A Clear Message About Sexual Harassment Jean Wilson, RN, was new to the medical center where she worked. While sitting at the desk by herself in the evening, a male resident physician sat down beside...

A Clear Message About Sexual Harassment

Jean Wilson, RN, was new to the medical center where she worked. While sitting at the desk by herself in the evening, a male resident physician sat down beside her. He draped his arm around her shoulders, put his face close to hers and said, “Hi there, sweetie! How’s it going for the prettiest nurse on 3-Southwest?” Jean was taken aback and very uncomfortable. She immediately stood and said, “We are virtual strangers. I don’t like your touching me in that way or calling me ‘Sweetie.’ It is inappropriate. Don’t do that again.” He then said, “Hey, hey—don’t get so upset. I was just being friendly.” She replied, “We’re not friends, we are colleagues, and that does not include touching me and calling me names like ‘Sweetie.’ ” He muttered to himself and walked away. Jean felt nervous but glad she had stood her ground.