Advise-stress and work issues

RE: Advise-stress and work issues

Alison Clare Hickman — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 21:13:22 GMT

Hello again,

Too busy to do an Induction? I think that is short-sighted. Especially so since you've told us they promised you the world at interview... which all makes me think they were just hopeful empty promises so as to entice you on-board. Wrong, wrong, wrong. What if you endangered yourself or your patients through ignorance of the protocols, as you had not been given the opportunity to understand them? This is particularly pertinent to your dyslexia and any problems you might encounter as a result. I assume that they knew this at interview, before they hired you? They should be making reasonable adjustment for you...

Well then. I can forsee two roads to travel.

1. As stated in above post, seek pastures new and go back to being a locum. The gentler option for you and definitely the quickest way to remove the pain!

2. Hang tough and don't let the bar-stewards grind you down but take action to make things better for yourself.

It's maybe worth mentioning to your employer that you are protected from discrimination in the workplace because of your dyslexia. Are your employers aware that they need to make 'reasonable adjustment' to your workplace to assist you to do your job as equally well as someone who does not have dyslexia?

See http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/employer/legislation

specifically...

Employers have a duty under the Equality Act to make adjustments to support dyslexic employees...

Adjustments for dyslexic people can be simple and inexpensive. They may also be a benefit to other employees. A willingness to be flexible is the most important thing. For adjustments to be made, the employee needs to disclose details of their difficulties.

Failure to implement reasonable adjustments is a breach of the Equality Act.

Improve the environment: clearly the work you would have to put in to improve working relationships may be too great for the benefit (if any!) you ever realise. However, if you want to stay and see it through then, although the going may be tough, you could set the bar for how people are treated. That is, don't keep your head down until the evil has passed onto another person; (like the other nurse you reported who is now part of the clique). Stand up for what's right and lead by example. Demand to be heard until the right thing is done and/or work hard at being totally pleasant to the unpleasant and not dropping your head down when they are awful to you. Never gossip. Don't moan but provide potential solutions to any problems rather than moaning about them. Oh, there's many ways to fight the good fight. But. It IS still a fight and does take a toll, though the rewards, if it works, are good.

I've done that and I can report it's a lonely, tough journey but so well worth it in the end and everyone benefits from your trail blaze. Having said that, I have also worked in places where I realised it wasn't gonna happen (for various reasons); so I made the decision to leave the idiots to it, upped-sticks and left asap.

The thing I've learned is that there will always be somewhere else that totally, completely, loves and appreciates you. It's just finding it. Some of us find it quickly, others it can take a while. So whatever you decide to do, keep going. You're worth it.

Ali h

RE: Advise-stress and work issues

Rachel Woodcock — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 16:41:04 GMT

locuming is brilliant and there are so many places needing nurses ATM so I'm sure you wouldn't be short of work. It's also a great way to boost your confidence! Don't stay somewhere where you are made to feel like that! Life's too short to be miserable at work.

feel free to pm me if you need a chat x

RE: Advise-stress and work issues

VetNurse Anon a/c — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 09:12:11 GMT

Hi Thank you so much for your advise

I did go and speak to my bosses but unfortunately was just told to get on with it and too busy so do an induction and told me it's sink or swim here

I am also dyslexic and would not offer support on that

Also the head nurse I can't approach as she has been going behind my back and discussing mistakes I have made to colleagues without discussing it with me which the exaggerated version got back to the bosses so when I spoke to them it back fired and just basically told me they can't support me and need a nurse just to get on with it so very trapped now as I have to be gone ASAP

Also I think the two students in question have been here for so long they are comfortable so I don't thing they cared how they spoke to me plus the head nurse is there clinical coach which makes it worse.

I did start to speak with one girl who had similar experience when she started but now she has figured out the situation and wants to fit in has also joined in

So it's really difficult. I know I could maybe look at locum options with accommodation but I have lost so much confidence and wish I could not care about what people think!!

RE: Advise-stress and work issues

Alison Clare Hickman — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 14:41:22 GMT

Gosh it sounds like you have been through the mill and then some... hugs.

I would always recommend, from hard-won personal experience, that you ask to talk about the issues with your bosses. It is so important to share; otherwise how can they understand what the world is like from your perspective, unless you tell them? They are bound to have heard from other people what they think!

How will change come about if your bosses don't know you have identified problems you are unable to resolve, such as the door slamming disturbance; or that the origin of your struggle with protocols etc was caused by a lack of adequate Induction? It's not too late to have an Induction even now; so you have a framework to build on and they can feel comfortable you know what's what.

With regard to the SVN lack of respect issue; a different approach is needed I think. Rather than a ticking off, which they do deserve, but which would alienate them from you further - I am thinking encouraging them to come to you for advice is the best motivator. So I would feel inclined to speak to their Clinical Coach and offer my instructional services. By teaching them, you should encourage them back on-side as they will learn you have the skills and experience they need to acquire and respect will follow. If your instructional services are declined then ask why and take it from there.

A meeting to talk to your bosses should also give you the opportunity to query why all those amazing things you were told about haven't happened and when you should expect to be given the opportunity to do so. Agree on a plan and get it in writing e.g. after the meeting; send an email to your boss confirming what's been agreed. Follow up on it and keep everyone aware what has been agreed to i.e. don't let it pass by without being actioned.

It might be difficult to speak up but, believe me, if you don't the situation will not improve by itself. A brave soul is needed make the initial move (you) and tell it as it is and then (hopefully) a team effort to make any changes required thereafter.

If nothing changes, after talks, you can at least make plans to leave with your head held high that you tried.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Ali h xx

RE: Advise-stress and work issues

Charmaloo88 — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 10:06:02 GMT

Wow that all sounds just terrible. There was a thread that Arlo started fairly recently addressing mental health and developed into a discussion about bullying but I don't think a conclusion was drawn.

Aside from my first student job I'm fortunate to have never been bullied, however I know how it feels to be so miserable in a job, end of last year I was considering throwing in the towel but now I'm so glad I didn't!

PM me if you want :) there are loads of amazing jobs out there you just haven't found one yet!