suspension for hostility

PetiteOpRN · Feb 3, 2011

I've been accused of creating a hostile work environment when I've spoken out to advocate on behalf of my patient.

I file a complaint of my own, against the parties responsible for inadequate care, and make it clear that my actions were an attempt to remedy the situation and were appropriate to the situation. When they bring the accusations against you, you have documentation backing up your actions.

Kill 'em with paperwork, that's the nursing way.

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2011

Not providing legal advice, but you may find some applicable information here:

http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/whistle.htm

Which you can then balance against information here:

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/harassment.html

If your situation meets the legal threshhold for either of these, then some litigation can be undertaken.

However, please remember that your facility's policies apply also. If I were you, I would be scouring the policies and procedures manuals (administrative, HR, and patient care) and familiarize myself with all that may apply here.

Also -- it is simply the way of the world that it is difficult, and often imprudent, to verbally challenge a workplace superior and not have any negative repercussions come from it. I personally would never raise my voice to a coworker unless someone were standing over my patient with something that could cause the patient imminent harm - I just consider it unprofessional behavior. There are other, more professional ways to address a situation.

A CNL, while he/she may not be your direct supervisor, is still *higher on the food chain* than a staff nurse. Any concerns you have regarding him/her need to be presented in an appropriate format, in an appropriate time & place.

And ... this has nothing to do with nursing. It is the way of the world in hierarchal organizations, which encompass all industries and businesses.

Live and learn. Good luck to you.

SilentfadesRPA · Feb 3, 2011

Read this very slowly it has helped me in similar situations & I sincerely hope it gives answers to your questions.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --

nightengalegoddess · Feb 3, 2011

Thank you for the Desiderata. I have carried a copy of this for the last 30 years! Apparently, it hasn't entirely sunk in yet! Indeed, with all it's sham it IS still a beautiful world. No one if perfect 100% of the time. Blessings.

tewdles, RN · Feb 4, 2011

I raised my voice not too terribly long ago, not once but several times, to a superior.

In my case this behavior was born out of frustration that became anger. Funny thing, when we feel that we can't be heard we raise our voice just a smidge...

Ultimately, it cost me a job...but by losing my job I regained my peace. And that is infinitely more important.

pawsomepooch47 · Feb 4, 2011

Where I work If every nurse and doctor who was frustrated and angry and gets a little snippy at times was fired, there'd be no one there!

nightengalegoddess · Feb 4, 2011

This is part of the issue exactly! We work under very stressful situations, and it IS human to raise a voice now and then when management has not adressed issues that affect patient care. Humans do get frustrated. Also, in reply to the paperwork chain...I ought to have filed a complaint long ago. Now, after the fact of me imprudently raising my voice, my filing may look retaliatory...which is even worse within company policy. I raised my child who is somewhat of a kindhearted revolutionary with always the cautionary tales of Jesus and others who were persecuted for pointing out the obvious. I guess I should have been following my own advice. I guess I will see what happens after this 'investigation' is over. Thank you for all your advice. I especially appreciate the poster who stated he/she would never raise their voice unless the patient was in "imminent harm". This I will take to my grave. Blessings!

merlee · Feb 4, 2011

I lost my best job ever because I spoke up at a staff meeting. I was told that I 'sucked the energy' out of the room.

I was literally persecuted until they fired me.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2011

If someone wants your job, there is always a reason to fire a nurse.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Feb 4, 2011

Sad to say, but you probably need to start looking for a new job because when things like this happen they usually manage to find a way to get rid of you. Unfortunately it sounds like you had a conflict with someone who is more politically connected than you.

I lost a great job because of my big mouth too once upon a time. I was one of the "darlings" of the unit and could do no wrong until the day I was making fun of my assistant unit director oggling our director (both married with children). It wasn't long before it got back to said persons and I slowly went from getting all the overtime I wanted to no shifts for weeks in a row. Then finally no shifts ever.

Needless to say I learned to keep my big mouth shut, regardless of what I think. I would of course speak up for any endangered pt. Unfortunately, I have seen good people run out of units for speaking up. Hard to balance pt safety and keeping our own jobs safe. It is a cruel world.

I love what I do though, so I keep steady ahead.

Leelee2 · Feb 4, 2011

Hi Nightengale,

I just want to say that I am sorry that you are going through this. :heartbeat I am

thinking of you and praying for a good outcome in this "investigation"

I am sorry that you are being punished for speaking truth. It's really kind

sick how many evil players are in this profession...