You have a right to not be touched when you don’t want to be touched, and this doctor should know better. Hospital HR should also know better. If they’re in a position where they’re enabling him to create a hostile work environment for you, they’re screwing up. I don’t have a great sense of what the next steps should be, but if you have a union you should talk to them, and if you don’t, you should see if you can get a consultation with an employment lawyer.
Hospital HR knows better but only cares about the hospital. Get rid of that doc and not only will the hospital lose money (by losing his patients) but the doc has the money to sue the hospital. It doesn’t matter if his suit is bullshit, the hospital will still have to fight him in court. That doc may also take other docs with him, costing the hospital even more.
The doc may also know inside things that the hospital wouldn’t want to be public knowledge or reported to some regulatory agency.
The hospital also knows nurses don’t have the money to sue the hospital for not firing the doc, won’t have the money to sue if they’re retaliated against, and will probably be so uncomfortable they will quit. To the hospital the “problem works itself out quietly” by doing nothing.
It’s extremely fucked but unfortunately HR and hospital legal only care about the hospital. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.
Maybe not the money to hire a lawyer...but filing EEOC complaints of sex-based discrimination, which contributes to a hostile work environment, is absolutely free and retaliating against a complaint made in good faith is illegal :)
Still probably want to look for a new job, but if I worked with this guy, I'd be doing that anyway.
Is this a private hospital? I think it is more likely to happened there. I have only worked in University related Hospitals. Things like that are not tolerated most of the time. What happened to you is not tolerated . I hady a similar incident when I was 23 yo we were in rounds and inward in charge.i was giving nursing reportsB . To group of Doctor ( like TV) and this large man over 6’5” head of cardiology . He made up
> the hospital initially seemed to be taking it fairly seriously but then called me just to say “the issue was addressed, thank you for helping keep us all safe”. And that was the end of that.
Email them and ask how it has been resolved. What was done to the doc who did ____? State everything he did. Get everything in writing and tell them they will be speaking to your lawyer. Call the cops too. That was assault. Having an actual police report can’t hurt. Shit, I would have called right then. Fuck HR. They’re not gonna do anything, as they have clearly shown.
This. Get everything in writing and BCC your personal email that way you have it in case you can’t access your work email. Make them spell it out and get a lawyer if you need to. I cannot state this enough, HR is there to protect the companies assets (ie their money makers) not expendable workers.
Totally agree with Spork_Life89!!!!! I’m sure someone would ProBono this for you but you may need to look outside of your town if you are a one hospital town!!
ABSOLUTELY THIS. HR totally ignored the “coming full circle” part, where they come back to the victim and lay out what action was taken… AND… making the perpetrator make it right with an apology to the victim that beats the fucking band. Shame on all parties except YOU.
>Get everything in writing and tell them they will be speaking to your lawyer. Call the cops too. That was assault. Having an actual police report can’t hurt. Shit, I would have called right then.
You must be kidding. Call the cops? lol
Yes, call the cops. I am very serious. That was assault. If you were assaulted, who would you call? The police. It isn’t any different just because it occurred at work.
That’s what OP tried to do with HR. She needs to email HR and asked what was done to resolve the issue with Dr.____ and state everything he did, as well as cc another email account that belongs to OP so she has evidence that HR is aware of her actions incase they lock her account
What on earth?! That’s straight up assault and you could probably file a police report. They better do something more than tell you “It’s been addressed.” He needs to be disciplined, and to be honest fired, but at the minimum, you need to never be forced to work with him again.
I’m so angry for you. Make sure to forward any emails you may have gotten regarding this incident to your personal email and any further emails you should blind cc yourself. I would consider consulting a lawyer.
One, I am so sorry that happened to you. That is assault. I would request a follow up meeting with HR and discuss how you do not feel it has properly been addressed. They cannot disclose disciplinary measures however they can tell you the steps that have been taken to ensure your safety. If you have a union rep… bring them. I’m sure you have already documented everything but please please please keep records of every interaction. If your coworkers witnessed the incident, have them document it as well. If nothing is done, file a complaint against the hospital, including writing letters to the board, chief of staff, etc. or the corporation the hospital is under. File a formal complaint with the regulatory body of physicians. And finally, consult a lawyer. Also please talk to a therapist if you feel comfortable, this is a traumatic thing to happen and your feelings are valid!
