Coworker Issue- LONG VENT

[ShesAPirate]

I just don't get it. Does Sue have some blackmail material on your bosses or something? Have they given you any reasons why they won't do anything about her behavior?

I agree with the others - you should consult a lawyer. You've been threatened with violence (whether you think she'd actually follow through or not) and the powers that be aren't doing anything about it?! Other people are complaining, she doesn't do her job, and they STILL won't do anything? It doesn't make sense.

 

[DisneySarah80]

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.

This is what I would do. Ban together - Even if they still don't care, at least it will be truly brought to light. I'm so sorry this is happening to you - Sometimes office politics weigh over common sense.

And not to go off on a totally different subject.... But this is why people should have to go through psychological screenings before they are allowed to have gastric bypass. Obviously, this woman has an addiction problem - When she was no longer able to turn her addiction to food, she has turned to alcohol. I hope she gets the help she needs, and in the mean time, doesn't kill anyone in the process.

 

[SallySkelington]

I just don't get it. Does Sue have some blackmail material on your bosses or something? Have they given you any reasons why they won't do anything about her behavior?

I agree with the others - you should consult a lawyer. You've been threatened with violence (whether you think she'd actually follow through or not) and the powers that be aren't doing anything about it?! Other people are complaining, she doesn't do her job, and they STILL won't do anything? It doesn't make sense.

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 

[momof1princess]

I just don't get it. Does Sue have some blackmail material on your bosses or something? Have they given you any reasons why they won't do anything about her behavior?

I agree with the others - you should consult a lawyer. You've been threatened with violence (whether you think she'd actually follow through or not) and the powers that be aren't doing anything about it?! Other people are complaining, she doesn't do her job, and they STILL won't do anything? It doesn't make sense.

either this, or she's related to one of them. i can't think of any other reason such a dangerous employee would be allowed to continue to work in a medical environment.
my DH has an issue like this at his workplace-it's an industrial plant, and they have a guy who is ALWAYS late, leaves work to run down to the convenience store, breaks equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has put other employees' lives in danger; and yet, he hasn't been fired. all we can figure is that he's related to someone high up, because ANYONE ELSE who did these things would have been gone a LONG time ago (alabama is a work-at-will state, and the guy was hired through a temp agency, so no reason for termination has to be given).

 

[walden]

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.

YES! Please do not quit until you have consulted with an attorney specializing in employment law. A consultation is usually free and you can then decide if you want to put someone on retainer -- whether you decide to resign this week or not.

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.

I'm so sorry but the chances are that this job situation is going to get worse for you. This is very stressful. As a PP said, use the next few days to get copies of all your personnel records and print out all emails documenting the on-going issues with Sue. I hope you made a paper trail along the way. Take all of this to an attorney.

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.

Please don't do this until you have consulted an attorney yourself! Huge risk that they will fire you post-haste and have you escorted out of the office by security immediately! Threats of legal action make employers lawyer-up really fast and you want to get your own legal ducks in a row first.

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).

Thank you! I totally agree, the ADA and reasonable accomodation is much misunderstood. I referred to this back on page 2, post 18. Reasonable accomodation for psychiatric disability does not mean allowing the employee to get away with any outrageous behaviors they want. Disciplinary action can be taken and documented, and people with disabilities can be fired.

As it is, these particular employers "may" have taken appropriate action with Sue, which they have to keep confidential, but they have obviously lost the faith of at least 3 other employees along the way.​

 

[diznygirl]

Wow. I can't believe they would lose three workers just to keep one. That makes no sense at all. Of course, we already have figured out they have no sense...

I'm sorry you will be out of work. It still leaves the patients in danger of Sue, however.

 

[fireflymedic]

I would find a new job FIRST.

 

[Arielle22]

Unfortunately under the federal law this is not a hostile work environment. She is not being hostile to you due to your gender, race,country of origin but is hostile to everyone. Being mean to everyone is not illegal.

My sister had a gastric bypass and she was told not to drink alcohol due to the sugar in it. I wonder if Sue is having some nasty side effects if she is drinking.

I would suggest looking for a new position before you quit. Unemployment is never guaranteed when you are fired and it is an uphill fight when you quit. So even if you eventually win unemployment, you may be looking at months without income while you appeal your case.

It is easier to find a job when you have one, especially when you have specific skills that need to be maintained. Some job postings even state unemployed should not apply.

Good luck with Sue. While these threads are interesting for us to read, it sounds tough to live with.

 

[tlbwriter]

Unfortunately under the federal law this is not a hostile work environment. She is not being hostile to you due to your gender, race,country of origin but is hostile to everyone. Being mean to everyone is not illegal.

Being mean is not hostile under federal law, but now the OP has been threatened. Under some interpretations of the law, this is considered a hostile work environment.

From WiseGeek:

Lastly, overt hostility that threatens you physically are hostile work environments. If you really feel that you are at physical risk because of the behavior of another employee, specifically through violent behavior or threats of a violent nature, the employee’s manner is not only hostile but also potentially criminal.

Wow. I can't believe they would lose three workers just to keep one. That makes no sense at all.

They don't know they're going to lose three employees. The OP and the second nurse have not turned in their resignation yet. That's why I think it could be a good idea to go in there together and say "We cannot work with Sue's behavior" (though Walden is right, don't threaten legal action at this point). The RNs have an even stronger case if they can refuse to allow Sue to work under their licenses

 

[lillygator]

I just don't get it. Does Sue have some blackmail material on your bosses or something? Have they given you any reasons why they won't do anything about her behavior?

honestly this is what I was thinking...why else would they keep her and let three good employees leave?

