Coworker Issue- LONG VENT

[wdwmom0f3]

Stop posting this on the Dis and file a police report. Do you think we can help you? The police can. After you file the report with the police, take a copy to your boss. Demand that they take action.

Also, why are you still working for these loons? They obviously do not care about you. This isn't about the other employee. The people running that office are not worth your time. Leave.

ETA - This is as hostile as a work environment can get. You can sue them if you have witnesses to the threat if they do nothing.

 

[bumbershoot]

I just re-read the Donutgate thread, and read this one...and what kept coming to mind was how my hubby was as his blood sugars started coming down from being high for an unknown amount of time. And how he is when he eats too well and gets too much exercise. He's normally in the 80s and 90s now but if he is too saintly he gets *weird*.

I did some googling of low blood sugar, and nothing I saw indicated that I was 100% off on this, though it also indicated that hypoglycemia is a complicated thing. But I still can't help but think just how much the tantrums, slurring, forgetting (blacking out), and even having people think she's been drinking, sounds like it could be a blood sugar problem.

I mean, maybe her fear of gaining the weight again IS causing an eating disorder, and she's going way too far in the wrong direction, and is getting very sick?

Of course in a normal office you couldn't do a thing about this, but considering that you work in a medical office...maybe someone could see about it? that's just the physical stuff and the yelling and crying etc. The control issues...well she obviously needs to see someone to help her with her mind, as well.


No matter what, I hope things resolve themselves soon, because it's obviously tearing apart the office!

 

[FlyingDumbo]

I went to work yesterday and after speaking with both Drs and the Office Manager, it was clear that nothing will be done in light of the threats made against me. I am writing my resignation today and handing it in Thursday. In the morning when it was just me and nutjob she was giving me the silent treatment (which is preferable for me really) but also refusing to do her job. She was stomping around slamming things and huffing and puffing. So when the office opened the treatment rooms were not ready I was not going to do it for her, that is not my area I do not work with patients. The RN on duty came in to everything undone and was very upset with Sue that patients had to be delayed. It is very clear that nothing will be done about the situation and that the only resolution is for me to leave. Two of the RNs have decided that they do not want nutso working under their license unless she is given a drug test, Office Manager refused and said they either need to work with her or find a new job. One quit yesterday the other texted me last night to call her so she can get more information about what happened. I told her everything and she agrees that Sue is not safe for patient contact. They have apparently written Sue up for a lot of things and even with the paper trail nothing has happened. They also suspect she is drinking and it appears at lunch time she goes missing for long periods of time with no explanation.

So bottom line, they are keeping Sue, but 3 of us are quitting. One left yesterday and me and the second nurse are handing in our resignation Thursday. I do not want to give two weeks. The nurse said she will give two weeks under the provision Sue will not be working on her license during that time.

 

[vicki_c]

I'm sorry you're having to resign - but I think it's for the best for YOU. Life is not fair sometimes, that's definite.

 

[Jennasis]

In some states this could get you in trouble.

Perhaps. But it was done in my sister's case at the urging of their lawyer and the ex was made aware of the video taping. Judge had no problem with it, and the ex's lawyer told her to clean up her act. So it must be legal where they are.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So bottom line, they are keeping Sue, but 3 of us are quitting. One left yesterday and me and the second nurse are handing in our resignation Thursday. I do not want to give two weeks. The nurse said she will give two weeks under the provision Sue will not be working on her license during that time.

Maybe that will wake them up to the seriousness of the Sue problem? Not nearly the same thing, but I worked for a woman once who was just mean and nasty. We long-timers put up with her, but when the company tried to hire a new person, they went through five people in two weeks. Most just didn't come back after the first day, or after lunch. One left in tears. But the last one, before she left, went to Personnel and told them why she wasn't coming back.

My boss's retirement party was just a few weeks later.

