instead of just not entertained the rumor in the first place, meaning, not take it with a grain of salt...who knows if the person you "trust" didn't whisper down the lane and mix up the facts, or tell anyone else?

I've worked with places that had rumors; I'm less enthused to continue the game-IMHO by being a part of it by continuing to spread it around, even if it was to stop it-trying to stop something and then it coming back to where it's still a word against others type of thing; hopefully this is not the case in your situation.

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Specializes in ER.

I told the charge nurse so she could figure out and diplomatically deal with it for me. I trust her, she is a wise, kind woman, a friend, and her communication skills far exceed my own.

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

How do you know this rumor isn't true? LOL

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
How do you know this rumor isn't true? LOL

Whether the rumor is true or not is irrelevant. Gossip is unprofessional, hurtful, and takes time away from the job one is paid to do.

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I think you handled it both professionally and as kindly as possible. I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of any rumors like that. I have long hated gossip in the workplace. I oriented someone to a job a while ago who couldn't stop gossiping about the staff and the staff on other floors, etc. Then she told me some really personal things about her life - it was rather uncomfortable. I'm a pretty awkward person to begin with, and put in that situation I pretty much just nodded and 'uh huh...'ed my way through that day. I guess this was a little rambly, but something that your post reminded me of.

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
Whether the rumor is true or not is irrelevant. Gossip is unprofessional hurtful, and takes time away from the job one is paid to do.[/quote']

Agree but it's so much fun lol!!!!! Just kidding, but if they were having sex in the office then that's a serious offense that must be reported

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Why tell the charge nurse? I wouldn't have told anyone. People like that at jobs usually never last long anyway.

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