I have recently been promoted to head nurse and have been confronted by a problem which I am sure has been seen in countless other dialysis units. I have two techs who are seeing each other and are currently working on the same shift. They have denied that they are in a relationship, stating that they are "just friends", but their behavior and comments suggest otherwise. Other staff feel that they are showing favoritism toward each other, and morale is starting to slip. I would like to separate these two by having them work on opposite shifts. I would very much appreciate any ideas, comments, and/or suggestions on effective ways to handle such a situation. Thank you.

We had a situation like this in a unit I was in once. The female tech was married ad the male tech was single. THEY would be on the same shift wih the blessing of management, flirting and carryiing on all throughout he sift.. Our management didn't care what workers did, practically, as long as the showed up! The other patients and I were subjected to this show every tx. They would joke and pick with each other like Junior H.S. kids. It infuriated me that none of us could get decent care when they were on. I witnessed elderly patients get into trouble with their txs many times due to them. One time, a patient almost bled to death when his diayzler sprung a leak while the male tech was off galivanting around. Sorry, I cant tell you what solution occured if it ever did. I think I recall that they finally separated them as you suggested. Personally, I don't think things like his should be taken lighly. It is poor workplace ettiquite. It does infringe on patient care. This particular pair were not mean people. They were more immature than anything. Units need standards, however, to put patient care over these types of situations. I get a headache just recalling the whole thing. Too much unprofessionalism is allowed to go on in units due to slack management.

I would deal with the problem of the workers not doing their jobs... not that they were in a relationship. Hold them to the same standards you would everyone else. What they do in their private life is not your concern, just how they function a work.

As a manager, the "parent" company should already have policy and procedures in place to deal with relationship issues. I, too, think it uncomfortable for the staff and patients. Here, they are not permitted to work in the same unit. Additionally, a nurse, who in many cases is the manager or charge should not be put in the position to supervise someone whom she many have a relationship with. It is just bad business!

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Originally posted by km:
As a manager, the "parent" company should already have policy and procedures in place to deal with relationship issues. I, too, think it uncomfortable for the staff and patients. Here, they are not permitted to work in the same unit. Additionally, a nurse, who in many cases is the manager or charge should not be put in the position to supervise someone whom she many have a relationship with. It is just bad business!

I have been a patient for over 30years I have see husbands, wives,sisters,brothers,all working the same shift was make me angry is you get upset about this but serious matters like running out of supplies not once but on a regular basis seems to not bother you The husband and wife nor girlfriend can work if they dont have what thry need.