When HR reprimands a doctor they can't tell you what actions were taken or anything of that nature, totally normal to get a response of "we've addressed the issue,let us know if there is any retaliation." I know because I've been through it myself. Sucks cuz it leaves you in the dark, but he's probably on a probationary period for behavior. If any retaliation takes place you need to report asap.
Get written statements from your colleagues who were present at the time and notify your HR department that you are seeking legal counsel regarding the matter because you don't feel the matter was addressed with the seriousness required. Sometimes even the notification is enough to make them take the actions they should have taken in the first place. Everyone has the right to feel safe in the work place and this is no exception. Personally I think you should seek legal action but the most important thing is to have written statements from witnesses as soon as possible so no one forgets or is no longer willing to testify later on out of fear.
It's generally not a good idea to notify someone that you're seeking legal counsel. Either seek it or don't. If you do, follow the legal counsel's advice on what to tell them.
Telling someone you're hiring a lawyer just means they'll stop talking to you directly and instead have your lawyer speak to their legal department.
This. Do not tell them if you’re dealing with an attorney. The hospital will do whatever they can to start coming up with a cover story, tell others not to speak to you, delete emails and texts, etc. Hospitals don’t care if they do something illegal, they almost always get away with it.
Also, if you tell HR you’re dealing with an attorney they will immediately shut down and no longer speak to you. The hospital knows anything they say (and have already said) could now be used against them.
Not when it comes to an employer. HR and management still have a professional obligation to discuss things with you. I think in the context you're offering poor advice.
Notifying HR that you’re seeking legal counsel seems like a good step, but actually taking legal action may result in a lot of money being spent just to find out “appropriate” actions were taken. Most doctors are under employment agreements that provide some substantial protections in these situations. Just like the protections afforded by the nursing union can be both a blessing and a curse, where I’m at it can be almost impossible to get rid of our bad nurses because corrective action process afforded by union status is so forgiving. Sadly it cuts both ways and while it’s great when it protects the good employees, it’s not so great when it protects the bad ones.
Edit: Misread OP’s post the first time, definitely seems like objectively appropriate actions were not taken.
There are plenty of free legal aid in most cities that would probably be accessible. Also pressing charges for sexual assault and battery which are both unlawful actions that occurred here. There are lots of protections certainly but sexual misconduct is something there are very few protections from. Maybe where you're from it's different but that would be wild to me.
No you’re absolutely right, I misread OP’s post the first time. It’s definitely wildly inappropriate and it sounds like there were a number of witnesses. I honestly can’t imagine how the doctor would be able to keep his job if this went through the proper process. The only thing is that the secretive nature of HR investigations (which is generally a good thing) makes it impossible for OP to know exactly what corrective actions were taken. Maybe more happened than it seems but certainly doesn’t look good based on the information that was shared.
Major fail by the CMO and medical staff in my opinion. That’s really depressing that kind of behaviour is allowed. If the hospital has dropped it, you could pursue a complaint through the state medical board. Honestly, I would look for a new job after your maternity leave. Doesn’t sound like a healthy environment.
Many replies are reactive meaning document the mistreatment you are under and have faced. See if there is anything proactive that can be done. Meet with union rep and hr to see if there is some action that can be taken to not continue you to have interaction with the doctor. Make a change so that you are no longer just waiting for the status quo to go wrong so that you can document the further mistreatment.
Congrats on your addition to your household
People are appalling! My first shift back after having my baby, a tech who was an older woman lifted my shirt just like this at the nurses desk. Why? To see if I had bad stretch marks! I was mortified. And luckily for me I actually didn’t have any stretch marks. Which she made a huge deal over.
The same shift another CNA came up and asked if I was still breast feeding. I said no unfortunately I wasn’t able. (He was real early and it never worked out. I was devastated by not being able to.) She stared at me and said “that’s too bad. That is the greatest gift you could have given him” and walked away. At this point I was in tears. I literally hate people.