 

[hereyago]

OP: i am sorry that it all worked out like that. That speaks volumes of 3 people wanting to leave because of her antics.

Hope Sue doesn't go postal one day on one of the patients.

 

[walden]

Being mean is not hostile under federal law, but now the OP has been threatened. Under some interpretations of the law, this is considered a hostile work environment.

From WiseGeek:


They don't know they're going to lose three employees. The OP and the second nurse have not turned in their resignation yet. That's why I think it could be a good idea to go in there together and say "We cannot work with Sue's behavior" (though Walden is right, don't threaten legal action at this point). The RNs have an even stronger case if they can refuse to allow Sue to work under their licenses

Yes, I think it is risky to cite hostile work environment because state laws differ on interpretation and Federal Law focuses on protected classes. The OP has been threatened, however, which is why many people have suggested a police report. That goes to potentially criminal behavior, and the employer is obliged to provide a safe workplace.

I really think she needs to consult an attorney. If this goes on she may have a case of "constructive dischargement" per the EEOC.

This could get worse. If the OP or an RN reports the situation to the Medical Licensing board (as people here have rather blithely suggested) there could be major repercussions. The OP could be penalized for not being able to work nicely with others (Sue), or for being suspected of reporting the situation outside the office. She/they are technically protected under "whistle-blower" legislation for reporting to the Licensing board, but if you are the whistle-blower technical protection doesn't pay your bills when you are fired. We also all want her to leave with the best possible references, don't we?

Good luck, OP. Please talk to a lawyer before you quit This is important!

ETA. Also, although this may be redundant advice and I did not check the times the OP posted: if you are experiencing problems at work do not use your work computer to post about it! Everything on your work computer belongs to the company and can be used against you in a dispute!

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'm sorry for what you are going through. Please take care. It's a dangerous situation for several reasons.

You mentioned you didn't want to work alone with her. I think it would be wise to never be alone with this woman. She is capable of lying about you. It could cost you your job and if you get fired, it could cost you future jobs as well. Stay clear of her and always have a witness in your presence.

Your safety is at stake too. There are all sorts of sneaky ways a person can hurt you. Watch your back. She is unstable and under the influence. She referred to knifing, so her mind is going to places most reasonable people would not. No telling if she would act on it. Have a person with you in the office at all times.

Your property is also vulnerable. It's good you are planning to move where you park. I'd also lock my purse in my desk. She could wreak havoc on your finances if she could. Don't give her any chances.

I would not want to live this way. Even if it were the best job in the world. It's not worth it. It sounds more like you would be in a prison than at work. And to think the management is okay with her behavior puts salt in the wound.

I'm glad you are trying to get out of the situation. Watch your back in the mean time. Even when you leave, I wouldn't put my guard down for awhile. You can't predict crazy.

 

[Andtototoo]

honestly this is what I was thinking...why else would they keep her and let three good employees leave?

Stupidity is a vastly underrated causal factor in human behavior.

I have wasted far too much of my own time and energy trying to parse out the reasons for idiotic behavior only to realize that the only explanation sometimes is, "They're stupid."

 

[Northstar]

Stupidity is a vastly underrated causal factor in human behavior.

I have wasted far too much of my own time and energy trying to parse out the reasons for idiotic behavior only to realize that the only explanation sometimes is, "They're stupid."

 

[dakcp2001]

Stupidity is a vastly underrated causal factor in human behavior.

I have wasted far too much of my own time and energy trying to parse out the reasons for idiotic behavior only to realize that the only explanation sometimes is, "They're stupid."

This made me LOL. It is so accurate! Sound to me like this girl must be related to the office manager. You said you make your own schedule? Get a copy of whackadoos and work around it. Find yourself another job pronto and get out of there. Just knowing how much of a fool your office manager is would make me want to quit.

 

[Rence]

I would strongly recommend against quitting until you have a new position. Lots of articles out there about employers not wanting to hire the unemployed. Read one recently that this is true even for those who voluntarily leave a position. Start the job hunt in earnest but hold onto the job. Keep interactions with Sue to a bare minimum.

This also gives you great cover to stop a perspective employer from contacting your current employer. They typically ask if they may contact your current employer and you can say, no - they don't know that I am looking.

Your reason for looking for a new job should be Sue-less. It should be about career growth, new opportunities, room to grow etc. Say nothing bad about your current work environment.

There is always a chance that as others leave - that they may come around and fire Sue. But don't count on it - focus on a positive upbeat job search and put Sue behind you.

 

[disneyismyname]

Bumping this! I hope OP is okay.

 

[DizBelle]

Has anybody read any news stories about a medical assistant that went postal on her co-workers?

 

[DWGal210]

I hope she's OK today - what a scary situation.

Even if she's related to the boss somehow, WTH would the owner want a loose cannon like that around?!?! I know many business owners & I can't imagine any of them keeping someone like her around, family or not, At a certain point, do they REALLY want to risk their business & livelihood for this person?!?! This is more than just someone who's annoying or bends the rules; she's a dangerous person. I'm putting my money on what a PP said about her having some dirt on the people in charge. Otherwise, what explains this?!?!