When your boss is awful and HR

[maxxilla]

...consists of one young woman, who is there to turn to?

I work for a physician-owned surgical hospital affiliated with a larger organization. My manager is manipulative, pitting employees against one another, lying, eavesdropping, and other fun stuff. While I was new, she was all smiles and good behavior. Now I am experiencing all that she has to offer. The position above her is newly vacant, and HR is one person.

Since I haven't been particularly amenable to playing her reindeer games, I am on her target list. Because we work in surgery, she has the power to control where, when and with whom I work. She uses this to move me around constantly almost as if she wants to keep me from befriending surgeons and staff (everyone else has predictable schedules, and my co-workers have made it known to me that I am highly capable and a quick learner, so I don't think I am getting booted out rooms).

In situations like this, where there is no higher authority to talk to (or for my manager to answer to), is there anything I can do to protect myself? Or should I cut my losses?

[rearviewmirror, BSN, RN]

although it is my personal philosophy not to judge the other party until full stories have been heard from both sides, in this case it's not like I can ask your boss, so I give you my pat on the back. Seemingly you're not a new nurse, and experienced OR nurses are in demand so it's her loss, go to somewhere else that treats and pays you better. That's what I would do

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Just transfer to the larger organization. They will know why if she is a former employee.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Your nursing career is high demand. You could go anywhere. And I would be sure that I would let the MD's who own the place know exactly why.

I would like to think however, that you are moved around a lot because you are really good at what you do. Let's call it that for now.....

I would start sending out resumes.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

This person may be threatened by your skill level and her manipulation is intended to discredit you and chase you away. This situation can be salvaged by you being quietly extraordinary at your job. Surgeons notice everything and they know who does, and who does not, produce positive outcomes. You may find that they offer you the open managerial position if you are super efficient, well liked and you have the skillset that the position requires.