Workplace Bully

chemoqueen, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2004

Maybe you go futher up the command chain?

:angryfire Does anyone have any hints about how to deal with a workplace bully? I have a fellow work mate, who i feel is abusing her power over our junior staff. I have tried to explain to her that she is a bit rough on them and will only scare them away (which she has done many times in the past) that they are new and need to be looked after a little . She just says that if they dont toughen up they will never survive, and that i need to learn to be tougher on them and to not treat them as a friend as they will just walk over me one day . It is difficult as it is to keep nurses in the theatre suite and she is just making it worse, even though we share the same higher role, she doesn't believe that by her belittling these people in front of others,that it is abuse, not "character building" as she sees it

Nancy45 · Oct 3, 2004

I recently had this problem at work. The person I worked with was loud, intimidating, questioned my judgement and belittled. She even came over and changed orders on my patients. Also I heard on the grapevine, called me "stupid" Well! As I am not a new RN, I proved her wrong everytime. I went to my supervisor, ADON, Don. They all said I should confront her, which I did. But the atmosphere remained tense and she still critisized (not just me). They also did not address the things she was doing wrong, i.e. giving all the meds at one time!! Since I still felt I could have handled things better somehow, I started researching and found the book "The Gentle Art of Verbal self-defense, by S. Elgin. This Is a great book, with information I wish I had learned in high school as the author suggests. I did find another position, and also will read and reread this book until I can defend myself and still not be "tough?" Hope this helps.

Da Monk · Oct 3, 2004

Your institution should have a policy on verbal abuse and harrassment. She should be censured for behavior of that type. It is your duty to take this to a superior if it continues. If the behavior is a pattern, she is a liability to the institution and they should deal with her before EEOC gets involved.

kimballina · Oct 4, 2004

Thanks every one. I have spoken to my management about her (she is well known for her behaviour!!!) and up to this point they have done nothing. Perhaps I need to go higher even still. Wish me luck.

chemoqueen, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2004

You go girl!

Thanks every one. I have spoken to my management about her (she is well known for her behaviour!!!) and up to this point they have done nothing. Perhaps I need to go higher even still. Wish me luck.