[UTHZzJ6f]

So here is the situation...

I am a nurse, an LPN actually. I am working on becoming an RN, but for now I'm sticking with this. I graduated in December, and I took the state board examination a few months ago, passing of course. I was hired by a local nursing home before I graduated, and started as soon as my temporary practice permit was online. The residents love me, and I really enjoy working with 99% of them. I was hired as part time, but the verbal agreement stated that working over 30 hours each week would not be a problem. I was working nearly 100 hours every two weeks for the first few months, it was great. Now, over the last month, I'm lucky to be scheduled for 40 hours in two weeks. I get called in from time to time, but it's not where I would like to be.

Now, here is my problem. I'm often subjected to belittling remarks or statements about my work, and these statements are usually made with other people present, including people I am supposed to supervise. The issues are always trivial, mostly personal preference issues, like not setting up a med cart the way the next shift likes it (when I have to organize things for myself). Things like... "Didn't they teach you that in school." and my favorite "Typical man, can't listen to instructions!"

I'm frequently hearing conversations about sexual things, things that I could not say without being ripped apart. One time I was asked about which tits I thought were better, and if I am ass man. I reported this one to the director of nursing, and nothing happened. I was smacked on my ass one time, and nothing happened. I get overtly belittled by a few nurses, all kinds of names, when something I do, or need does not work out perfectly with their schedule that shift... I report this, nothing happens. Now, yesterday, I thought I was going to throw up blood cause my lungs and throat are so raw. I am having serious allergy issues this year, and I asked the supervisor if I could have someone cover the rest of my shift. She ripped me apart, saying I should have just called off. Today, I am feeling worse, and I called off. I got ripped apart by the director of nursing on the phone, as I was struggling to speak because my lungs hurt so bad right now. A month ago, around midnight, I was struck in the eye. I could not see properly, and I requested that I go to the hospital to get it looked at. The supervisor there at the time told me that I should suck it up. I went to the hospital anyway, and the doctor told me that I had a 1/6th of an inch cut right from my cornea. I went back to work, and got yelled at because I left them hanging that night, and that she didn't think it was bad. The doctor seemed to think it was, two days later it became infected, and I needed additional treatment. I reported this action to the director of nursing, and nothing happened... except that supervisor treats me like total crap now.

So, here it is, I don't want to be the one to say discrimination, but it certainly seems that way. A lot of the other nurses just have this attitude like I can't be serious in that profession because I am a man. I don't have all of the specifics documented, the comments happen so frequently that it would be impossible to keep up with it.

What do you guys think?

[Assauraarguck]

Simple answer:

I think you need a new place to work.

[UTHZzJ6f]

Simple answer:

I think you need a new place to work.

I think so too, but I'm going to have an hour drive now, this area has limited health care facilities.

[Optosypoeds]

My wife is an RN, she doesn't get sexually harassed of course (except by some of the patients), but what you describe is pretty much the norm for administrators/management in the nursing profession. They rarely seem to give a **** and never fix conflicts, just ignore them. She has worked in 3 different hospitals now and a nursing home. All suffered the same kind of issues. It seems that bitter, old, incompetent nurses get selected for the management positions. Maybe this is a requirement?

[obHQNsY2]

I think you need to toughen up a bit. If someone is making your working life a miserable place then only you can fix it. The next time someone makes a comment you need to say something like "At which point in your career did you decide it became acceptable to disrespect the people on your team, that you might need to rely on in the future". But you'll have to be assertive about it and not back down. If they retort with something, tell them to show a bit of professionalism. Don't worry about offending people, they are professionals and you're not there for a social club. Ultimately you will have a much more fulfilling career if you are respected than if you get on with everyone superficially.

I think you may have left it too late though in this job, things like this need nipping in the bud.

For what it's worth, anyone worth working for will be able to pick up on these things going on and will deal with it without having to involve you. I've had a written warning for taking the piss out of someone years ago (and looking back, deservedly) and also given out a few bollockings. There will always be office politics, and there will always be bitter ****s that get through the day and their insecurities by making snide remarks to other people. A good employer recognises that a team that is not harmonious is not productive.

[PIORARMADDERI]

I thought male nurses love getting the shaft, at work or not.