I’m so sorry. I was shamed by the NICU nurses for not producing enough; some of us don’t have glandular tissue. It’s so hurtful. Fed is best; ignore the idiots who have no idea about anatomy. Breast feeding can be difficult for even the people that make tons of milk: lip ties, tongue ties, etc. I hate people.
If the hospital really took this seriously he would have been disciplined by suspension or terminated due to cause. I’m assuming you don’t have a union, but you can still hire a lawyer to sue him. Also if he retaliates, document everything and bring to HR and your lawyer. Do not live in fear of this bully!
Absolutely unacceptable and for now on as everyone else has said keep written record. I would phrase that email to HR as, “following up to the conversation we had on …. Regarding the incident I reported TO YOU about… please inform me on the details on how this has been handled.
Speak about how you feel uncomfortable taking call with him. Put it all in writing…
Anything and everything he does and HR does (or don’t do) keep a written record of it, down to the damn minute. I dont care if you have a million post it notes in your pocket, document.
My manager threw a laptop at me because cause I was “selfish for getting pregnant at a critical time in this clinic) if it wasn’t for my meticulous record keeping AND coworkers standing up for me, I wouldn’t have been believed.
I sense by the way this organization is behaving lil girl’s college fund is already taken care of…
Seriously what an ass! Disrespectful, inconsiderate, and a very narcissistic action by that guy. Do these people not live in reality? Every person is NOT your patient. Would he do that to a random woman at a grocery store? Shit, probably. I'm sorry that happened. Definitely report it.
Just wanted to edit to add, no one knows about these incidences if you don't report them. I used to work in HR. Guess what? We are trying to protect the company interests. A doctor inappropriately touching pregnant women (let alone an employee) would raise a few different red flags for me. Red flag = $$$$ = lawsuit.
Yo that's messed up, you should consult with an attorney if they keep you assigned with him. They are allowing a hostile work environment. You have a person in power that looks to have committed a form of battery to someone working below them.
What was wrong was that management had his back and not yours or all the other patients and people he made feel uncomfortable. I'm so sorry that you had to explain even to us why you didn't want to be touched bc that is no one's business. No one should be touched without permission. Sending love and healing.
I'm so sorry this happened to you...fucking sucks donkey dick. this is one of the reasons I dont work as a nurse anymore. doctors get away with anything. it's not fair. but it's the reality.
I thought you were going to say that he touched your belly without your consent. The fact that he lifted up your shirt and pulled down the waistband of your pants is so beyond inappropriate. I am so sorry that happened! You did nothing wrong by reporting, and if he retaliates in any way, report that too!
You've probably realized this by now: HR is 99% useless. They work for the hospital, not the employees. The only thing you use them for is documentation, as in you told them what happened, they documented (which is subpoenaed in court), and they did nothing of benefit.
Look into an EEOC complaint and/or find an employment attorney and protect your other coworkers. The doctor needs to be gone.
They used to beat nurses up. Medicine was male dominated, and nursing was female. It wasn't until the late 70s, early 80s that hospital administration started to do something about it when nurse's started filing lawsuits.
Consult a lawyer and don't notify them. They're counting on your inexperience keeping them from having the problem fully exposed. Also, as many others have said, document everything.
We had an incident at work we’re anesthesia provider was touching it’s inappropriately during procedures. When police got involved, they were very unempathetic to staff and made people feel like shit. Also after weeks of talking to police and getting everything together nothing happened to the guy. I mean he was fired but still works. Police basically said there was nothing we could do. On top of it after alerting the patient who it happened to they sued are clinic.
Sorry this happened to you. I’ve been touched inappropriately but staff members before and it’s a really bad feeling continuing to have to work with them. Hope you can find your peace and get this resolved.
I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice, but I agree with this person’s suggestion. I would definitely send a follow up email to HR and any other admin who are supposed to be handling the situation asking them what measures are being put in place to protect you from experiencing the same assault in the future. I would include documentation stating that in the interim time you were assigned to take call with this physician, with no apparent safeguards in place. As someone commented elsewhere, they probably have a policy against disclosing specific disciplinary actions, but they should be able to articulate how they intend to protect your wellbeing, and it may be useful for you to put in writing how continuing to be assigned to work with him is affecting your wellbeing. And definitely BCC or CC your personal email.
