I have been mentioning we have a new principal who I am not crazy about in a few threads and yesterday it all came to a boiling point.
I haven't seen or spoken to the principal in over 2 weeks. Honestly, have not laid eyes on the man. He is rarely in his office and I haven't needed anything from him so I haven't been seeking him out. Trust me, I am not shy about asking for help when I need it.
Yesterday I got an e-mail, CC'd to my nursing supervisor, requesting a meeting with me to discuss "some concerns" he has. Among them
1) Why haven't I been filing more risk management accident reports (Um, because we haven't been having accidents. This is a good thing)
2) Why haven't I been "periodically touching base" with him regarding "common school illnesses" I've been seeing. (First of all, I was never informed I was required to tell the principal about every detail of my job and second of all, I hardly think the principal needs to know that I have been seeing a lot of colds. It's November. Colds happen)
There were a few other things but those were the basics. I met with him yesterday afternoon and here is what we discussed. He was asking why I have been keeping the door to my office closed. The real reason is because the secretary he hired is so incredibly loud that my kids were complaining that it was making their headaches worse when they were trying to rest. I told him "It's just been very loud in the office lately with all these parents registering their kids, it's more peaceful this way" and he replied that I should have "run my decision by him" before closing the door.
I need permission to close my office door.
He also said "I'm not sure why you haven't been communicating with me on a regular basis. Maybe you're too preoccupied with planning your wedding."
I was so offended I almost screamed. I said "Excuse me, when I am here it's to WORK. My wedding is the furthest thing from my mind and, as a professional, I can tell you I never put my personal life before work when I am here."
He also mentioned the risk mgmt accident reports. I explained to him that risk management had given us an inservice in the beginning of the year detailing what requires a report and what doesn't. I have been filling them out according to those guidelines. He then told me 'I'm not concerned about what risk management wants. I am the manager of this school and I'm not going to lose my job because a parent sued over you not filling out an accident report. I want to see more of them being filed."
Every time he listed something I am supposed to be doing, he finished with "I am involved in your evaluation so it's important that these things get done the way I ask" which started to sound like a threat against my job. Who knows. What I do know is I am not meeting with him alone again. If he wants to schedule another meeting with me I am having the nursing supervisor (who is 100% on my side, thank goodness) present.
Ugggghhhh. Permission to close your door? Pre-occupied with your wedding?!? I would take this to the extreme. Ask him every single time if it's OK to close your door (what about privacy for pete'e sake!?!). Also, SO MANY REPORTS, like Nutmegge said.
But that's just me (and apparently Nutmegge).
I am frustrated for you. Definitely have a 3rd party with you any time you meet with him after that gem of a meeting.
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
PS Congrats on your wedding!!
Thank you! I am very excited about it (not enough to impact my work but whatever)
After my meeting, I had a little guy here for a pretty minor injury. I NEVER would have thought to write a report for it but, the boss said so! So I did one. It's the beginning of a snow storm, he has no idea how fast I can type...
After my meeting, I had a little guy here for a pretty minor injury. I NEVER would have thought to write a report for it but, the boss said so! So I did one. It's the beginning of a snow storm, he has no idea how fast I can type...
What does he want the report for? Do you do computer charting? What will be put in the report that would not be covered in your regular charting?
As far as I remember from nursing school, the charting stands up in court. If it wasn't charted, it didn't happen. As long as your charting is thorough, then what does he want to accomplish? Is he familiar with HIPAA/FERPA laws? What does he need to know about any incidents from an educational standpoint.
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
What does he want the report for? Do you do computer charting? What will be put in the report that would not be covered in your regular charting?
As far as I remember from nursing school, the charting stands up in court. If it wasn't charted, it didn't happen. As long as your charting is thorough, then what does he want to accomplish? Is he familiar with HIPAA/FERPA laws? What does he need to know about any incidents from an educational standpoint.
(I'm all fired up now)
You and me both!!
I explained to him that I chart every single encounter (pretty thoroughly, I might add. Like I said, I type fast) and that there truly is nothing in the accident reports that wouldn't be found in my documentation. He didn't care. "You can never have too much of a paper trail."
Honestly, he sounded really paranoid and it made me uncomfortable.
Does he really have that little to do that he needs to worry about trifles such as whether or not your door is closed or open or how many people came by complaining about a stuffy nose (which you can't do anything about anyhow - so it's a pointless visit)? You know, when you get a moment, because we all know you've been so busy with those Modern Bride magazines and you have a chance to create some on the job injuries to make his numbers look better (why, i don't know - risk management is a pain in the backside). This guy sounds like a real piece of work.
Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.
Wow. What a jerk. I would ask him if he cleared his demands with the District office and the Superintendent. Was your nursing supervisor there? Are you union? I would request that he puts all his demands and rationale in a letter and once you get it cleared by the District Office and your nursing supervisor then you would be happy to comply.
Oh girl! Im so sorry. I had a similar situation with my principal last 3 years. She didnt start out ranting but I really thought last school I was done, but then I found out she was moving to another school! It was like the heavens opened up and rainbow beams of light shone on my smiley face
Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.
Sounds like an absolute nightmare honestly. Wonder what he has against you b/c it honestly sounds like he has it in for you and is looking for any excuse to get you in trouble.
ohiobobcat
887 Posts
Ugggghhhh. Permission to close your door? Pre-occupied with your wedding?!? I would take this to the extreme. Ask him every single time if it's OK to close your door (what about privacy for pete'e sake!?!). Also, SO MANY REPORTS, like Nutmegge said.
But that's just me (and apparently Nutmegge).
I am frustrated for you. Definitely have a 3rd party with you any time you meet with him after that gem of a meeting.