I have been going back and forth over something that happened at work the other night for the last 2 days, and I can't decide if I should say something to my boss or not.
As many of you know, I work in a very busy ER. You also know that I have started having BH contractions at work. I have discovered that a lot of times they are brought on by just having a full bladder, but now they are starting to be caused by pushing stretchers (especially with people on them, or if they are the ones that are hard to steer). I know a coworker of mine had problems with this same thing, because she asked me a couple weeks ago if it was happening to me.
Anyway, I work 11a-11p, so I am split between the day-shift crew and the night-shift crew. The day people are very generous about not having me push anything, lift too much, etc. I rarely have to remind them that I'm not supposed to push things. Well, night shift is not so gracious. I know a lot of them don't know I'm pregnant b/c I was heavy before, and don't look too different. However, I mention it when I have to.
Wednesday night I was working as CPR nurse, which means when we are not running a stroke or code, I am the critical care float. Usually, this job entails taking up monitored patients for the other nurses. On day shift, they have no problem with me just watching their assignment while they take the patient, but apparently this was a problem with nights. The charge nurse Wed eve was (at least I felt) rude to me when I told her that I would take patients, but that transport would have to be called to push the stretchers. She basically threw new patients at me and told me that I would be getting this (very sick) patient settled by myself, and someone else would take the patient. I had even arranged with another nurse who wasn't busy to have her take the patient (who could have waited for transport) and I would watch her patients for her so the critical care nurse could stay with the new patient. Apparently that's what ended up happening anyway, b/c I was just starting to get report on the patient, and I was getting ready to get help moving him to our bed, when the critical care nurse showed up. Then she rudely said to me, "Can you put him on the monitor, or are you not allowed to do that, too?"
Honestly, my feelings were hurt. I don't ask for help because I don't want to work. I do it because it's safer for my baby, and for myself. Anyway, the ideal situation would have been to speak to the supervising nurse that evening about what happened, but that wasn't an option b/c he was working on the sick patient in critical care. Not to mention, he is like talking to a wall (I know, I've gone to him with other things). Our manager is very approachable, but I didn't know if it was worth mentioning to her. What do you think I should do? I don't want to piss anyone off, but I also don't want to be treated like I'm useless and in the way.
Re: Should I say something (long)?
That was a charge nurse that siad this to you? That was completely uncalled for coming from someone in a leadership role.
I actually work in HR at a hospital and my advice would be to definitely speak to your manager about your concerns regarding your BH and that you are trying to still be a team player, but you rae just trying to be a little more cautious. I would let her know that some staff have been very helpful, but you think it would help if all supervisors were made aware so you are not made to feel so guilty about it. Believe me - the last think that manager wants is something happening to your baby while you are at work. I would also document and tell her about the comment your charge nurse said to you. And if you want to take it a step further (if your manager needs something more) you could have your Dr give you restrictions in writing that you can take back to your manager and hospital's employee health nurse.
I would definitely say something. ? You're not being a baby and its not always going to be this way. ?Its a temporary thing and people have to be accommodating for the time being. ?You don't need the added stress.?
?
Perfect advice. This is exactly what I would do. That comment was totally out of line- I would be livid.
If it was me, and this was the first incident, I would wait. This person may have been having a bad day or been particularly stressed and behaved in a way that wasn't appropriate. Not that it is an acceptable excuse, but I think it is something we can all relate too. If the behavior repeats, then I would bring it up to your manager.