 

[Acklander]

Before quitting you might want to talk to a lawyer about it being a hostile work place - since you've been threatened. Then you might qualify for damages or unemployment.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

I went to work yesterday and after speaking with both Drs and the Office Manager, it was clear that nothing will be done in light of the threats made against me. I am writing my resignation today and handing it in Thursday. In the morning when it was just me and nutjob she was giving me the silent treatment (which is preferable for me really) but also refusing to do her job. She was stomping around slamming things and huffing and puffing. So when the office opened the treatment rooms were not ready I was not going to do it for her, that is not my area I do not work with patients. The RN on duty came in to everything undone and was very upset with Sue that patients had to be delayed. It is very clear that nothing will be done about the situation and that the only resolution is for me to leave. Two of the RNs have decided that they do not want nutso working under their license unless she is given a drug test, Office Manager refused and said they either need to work with her or find a new job. One quit yesterday the other texted me last night to call her so she can get more information about what happened. I told her everything and she agrees that Sue is not safe for patient contact. They have apparently written Sue up for a lot of things and even with the paper trail nothing has happened. They also suspect she is drinking and it appears at lunch time she goes missing for long periods of time with no explanation.

So bottom line, they are keeping Sue, but 3 of us are quitting. One left yesterday and me and the second nurse are handing in our resignation Thursday. I do not want to give two weeks. The nurse said she will give two weeks under the provision Sue will not be working on her license during that time.

Wow. Amazingly short-sighted on your bosses' part. I'm so sorry that you're being forced to leave. It seems they'd rather see good, dedicated workers leave rather than take care of/get rid of the actual problem. They'll pay for it in the end.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Before quitting you might want to talk to a lawyer about it being a hostile work place - since you've been threatened. Then you might qualify for damages or unemployment.

I agree with this.

Op I'm sorry that you have to quit but for your own safety it sounds like it is the best thing to do.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Before quitting you might want to talk to a lawyer about it being a hostile work place - since you've been threatened. Then you might qualify for damages or unemployment.

Definitely this!!

I had a friend who quit a job because the idiot who "took care" of the company's health coverage was completely incompetent. My friend had health insurance premiums deducted from her paycheck for 6 months. Went to the doctor for something and then found out that, somehow, she didn't actually HAVE health insurance. Both she and her husband were supposed to be covered. Because she, in effect, had no insurance for 6 months, anything that may have been diagnosed could have fallen under an uncovered preexisting condition issue when she did get coverage. The incompetant jerk gave here the run-around for another month or two. Friend finally talked to the owner of the company who sided with the idiot. My friend printed out all email communication with the idiot, quit, filed for unemployment citing aggravating circumstances as the reason she quit, and provided the emails as proof. She collected unemployment with no problem.

I'm sure that anyone who leaves at this point will be eligible for unemployment and the exodus might bring some unwanted but necessary attention from outside sources.

Before you deliver your resignation on Thursday, get as much as you can copied - emails, your employment file (especially good reviews), anything you can get your hands on if you know what I mean. Get names and numbers of anyone who would go to bat for you if your unemployment claim was challenged.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

I am really concerned with finding a new job and what the idiot Office Manager will say if contacted by a potential employer. I can not really afford to quit right now, but the stress is just too much. I am actually wondering if I should stay until I find something else. I do not think Sue would actually harm me, but she is completely nuts and well, under the influence which makes anything possible. I am more leaving because she is allowed to continue behaving this way and it is affecting all of us. Not because I think she will hurt me.

 

[SaraJayne]

I went to work yesterday and after speaking with both Drs and the Office Manager, it was clear that nothing will be done in light of the threats made against me. I am writing my resignation today and handing it in Thursday. In the morning when it was just me and nutjob she was giving me the silent treatment (which is preferable for me really) but also refusing to do her job. She was stomping around slamming things and huffing and puffing. So when the office opened the treatment rooms were not ready I was not going to do it for her, that is not my area I do not work with patients. The RN on duty came in to everything undone and was very upset with Sue that patients had to be delayed. It is very clear that nothing will be done about the situation and that the only resolution is for me to leave. Two of the RNs have decided that they do not want nutso working under their license unless she is given a drug test, Office Manager refused and said they either need to work with her or find a new job. One quit yesterday the other texted me last night to call her so she can get more information about what happened. I told her everything and she agrees that Sue is not safe for patient contact. They have apparently written Sue up for a lot of things and even with the paper trail nothing has happened. They also suspect she is drinking and it appears at lunch time she goes missing for long periods of time with no explanation.

