Would you tell a co worker when you know that the boss is getting ready to "demote" them and on what date?
My boss has hired another nurse to come in and take the place of a friend of mine, but has not told my friend because she wants her to continue working at her position until we get through the state survey.
She then has plans to change her position to floor nurse or ask her to leave. I feel this is wrong on so many levels, and I would want to know if I were in her shoes.
The sad truth is most of us work in at will states where the employer can fire you for any or no reason and this is perfectly ok and legal unless you can prove it was for another illegal reason like racial discrimination or age discrimination which is particularly difficult to prove since the Supreme Court ruled against older workers. They have to have overwhelming proof in order to win.
This actually happened in my state when the boss said he could hire a teenager to take over another computer programmers job for next to nothing. While not mentioned that supervisor was black while the worker was white, but race wasn't mentioned. That worker was demoted but had the proof, smoking gun statement and won his case! Very rare indeed to win an age discrimination case these days!
If I was the worker in question I would certainly hope my friend tipped me off and didn't leave me in the lurch. Frankly with the hostile work environment why are you still there?
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
I would definitely tell a friend. I would try to tell a person I was friendly with, or respected, but I would have to assess the possible risks first. I would even want to tell someone I didn't like too much, because it's nasty behavior to inform coworkers of an impending demotion, and a sign that the nurses need to stand together.
One thing that hasn't been suggested yet, is that the manager may be hoping that you tell, so that your friend leaves on her own. It's a real hassle to fire someone. Seems like a good strategy to get someone to quit-- start a rumor that she's going to be demoted. Any chance that is what's going on?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
One thing that hasn't been suggested yet, is that the manager may be hoping that you tell, so that your friend leaves on her own. It's a real hassle to fire someone.
Yep...this strategy is referred to as 'constructive dismissal.' Management creates a certain environment and says and does things to cause the targeted employee to want to leave.
I'm not sure if the manager told only you, so that it's between just the two of you. If that's the case...could it be the manager's way of testing you to see if you're trustworthy? I hate to suggest it, but...
I know she's your friend... but... I'd steer clear of getting in the middle. Things ALWAYS have a way of getting out, and the last thing you need is your boss upset at YOU. Since you know what your boss will do (and as you've stated, you feel it's wrong on so many levels), then your boss can do these same things to you as a backlash.
I understand that you are in a rock and hard place; it's hard when the issue surrounds a friend. I totally get that. But please, oh please, just stay out. With that being said, others make valid points as to the type of relationship you have with that friend, and level of trustworthiness of said friend. Whatever you decide, good luck to you. You're in a tough spot for sure.
"NM has plans to change her position to floor nurse or ask her to leave."
NM has plans for you , as well.. you just don't know them yet. Your friend deserves to know the deal. You need to grow some ovaries and get the h*ll out of there.
If your co-worker is also your friend I would tell them what the boss told you, her snakey little plan to use that co-worker then dispose of her. If the boss doesn't follow through at least the co-worker knows what kind of snake she works for.
At any point you will be on her hit list, so keep an eye on your back and get an agency job on the side. You may not get any warning from the boss or any of her henchmen. Wonder why your boss thinks you will keep the secret?
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brandy1017, ASN, RN
2,910 Posts
The sad truth is most of us work in at will states where the employer can fire you for any or no reason and this is perfectly ok and legal unless you can prove it was for another illegal reason like racial discrimination or age discrimination which is particularly difficult to prove since the Supreme Court ruled against older workers. They have to have overwhelming proof in order to win.
This actually happened in my state when the boss said he could hire a teenager to take over another computer programmers job for next to nothing. While not mentioned that supervisor was black while the worker was white, but race wasn't mentioned. That worker was demoted but had the proof, smoking gun statement and won his case! Very rare indeed to win an age discrimination case these days!
If I was the worker in question I would certainly hope my friend tipped me off and didn't leave me in the lurch. Frankly with the hostile work environment why are you still there?