What can be done????? This is serious

[LALA_MA2bLPN]

There's an RN where I work who has been "talked to" about her behavior with other staff and patients. Her behavior is unacceptable, unethical, and just plain disgusting. Shes a bully and has created such a hostile work environment, that on Sundays im depressed because I have to go in there the next day. She has lashed out to everyone in the clinic even to the point of calling one girl an idiot in front of patients. Shes told people that this girl is too stupid to be alive. The madness doesn't stop with her..the person in charge doesn't do anything. This has gone as far as the president of the hospital and still nothing. She has been quiet lately but I just dont understand how tbis type of thing goes on. Everyone thats works there is miserable. The description "hostile work environment" is heard on a daily. There's also a medical assistant there that lies and causes havoc every chance she get and still the person in charge does NOTHING! Without going into too much detail because it will take 2 days to write, can someone please advise. Any and all responses are appreciated. Thanks

[LALA_MA2bLPN]

Does your hospital have a union rep? I used to work at a hospital in my hometown, and had a very similar experience. I am a CNA and during night shift, an RN came to me and told me to give a patient (who was also NPO!!!) meds. As we all know, CNAs cannot give meds under any circumstance. She also fell asleep on several occasions.

I went to the DON and told her what was happening. As I had only been there for a few weeks, she told me to keep my mouth shut because I didn't understand "the politics of nursing". I knew that was horrible advice.

From there I went up the ladder, like one is supposed to do in cases like these, but alas to no avail.

One day I was eating lunch and overheard some of the other nurses talking about our union rep-- I had no clue we had one! I went to talk to him, and within a week the nurse was suspended, and the DON was asked to resign due to her fraternization with the staff (she was in charge of hiring the nurses at my facility, and she was hiring her friends over those who were more qualified).

Keep your head up, you sound like a smart lass. Just remember to CYA, and if you have to, write down everything that happens during shift. It will come in handy if something ever goes down.

Much luck to you!

Ha!!! If you make mention of "union" automatic termination :'(

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Are you part of a Union? If so, I would have conversation with your area rep if you are fearful of a going to a local delegate.

Your question was "what can be done". The only things that can be done without you having to reveal yourself is to call the partner company's ethics hotline.

If the MA is saying she is a nurse/doctor, a state licensing agency. The BON for direction.

You can always go up the ladder.

This appears to be more of a vent than a "what should I do" scenario. This facility is ethically challenged to say the least.

If you just keep your nose to the grindstone and not want to say anything, then the only thing you can do at this point is to reassess your working situation and plan accordingly.