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Hospital Worker Confronted By Team Member Because She Had An Unprofessional Nickname

"My doctor/nurse is called the Gravewalker? Badass, I'm in good hands."

Hospital Worker Confronted By Team Member Because She Had An Unprofessional Nickname

Every workplace has its own culture and practices that might not be formally documented but are acknowledged by colleagues. It builds solidarity among coworkers and makes the environment lighter.

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This is especially important in jobs where individuals face high-pressure or high-risk situations. This includes professionals who work in hospitals, the military, or fire departments, to name a few.

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It's beneficial if that culture fosters bonds between teams because, in such environments, they can rely on each other and support one another when things get chaotic. It also helps to know there are constant colleagues who understand what you go through every shift and encourage you to see the positive side of things.

Work practices between teams can be as simple as sharing meals with whoever you have a break with or learning exclusive code words. So, it's understandable if a new person on the team doesn't quite grasp why these practices are necessary.

However, that doesn't mean they should stir the pot if no one is being harmed. Like in OP's story in this subreddit post, a new addition to their team didn't appreciate the nickname practice their team had and decided to confront OP about it.

Here's why OP thinks they might be in the wrong

Here's why OP thinks they might be in the wrongSpringEmotional3918
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Here's how many people are in OP's team

Here's how many people are in OP's teamSpringEmotional3918
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They made nicknames as part of their work practices, and it has become natural for them

They made nicknames as part of their work practices, and it has become natural for themSpringEmotional3918

It also brings a lightness to their work environment and serves as a bonding experience

It also brings a lightness to their work environment and serves as a bonding experienceSpringEmotional3918

This is an example of how their leader got his nickname

This is an example of how their leader got his nicknameSpringEmotional3918

OP's nickname may seem a little scary, especially if you hear it within hospital walls

OP's nickname may seem a little scary, especially if you hear it within hospital wallsSpringEmotional3918

OP enjoys the nicknames, especially as they bring a little fun to a serious work environment

OP enjoys the nicknames, especially as they bring a little fun to a serious work environmentSpringEmotional3918

Then a new hire joined their team, and she found out about the nickname practice

Then a new hire joined their team, and she found out about the nickname practiceSpringEmotional3918

She wasn't a fan and refused to acknowledge them when the team used them. The leader tried to talk to her about considering respecting the workplace culture

She wasn't a fan and refused to acknowledge them when the team used them. The leader tried to talk to her about considering respecting the workplace cultureSpringEmotional3918

Instead of being upset with the chief, she decided to take it out on OP and told her to get everyone on board with changing or not using "Gravewalker" as a nickname

The catch is that she wants OP to let everyone know that the idea came from her and not from OP

Instead of being upset with the chief, she decided to take it out on OP and told her to get everyone on board with changing or not using SpringEmotional3918

OP told her off after she proposed the idea, and all the yelling plus the fact that they didn't give her a nickname of her own

OP told her off after she proposed the idea, and all the yelling plus the fact that they didn't give her a nickname of her ownSpringEmotional3918

People who incorporate nicknames into their workplace culture explain how it brings positivity

People who incorporate nicknames into their workplace culture explain how it brings positivityXeperGhost

And some Redditors shared their nicknames and the origins of them

And some Redditors shared their nicknames and the origins of themmarabsky

Other people noted that it was appropriate since they only used the names when referring to each other, but not in front of patients

Other people noted that it was appropriate since they only used the names when referring to each other, but not in front of patientsMessyDragon75

This Redditor suggested that she could have requested politely but not insisted on changing the whole practice

This Redditor suggested that she could have requested politely but not insisted on changing the whole practiceMessyDragon75

A little appreciation for creative nicknames

A little appreciation for creative nicknamesyeetishfish_

Another high-risk job where they use something similar to nicknames

Another high-risk job where they use something similar to nicknamesshortasalways

It shows that the team members know each other well enough to recognize one another through a name that stems from a collectively recognized story

It shows that the team members know each other well enough to recognize one another through a name that stems from a collectively recognized storyXeperGhost

They did point out that it might freak patients out, but they never use it beyond their team

They did point out that it might freak patients out, but they never use it beyond their teamcatsarebetter003

Here's an example of someone like OP who works in a hospital and has a semi-creepy nickname

Here's an example of someone like OP who works in a hospital and has a semi-creepy nicknamerocktopus8

But as a patient, how would they feel about hearing someone take their blood when they're called 'vampire'?

But as a patient, how would they feel about hearing someone take their blood when they're called 'vampire'?FaeryLynne

It depends on the patient, but some might find it fun and great

It depends on the patient, but some might find it fun and greatArachne93

More power to how cool that name actually is and how it fits OP

More power to how cool that name actually is and how it fits OPThe-Great-T

The new team member might not last long if she continues this behavior

The new team member might not last long if she continues this behaviorchickenfightyourmom

The new team member came in like a storm without trying to understand why the workplace culture is as it is. She could have politely requested to be excluded from the practice if she was uncomfortable, but she confronted OP in an aggressive manner.

This was something OP couldn't overlook. If the new team member continues to push OP's buttons as she has, then she might not last long there.

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