So bottom line, they are keeping Sue, but 3 of us are quitting. One left yesterday and me and the second nurse are handing in our resignation Thursday. I do not want to give two weeks. The nurse said she will give two weeks under the provision Sue will not be working on her license during that time.

I'm so sorry the bosses are refusing to do anything and you're the one having to leave.

Just think how great you'll feel when you walk out of that office in a couple days!

You'll probably be a bit anxious for a bit until you find a new job, but anxiety is nothing compared to stress that could kill you.

Good luck!

 

[DizBelle]

I went to work yesterday and after speaking with both Drs and the Office Manager, it was clear that nothing will be done in light of the threats made against me. I am writing my resignation today and handing it in Thursday. In the morning when it was just me and nutjob she was giving me the silent treatment (which is preferable for me really) but also refusing to do her job. She was stomping around slamming things and huffing and puffing. So when the office opened the treatment rooms were not ready I was not going to do it for her, that is not my area I do not work with patients. The RN on duty came in to everything undone and was very upset with Sue that patients had to be delayed. It is very clear that nothing will be done about the situation and that the only resolution is for me to leave. Two of the RNs have decided that they do not want nutso working under their license unless she is given a drug test, Office Manager refused and said they either need to work with her or find a new job. One quit yesterday the other texted me last night to call her so she can get more information about what happened. I told her everything and she agrees that Sue is not safe for patient contact. They have apparently written Sue up for a lot of things and even with the paper trail nothing has happened. They also suspect she is drinking and it appears at lunch time she goes missing for long periods of time with no explanation.

So bottom line, they are keeping Sue, but 3 of us are quitting. One left yesterday and me and the second nurse are handing in our resignation Thursday. I do not want to give two weeks. The nurse said she will give two weeks under the provision Sue will not be working on her license during that time.

This is absolutely ridiculous. What planet are they on?

 

[tlbwriter]

I am really concerned with finding a new job and what the idiot Office Manager will say if contacted by a potential employer. I can not really afford to quit right now, but the stress is just too much. I am actually wondering if I should stay until I find something else. I do not think Sue would actually harm me, but she is completely nuts and well, under the influence which makes anything possible. I am more leaving because she is allowed to continue behaving this way and it is affecting all of us. Not because I think she will hurt me.

Since there are 3 of you willing to quit, maybe you should all go together to meet with the doctors and tell them that if Sue isn't fired, you're not only leaving, but you're charging them with fostering a hostile work environment. It might get them to see the light. And if not, you can explain to future potential employers that you were physically threatened by a coworker, in front of witnesses, but your bosses refused to do anything about it so you cannot trust them as references.

 

[pkondz]

I am really concerned with finding a new job and what the idiot Office Manager will say if contacted by a potential employer. I can not really afford to quit right now, but the stress is just too much. I am actually wondering if I should stay until I find something else. I do not think Sue would actually harm me, but she is completely nuts and well, under the influence which makes anything possible. I am more leaving because she is allowed to continue behaving this way and it is affecting all of us. Not because I think she will hurt me.

You have to live your own life. Do take advice if you wish. Act on it if you wish. But decide what's best for you, yourself. Whether you quit on Thursday, or when you've secured employment elsewhere is your decision to make. My advice? (Take it if you wish, leave it if you want) If you do decide to wait until you have another job, fine... but start the job hunting process now. Otherwise you'll find yourself at the same place with the same problems down the road. "But I'll quit when I've found work somewhere else" will morph into "I've worked here too long and have too much seniority to quit now". Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[rie'smom]

Before quitting you might want to talk to a lawyer about it being a hostile work place - since you've been threatened. Then you might qualify for damages or unemployment.