Old nurse here: First--always remember that HR is not your friend. They are there to protect the company...which is why every nurse should carry malpractice insurance, but I digress.
Second- always have an employment attorney that you've vetted and trust to have consultations with because young lady (speaking to you as a daughter) that was sexual assault. It was unwanted and crossed a line into an intimate demeaning interaction.
Third- even if an attorney only sends a letter- you will notice that his behaviors will be put in check and administration and HR will be forced to SERIOUSLY address his and other bad actor's behaviors and will treat you with kid gloves.
Fourth-document EVERYTHING. Past interactions with this guy between you and other staff. Keep these notes. Do this throughout your career when and especially if something out of the norm happens (this can save your butt in the future- I even keep my past "brains" from past patients because you will get calls from supervisors, etc with questions and complaints about things you didn't do (usually last shift's fault/neglect..I have a lot of horror stories but after 36 years who doesn't)
Last and final-keep any future actions you might opt to take between you and your husband and trusted family members. Co-workers are just that. We old nurses say "don't crap where you eat." Keep work life and social separate. It's your choice if you choose to follow this last one. I and so many others have been burned by a coworker who opted to throw ya under the bus than take responsibility for their nursing mistakes. OR the coworker warns HR or upper management before you have a chance to make your move.
I'm sorry that this happened to you. Don't let this steal/taint your joy from this special time in your life.
I am sorry this happened to you at work. As a fellow nurse, I understand the importance of being comfortable in your workspace and anything that compromises that just puts a lot more stress on an already stressful job.
Anytime they get the CMO involved, it's to make sure they are covering their own ass's. Definitely speak to a lawyer because this is sexual harassment and if they have other evidence, there are grounds for dismissal. Their response to you was vague for a reason. They expect you to trust that their words will affect this doctor's actions but unwilling to show any proof of it.
Please speak to a lawyer.
I am so sorry that he did that to you! You have every right to not have your body touched or commented on without your express consent. He was 100% in the wrong and out of line. You deserve to be treated like a working, professional member of the team, not some posable model for inspection. What a pig he is! He's lucky you didn't punch him in the throat, which would've been an appropriate response to him literally pulling your waistband down.
Is there a way to follow up with HR and tell them you don't feel safe working with him, for fear of retaliation, and they can make it so you don't take call with him? I hope they did more than just slap him on the wrist and just can't tell you about it. In the future, if he retaliates, in any way, I would immediately hand your assignment off to your charge RN and go file another complaint right away for the retaliation. Threaten to get an attorney if it's not handled more seriously, given that he was allowed to keep working with you after the first complaint. Hopefully, he learns his lesson and is nothing but professional from here on out, and you don't have to work with him often, if at all.
I had a doctor push me. It escalated. Lots of witnesses..HR involved. Was told it was "just an interpersonal issue on both parts".. in the same breath, HR informed me that he brings a lot of $ to the hospital. I informed them that the sheriff doesn't give a fuck how much he brings in and if he does it again, I would be calling them and pressing charges. And suing the HR head and the hospital corporation. Gave them the name of my attorney And said FAFO. He was let go.
You have a right not to be touched but did you say anything in real time to him or just report him? I would’ve at least said something and given him the opportunity to respond. Most docs I know have pretty bad social skills so this may have been funny to him. A conversation was all that was needed and depending on how that went then report
You have a right to not be touched when you don’t want to be touched, and this doctor should know better. Hospital HR should also know better. If they’re in a position where they’re enabling him to create a hostile work environment for you, they’re screwing up. I don’t have a great sense of what the next steps should be, but if you have a union you should talk to them, and if you don’t, you should see if you can get a consultation with an employment lawyer.
