Question: Addressing Mary's Change in Behavior Even in organizations that have no formal peer review process, professionals must take some responsibility for colleagues' work performance, even if informally. The following scenario illustrates the need for peer involvement. You have worked at Memorial Hospital since your graduation from nursing school. Your school roommate, Mary, has also worked at Memorial since her graduation. For the first year, you and Mary were assigned to different units, but you were both transferred to the oncology unit 6 months ago. You both work the 3 PM to 11 PM shift, and it is the policy for the charge nurse duties to alternate among three RNs assigned to the unit on a full-time basis.
Both you and Mary are among the nurses assigned to rotate to the charge position. You have noticed lately that when Mary is in charge, her personality seems to change; she barks orders and seems tense and anxious. Mary is an excellent clinical nurse, and many of the staff seek her out in consultation about patient care problems. You have, however, heard several of the staff grumbling about Mary's behavior when she is in charge. As Mary's good friend, you do not want to hurt her feelings, but as her colleague, you feel a need to be honest and open with her. ASSIGNMENT: A very difficult situation occurs when personal and working relationships are combined. Describe what, if anything, you would do. Use the readings from the Bibliography to assist you in making a plan.