OP, I'm sorry that you've been put in the position where you have to resign. Hopefully, you'll find work with nicer people in a safer environment.

 

[3boymthr]

I'm wondering if this woman really IS a nutcase; with a documented illness such as bipolar or schizophrenia. In which case she may be using the ADA against the drs. in the office. We had this happen at a company I worked at. The woman did all kinds of the same erratic things that Sue is doing. She didn't show up, called in sick, disappeared for two hours as lunch, showed up acting drunk, did her work wrong, got in arguments (not just with other employees but with clients!), lost us two clients, etc. Well, despite multiple write-ups, requests from other employees they could do NOTHING to her. She had the ADA on her side. We had a company meeting to about this one employee which technically they weren't supposed to do but they had soooo many complaints from other employees they had to justify their actions or lack thereof. According to one of the owners, who was a lawyer in a previous life, they couldn't fire her because according to her all of her behavior was the result of her disability and she could sue and win if they fired her. The woman was written up time and again but until she quit their hands were tied. Sounds like your office may be in the same situation.

I'm sorry you felt compelled to quit and hope that in the end you find an even better job.

 

[Ceila]

I'm wondering if this woman really IS a nutcase; with a documented illness such as bipolar or schizophrenia. In which case she may be using the ADA against the drs. in the office. We had this happen at a company I worked at. The woman did all kinds of the same erratic things that Sue is doing. She didn't show up, called in sick, disappeared for two hours as lunch, showed up acting drunk, did her work wrong, got in arguments (not just with other employees but with clients!), lost us two clients, etc. Well, despite multiple write-ups, requests from other employees they could do NOTHING to her. She had the ADA on her side. We had a company meeting to about this one employee which technically they weren't supposed to do but they had soooo many complaints from other employees they had to justify their actions or lack thereof. According to one of the owners, who was a lawyer in a previous life, they couldn't fire her because according to her all of her behavior was the result of her disability and she could sue and win if they fired her. The woman was written up time and again but until she quit their hands were tied. Sounds like your office may be in the same situation.

I'm sorry you felt compelled to quit and hope that in the end you find an even better job.

The ADA does NOT mean people can endanger co-workers or patients and get away with it. It means that reasonable accommodations must be made for the person. Allowing them to threaten others, not do their job, and not show up for work are not reasonable accommodations. The owners of your company were idiots (yes, even previous lawyers can be idiots).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm wondering if this woman really IS a nutcase; with a documented illness such as bipolar or schizophrenia. In which case she may be using the ADA against the drs. in the office. We had this happen at a company I worked at. The woman did all kinds of the same erratic things that Sue is doing. She didn't show up, called in sick, disappeared for two hours as lunch, showed up acting drunk, did her work wrong, got in arguments (not just with other employees but with clients!), lost us two clients, etc. Well, despite multiple write-ups, requests from other employees they could do NOTHING to her. She had the ADA on her side. We had a company meeting to about this one employee which technically they weren't supposed to do but they had soooo many complaints from other employees they had to justify their actions or lack thereof. According to one of the owners, who was a lawyer in a previous life, they couldn't fire her because according to her all of her behavior was the result of her disability and she could sue and win if they fired her. The woman was written up time and again but until she quit their hands were tied. Sounds like your office may be in the same situation.

Something like this is what I was referring to in my earlier post. However, she can be fired, but there has to be good documentation about the reasons for it. There is case law on the books about it where people with bipolar have been fired, then sued their former employers, but ultimately lost their cases. I believe it's about "reasonable accomodation" - in other words, making accomodations for sick calls and such, but when it crosses a line such as been described here, then it's past the point of reasonable accomodation. OP if this is the issue at play, the owners of the practice should consult an attorney specializing in Employment Law for guidance.

 

[SallySkelington]

OP, I'm sorry that you had to resign but it obviously is not a good work environment with Sue and they obviously aren't going to do anything about it which is WRONG. My mom works in this field and if an employee was doing this they would have had their @$$ on silver platter and served them up to the board or fired them. She is not safe to be around patients or co-workers which compromises their health.