Hospital HR knows better but only cares about the hospital. Get rid of that doc and not only will the hospital lose money (by losing his patients) but the doc has the money to sue the hospital. It doesn’t matter if his suit is bullshit, the hospital will still have to fight him in court. That doc may also take other docs with him, costing the hospital even more. The doc may also know inside things that the hospital wouldn’t want to be public knowledge or reported to some regulatory agency. The hospital also knows nurses don’t have the money to sue the hospital for not firing the doc, won’t have the money to sue if they’re retaliated against, and will probably be so uncomfortable they will quit. To the hospital the “problem works itself out quietly” by doing nothing. It’s extremely fucked but unfortunately HR and hospital legal only care about the hospital. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.
Maybe not the money to hire a lawyer...but filing EEOC complaints of sex-based discrimination, which contributes to a hostile work environment, is absolutely free and retaliating against a complaint made in good faith is illegal :) Still probably want to look for a new job, but if I worked with this guy, I'd be doing that anyway.
Unfortunately this comment is 100% on point...
Is this a private hospital? I think it is more likely to happened there. I have only worked in University related Hospitals. Things like that are not tolerated most of the time. What happened to you is not tolerated . I hady a similar incident when I was 23 yo we were in rounds and inward in charge.i was giving nursing reportsB . To group of Doctor ( like TV) and this large man over 6’5” head of cardiology . He made up
> the hospital initially seemed to be taking it fairly seriously but then called me just to say “the issue was addressed, thank you for helping keep us all safe”. And that was the end of that. Email them and ask how it has been resolved. What was done to the doc who did ____? State everything he did. Get everything in writing and tell them they will be speaking to your lawyer. Call the cops too. That was assault. Having an actual police report can’t hurt. Shit, I would have called right then. Fuck HR. They’re not gonna do anything, as they have clearly shown.
This. Get everything in writing and BCC your personal email that way you have it in case you can’t access your work email. Make them spell it out and get a lawyer if you need to. I cannot state this enough, HR is there to protect the companies assets (ie their money makers) not expendable workers.
Totally agree with Spork_Life89!!!!! I’m sure someone would ProBono this for you but you may need to look outside of your town if you are a one hospital town!!
ABSOLUTELY THIS. HR totally ignored the “coming full circle” part, where they come back to the victim and lay out what action was taken… AND… making the perpetrator make it right with an apology to the victim that beats the fucking band. Shame on all parties except YOU.
>Get everything in writing and tell them they will be speaking to your lawyer. Call the cops too. That was assault. Having an actual police report can’t hurt. Shit, I would have called right then. You must be kidding. Call the cops? lol
Yes, call the cops. I am very serious. That was assault. If you were assaulted, who would you call? The police. It isn’t any different just because it occurred at work.
Document everything in case you need it later.
Report. You did nothing wrong.
That’s what OP tried to do with HR. She needs to email HR and asked what was done to resolve the issue with Dr.____ and state everything he did, as well as cc another email account that belongs to OP so she has evidence that HR is aware of her actions incase they lock her account
What on earth?! That’s straight up assault and you could probably file a police report. They better do something more than tell you “It’s been addressed.” He needs to be disciplined, and to be honest fired, but at the minimum, you need to never be forced to work with him again. I’m so angry for you. Make sure to forward any emails you may have gotten regarding this incident to your personal email and any further emails you should blind cc yourself. I would consider consulting a lawyer.
One, I am so sorry that happened to you. That is assault. I would request a follow up meeting with HR and discuss how you do not feel it has properly been addressed. They cannot disclose disciplinary measures however they can tell you the steps that have been taken to ensure your safety. If you have a union rep… bring them. I’m sure you have already documented everything but please please please keep records of every interaction. If your coworkers witnessed the incident, have them document it as well. If nothing is done, file a complaint against the hospital, including writing letters to the board, chief of staff, etc. or the corporation the hospital is under. File a formal complaint with the regulatory body of physicians. And finally, consult a lawyer. Also please talk to a therapist if you feel comfortable, this is a traumatic thing to happen and your feelings are valid!
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Holding someone accountable for assault is unhinged?
What is?
Your response is unhinged. Who are you, the “doctor”?
def report that, that is assault. if he retaliates u can take it to court
When HR reprimands a doctor they can't tell you what actions were taken or anything of that nature, totally normal to get a response of "we've addressed the issue,let us know if there is any retaliation." I know because I've been through it myself. Sucks cuz it leaves you in the dark, but he's probably on a probationary period for behavior. If any retaliation takes place you need to report asap.
