Problems at work

NurseUpNorth

I feel like a fraud posting on here because I'm sure many people would kill to be in my position and have a job but i'm having problems at work and it's affecting my home life.

I work in the NHS in quite a specialist area and I started my job in September 2008 and was promised a great induction package and support to train me in a highly specialised area (the job requires almost 100% on the job training as it's so specialist).

Things were going OK at first although I , and another much more experienced colleague than me, who started at the same time as me were a bit overwhelmed and surprised that what was offered at interview didn't quite match up to the reality of the job, and neither did the support.

I work closely with 2 of the consultants who are very impatient with new starters and it's got to the point where I'm not sleeping properly when I know I have to work with them in theatre and can't enjoy the weekend because I'm dreading going to work again on monday and feel sick with worry going into work sometimes.

I don't want to go into too much detail about clinical incidents but last week was the same as many with one of the consultants intimidating and unreasonably shouting at me because of a bed shortage delaying theatre (something which we have no control over) following me round and snatching things from me when I was doing all I could to help. I was shaking and honestly couldn't do anything to hurry things along because we had no beds and patients were not well enough to be discharged at that time. When you ask for help or clinical opinions the consultants are unhelpful and short and generally unapproachable. This is with all levels of staff from senior registrars to receptionists so I know it's not personal. I'm just not used to such confrontation and stress at work.

The other side of my job involves working in the same dept but working with more senior members of staff. Myself and my colleague are having problems in that area too with one particular member of staff who is lazy and sometimes says she is too busy to offer a second opinion or if I find that the patient actually clinically needs a scan from this person she will shirk her responsibilities which I feel jeopordises patients treatment. I have spoken to my manager about the consultant but got a smirk and don't worry they are like that with everyone but I object to being scared of other peoples behaviour at work when all I want to do is a be a good nurse and provide patients with good care.

Sorry this has turned into a ramble. I just don't know what to do as i'm aware it's going to look pretty bad on application forms if I hand in my notice after 5 months. I still work for my old job occaisionally and they would have me back on my old contract I'm sure but I don't know what to do now.

mymatebob

Is there anyone senior to you who can offer help and advice? I know you have said you have spoken to your manager but obviously the "that's just the way people are" type of response is of no use.

What about HR, have you let them know what is going on?
Have you been able to provide any feedback to let people know that you don't think you are getting the support you are expecting?

You must not let people intimidate you if at all possible.

maninthestreet

Go back to your manager and insist that he takes your complaint of disorderly conduct by the consultant far more seriously than he has done so far. Point out that if the consultant behaved like that out on the street in front of a police officer, he could well get arrested.

buckstar555

Hi There, firstly can I just say that reading your post? Im abit upset that you are getting treated like that! I had a planned opp at Xmass time,and I seen this sort of treatment first hand! But like other posts,I totally agree. Ive got a shoulder if you need?

NurseUpNorth

Thanks for your replies. There is a matron above my manager I could go to but I just worry that I will make things worse for myself by going above her. I'm going to give it another 4 weeks and if things are worse/no better I'm handing in my notice and going to go back to my old job part-time.

Feel so much better "talking" to you guys. My boyfriend is a help to some extent but just wants to smash this particular consultants face in which won't do either of us any good!

mymatebob

If you are thinking this way, and I can understand why, maybe mention to the matron that you are going to be leaving, and the reasons. Might start a small chain reaction?

Bobl

Do not put up with this! You must report everything to a senior manager IMMEDIATELY, and that means anyone up the chain that will listen and take action. They are jeopardising yours and patients health, if you don't report it others will suffer.

If nothing happens after you report it you could leave and claim constructive dismissal, which I am sure they would not want and neither do you.

Tell the senior manager you are thinking of leaving because the situation is making you ill, I am sure they will act.

Good Luck,

mymatebob

Bobl wrote: »

Do not put up with this! You must report everything to a senior manager IMMEDIATELY, and that means anyone up the chain that will listen and take action. They are jeopardising yours and patients health, if you don't report it others will suffer.

If nothing happens after you report it you could leave and claim constructive dismissal, which I am sure they would not want and neither do you.

Tell the senior manager you are thinking of leaving because the situation is making you ill, I am sure they will act.

Good Luck,

I wish that this was true, but sometimes it is not. if the OP does do this they may well be in for a long fight and some unpleasantness.
It is not right but the little guy doesn't beat the system every time

XDA

I used to work for the NHS in an IT role, and I know first hand how rude and impatient consultants are - and I was only trying to help them fix their pc/printer problem!

I would either take it up with your manager, the HR dept or your/the union?

Oldernotwiser

Is this your first nursing job?

NurseUpNorth

No, I've been qualified for 5 years. This is my first junior Sisters post and I've never had problems like this before. It's a bit of a strange set-up at my unit as we are specialist sisters, bar one or two staff nurses and some healthcare assistants. Always got on well with other staff in my other roles. They are obnoxious to almost everyone so I don't think I'm being over-sensitive but I'm just not used to their scary behaviour when I'm working.

Having a good week so far because the worst consultant who throws trays of instruments/notes is on holiday :j! Although, am oncall next weekend for theatre and he's oncall too -am dreading it. Seemed like the ideal job when I took it but I've never felt so nervy in my life.

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to look into what you guys have suggested.