Curtailing Workplace Gossip

10 posts · started Apr 1, 2003

All41 Apr 1, 2003, 5:31 PM
Well, think tank folks...has anyone had a remedy on this?
What can I say or do besides I just had to use that, LOL!!!!!!
TracyR Apr 2, 2003, 9:47 AM
I'm just plain sick and tired of the workplace gossip that I hear on an almost nightly basis. Not only is it just plain ignorant, but it can also be very hurtful. I have seen people who appear to be good friends, talk about each other behind their backs...so cruel and unprofessional.

A recent aquaintance of mine, Dr Judith Briles has written a book entitled 'Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace' which will be a featured selection with the Nurse's Society Book Club. In this book she discusses many negative attitudes and practices within our chosen field...gossip being one.

I am working with her on some upcoming articles...I'll keep you all posted.

TracyR
traumaNERD Nov 2, 2003, 11:12 PM
I've worked in a community hospital as well as a major trauma center in the city, and one thign remains constant... GOSSIP! Short of suturing people's mouths shut, I know of no remedy to the sharp-tongued gossips that plague our workplace. When I hear gossips doing their thing, I realize that it is better to "know thy enemies" and just avoid those who participate in these gossip-fests.
1mg.epi Aug 1, 2004, 12:09 PM
I just saw thin icon for the first time, but that is the best way to stop gossip. DO not be a part of it and tell the gossipers And do it with a smile
Anonymous Aug 1, 2004, 12:25 PM
I've found a "sneeky" way to dampen the gossip...I like the bigger fish story.. Something so absurd that the "listener' becomes the "fool" in the situation..Like someone is pregnant who is like 60's years old.. Or another staff member is moving to Timbuktu.. Make it totally outrageous and make so gossipers look totally foolish..lolllll

Underhanded but just up my alley...Wicked funny,.. You have to see the looks on their faces when they realize they have been duped.. You need an accomplise of course..loll

Beat 'em at their own game..Shuts them right down..Where is Cass when we need her.. I bet this might be her forte..lolll


WR,,, three commas for Becca
1mg.epi Aug 1, 2004, 12:36 PM
There is one nurse here on nights who jumps in the middle of others conversations it they are talking about some one.

One morning I went into her unit and just mentioned about the ER nurse that was fired. (no nurse go fired) She asked Who? All I had to say is,"We were told not to say any thing." It just ate her up. She kept asking me all kinds of questions, "sorry cant talk about it." That night when she came back to work she looked me up and started asking questions. "Sorry cant talk about it."

I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous Aug 1, 2004, 1:17 PM
You are so bad man.....eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee



WR,,, three commas for Becca
cannon Mar 3, 2005, 11:46 PM
Hi:
I am a director of nurses in a state owned facility. The workplace gossip is the worst I have ever seen. These nurses have worked with each other for years!!!!!!! The agency director who has been there almost twenty years does nothing to curtail it. These are nurses who are in their fifties with an exception of 3 or 4 and they are just as bad. Help!!!!!!!! Any real suggestions? Cannon
explorer Mar 4, 2005, 12:47 AM
Get a gossip cork board and post the gossip and the persons
name that started the gossip on the board for all to see.
Also get a truth cork board and when something has been
proven to be true, move it from the gossip board to the
truth board.
cannon Mar 4, 2005, 12:57 AM
hey explorer;

I actually like your idea. Don't put it past me. It is really that bad. It is destructive. Cannon