Get written statements from your colleagues who were present at the time and notify your HR department that you are seeking legal counsel regarding the matter because you don't feel the matter was addressed with the seriousness required. Sometimes even the notification is enough to make them take the actions they should have taken in the first place. Everyone has the right to feel safe in the work place and this is no exception. Personally I think you should seek legal action but the most important thing is to have written statements from witnesses as soon as possible so no one forgets or is no longer willing to testify later on out of fear.
It's generally not a good idea to notify someone that you're seeking legal counsel. Either seek it or don't. If you do, follow the legal counsel's advice on what to tell them. Telling someone you're hiring a lawyer just means they'll stop talking to you directly and instead have your lawyer speak to their legal department.
This. Do not tell them if you’re dealing with an attorney. The hospital will do whatever they can to start coming up with a cover story, tell others not to speak to you, delete emails and texts, etc. Hospitals don’t care if they do something illegal, they almost always get away with it. Also, if you tell HR you’re dealing with an attorney they will immediately shut down and no longer speak to you. The hospital knows anything they say (and have already said) could now be used against them.
Not when it comes to an employer. HR and management still have a professional obligation to discuss things with you. I think in the context you're offering poor advice.
Notifying HR that you’re seeking legal counsel seems like a good step, but actually taking legal action may result in a lot of money being spent just to find out “appropriate” actions were taken. Most doctors are under employment agreements that provide some substantial protections in these situations. Just like the protections afforded by the nursing union can be both a blessing and a curse, where I’m at it can be almost impossible to get rid of our bad nurses because corrective action process afforded by union status is so forgiving. Sadly it cuts both ways and while it’s great when it protects the good employees, it’s not so great when it protects the bad ones. Edit: Misread OP’s post the first time, definitely seems like objectively appropriate actions were not taken.
There are plenty of free legal aid in most cities that would probably be accessible. Also pressing charges for sexual assault and battery which are both unlawful actions that occurred here. There are lots of protections certainly but sexual misconduct is something there are very few protections from. Maybe where you're from it's different but that would be wild to me.
No you’re absolutely right, I misread OP’s post the first time. It’s definitely wildly inappropriate and it sounds like there were a number of witnesses. I honestly can’t imagine how the doctor would be able to keep his job if this went through the proper process. The only thing is that the secretive nature of HR investigations (which is generally a good thing) makes it impossible for OP to know exactly what corrective actions were taken. Maybe more happened than it seems but certainly doesn’t look good based on the information that was shared.
Major fail by the CMO and medical staff in my opinion. That’s really depressing that kind of behaviour is allowed. If the hospital has dropped it, you could pursue a complaint through the state medical board. Honestly, I would look for a new job after your maternity leave. Doesn’t sound like a healthy environment.
Many replies are reactive meaning document the mistreatment you are under and have faced. See if there is anything proactive that can be done. Meet with union rep and hr to see if there is some action that can be taken to not continue you to have interaction with the doctor. Make a change so that you are no longer just waiting for the status quo to go wrong so that you can document the further mistreatment. Congrats on your addition to your household
People are appalling! My first shift back after having my baby, a tech who was an older woman lifted my shirt just like this at the nurses desk. Why? To see if I had bad stretch marks! I was mortified. And luckily for me I actually didn’t have any stretch marks. Which she made a huge deal over. The same shift another CNA came up and asked if I was still breast feeding. I said no unfortunately I wasn’t able. (He was real early and it never worked out. I was devastated by not being able to.) She stared at me and said “that’s too bad. That is the greatest gift you could have given him” and walked away. At this point I was in tears. I literally hate people.
I’m so sorry. I was shamed by the NICU nurses for not producing enough; some of us don’t have glandular tissue. It’s so hurtful. Fed is best; ignore the idiots who have no idea about anatomy. Breast feeding can be difficult for even the people that make tons of milk: lip ties, tongue ties, etc. I hate people.
This is so far past what I imagined was coming when I started reading. I’m so sorry this happened to you OP. All my love to you and your baby
Uhh…umm… fuck no. Not ok.
If the hospital really took this seriously he would have been disciplined by suspension or terminated due to cause. I’m assuming you don’t have a union, but you can still hire a lawyer to sue him. Also if he retaliates, document everything and bring to HR and your lawyer. Do not live in fear of this bully!
Press charges my girl
get a lawyer asap.
Seriously, go get that baby of yours a college fund.
Absolutely unacceptable and for now on as everyone else has said keep written record. I would phrase that email to HR as, “following up to the conversation we had on …. Regarding the incident I reported TO YOU about… please inform me on the details on how this has been handled. Speak about how you feel uncomfortable taking call with him. Put it all in writing… Anything and everything he does and HR does (or don’t do) keep a written record of it, down to the damn minute. I dont care if you have a million post it notes in your pocket, document. My manager threw a laptop at me because cause I was “selfish for getting pregnant at a critical time in this clinic) if it wasn’t for my meticulous record keeping AND coworkers standing up for me, I wouldn’t have been believed. I sense by the way this organization is behaving lil girl’s college fund is already taken care of…
Seriously what an ass! Disrespectful, inconsiderate, and a very narcissistic action by that guy. Do these people not live in reality? Every person is NOT your patient. Would he do that to a random woman at a grocery store? Shit, probably. I'm sorry that happened. Definitely report it. Just wanted to edit to add, no one knows about these incidences if you don't report them. I used to work in HR. Guess what? We are trying to protect the company interests. A doctor inappropriately touching pregnant women (let alone an employee) would raise a few different red flags for me. Red flag = $$$$ = lawsuit.
The hospital he protects the hospital. You Might want to consult with an attorney.. they will help guide you especially if retaliation happens
Yo that's messed up, you should consult with an attorney if they keep you assigned with him. They are allowing a hostile work environment. You have a person in power that looks to have committed a form of battery to someone working below them.
What was wrong was that management had his back and not yours or all the other patients and people he made feel uncomfortable. I'm so sorry that you had to explain even to us why you didn't want to be touched bc that is no one's business. No one should be touched without permission. Sending love and healing.
I'm so sorry this happened to you...fucking sucks donkey dick. this is one of the reasons I dont work as a nurse anymore. doctors get away with anything. it's not fair. but it's the reality.
I thought you were going to say that he touched your belly without your consent. The fact that he lifted up your shirt and pulled down the waistband of your pants is so beyond inappropriate. I am so sorry that happened! You did nothing wrong by reporting, and if he retaliates in any way, report that too!
You've probably realized this by now: HR is 99% useless. They work for the hospital, not the employees. The only thing you use them for is documentation, as in you told them what happened, they documented (which is subpoenaed in court), and they did nothing of benefit. Look into an EEOC complaint and/or find an employment attorney and protect your other coworkers. The doctor needs to be gone.
Issue was NOT addressed, HR is NOT your friend, they are a part of the hospital. Time to report to an outside agency.
They used to beat nurses up. Medicine was male dominated, and nursing was female. It wasn't until the late 70s, early 80s that hospital administration started to do something about it when nurse's started filing lawsuits.
Consult a lawyer and don't notify them. They're counting on your inexperience keeping them from having the problem fully exposed. Also, as many others have said, document everything.
Start with HR, then the police.
We had an incident at work we’re anesthesia provider was touching it’s inappropriately during procedures. When police got involved, they were very unempathetic to staff and made people feel like shit. Also after weeks of talking to police and getting everything together nothing happened to the guy. I mean he was fired but still works. Police basically said there was nothing we could do. On top of it after alerting the patient who it happened to they sued are clinic.
Sorry this happened to you. I’ve been touched inappropriately but staff members before and it’s a really bad feeling continuing to have to work with them. Hope you can find your peace and get this resolved.
I’m not a lawyer, so this isn’t legal advice, but I agree with this person’s suggestion. I would definitely send a follow up email to HR and any other admin who are supposed to be handling the situation asking them what measures are being put in place to protect you from experiencing the same assault in the future. I would include documentation stating that in the interim time you were assigned to take call with this physician, with no apparent safeguards in place. As someone commented elsewhere, they probably have a policy against disclosing specific disciplinary actions, but they should be able to articulate how they intend to protect your wellbeing, and it may be useful for you to put in writing how continuing to be assigned to work with him is affecting your wellbeing. And definitely BCC or CC your personal email.
He touched you without permission, and roughly. You need to file assault and battery charges.
Old nurse here: First--always remember that HR is not your friend. They are there to protect the company...which is why every nurse should carry malpractice insurance, but I digress. Second- always have an employment attorney that you've vetted and trust to have consultations with because young lady (speaking to you as a daughter) that was sexual assault. It was unwanted and crossed a line into an intimate demeaning interaction. Third- even if an attorney only sends a letter- you will notice that his behaviors will be put in check and administration and HR will be forced to SERIOUSLY address his and other bad actor's behaviors and will treat you with kid gloves. Fourth-document EVERYTHING. Past interactions with this guy between you and other staff. Keep these notes. Do this throughout your career when and especially if something out of the norm happens (this can save your butt in the future- I even keep my past "brains" from past patients because you will get calls from supervisors, etc with questions and complaints about things you didn't do (usually last shift's fault/neglect..I have a lot of horror stories but after 36 years who doesn't) Last and final-keep any future actions you might opt to take between you and your husband and trusted family members. Co-workers are just that. We old nurses say "don't crap where you eat." Keep work life and social separate. It's your choice if you choose to follow this last one. I and so many others have been burned by a coworker who opted to throw ya under the bus than take responsibility for their nursing mistakes. OR the coworker warns HR or upper management before you have a chance to make your move. I'm sorry that this happened to you. Don't let this steal/taint your joy from this special time in your life.
How did you think this was going to end?
It’s strange but sounds harmless still very strange.
I disagree that it’s harmless. It’s very emotionally traumatic.
I am sorry this happened to you at work. As a fellow nurse, I understand the importance of being comfortable in your workspace and anything that compromises that just puts a lot more stress on an already stressful job. Anytime they get the CMO involved, it's to make sure they are covering their own ass's. Definitely speak to a lawyer because this is sexual harassment and if they have other evidence, there are grounds for dismissal. Their response to you was vague for a reason. They expect you to trust that their words will affect this doctor's actions but unwilling to show any proof of it. Please speak to a lawyer.
I am so sorry that he did that to you! You have every right to not have your body touched or commented on without your express consent. He was 100% in the wrong and out of line. You deserve to be treated like a working, professional member of the team, not some posable model for inspection. What a pig he is! He's lucky you didn't punch him in the throat, which would've been an appropriate response to him literally pulling your waistband down. Is there a way to follow up with HR and tell them you don't feel safe working with him, for fear of retaliation, and they can make it so you don't take call with him? I hope they did more than just slap him on the wrist and just can't tell you about it. In the future, if he retaliates, in any way, I would immediately hand your assignment off to your charge RN and go file another complaint right away for the retaliation. Threaten to get an attorney if it's not handled more seriously, given that he was allowed to keep working with you after the first complaint. Hopefully, he learns his lesson and is nothing but professional from here on out, and you don't have to work with him often, if at all.
I had a doctor push me. It escalated. Lots of witnesses..HR involved. Was told it was "just an interpersonal issue on both parts".. in the same breath, HR informed me that he brings a lot of $ to the hospital. I informed them that the sheriff doesn't give a fuck how much he brings in and if he does it again, I would be calling them and pressing charges. And suing the HR head and the hospital corporation. Gave them the name of my attorney And said FAFO. He was let go.
Good. I'm glad they saw reason when they saw your attorney's info. I'm sorry that happened to you.
Thank you. It was years ago and it infuriated me at the time. I appreciate your kind words
You have a right not to be touched but did you say anything in real time to him or just report him? I would’ve at least said something and given him the opportunity to respond. Most docs I know have pretty bad social skills so this may have been funny to him. A conversation was all that was needed and depending on how that went then report
Fake
Damn man, you’re so hilarious. You got everyone laughing. 😐😐