Luana had recently started working in a hospital. Eager to make a difference in the lives of the residents, she approached her new role with enthusiasm and compassion. Most of her colleagues were professionally, like herself, and she hoped to quickly become part of the team.

However, Luana soon noticed a troubling trend among some of collegues including nurses that were affecting both the patients and her own sense of professional integrity.

It started subtly, with little jokes and mispronunciations. Nurse Janet, who was known for her sharp tongue and sardonic humor, began twisting the names of the patients but used these twisted names to indirectly mock Luana.

One particularly busy morning, Luana was helping Miss Angel when Nurse Janet walked in. “Hi Miss Anger, how are we today?” she said in a sing-song voice. Miss Angel looked confused and slightly hurt, but before she could respond, Janet had moved on. Luana felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She couldn’t stand by and let this continue.

The situation escalated when the second nurse came close to Luana with the same welcoming words, adressed this time to another patient.

“Hello, You Kill Us,” she would taunt as she passed Mr. Youki, a retired schoolteacher who was known for his patience and kindness.

After her shift, Luana decided to speak to Janet privately. She found her in the staff lounge, scrolling through her phone. “Janet, can we talk for a moment?” Luana asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Sure, what’s up?” Janet replied without looking up.

“It’s about the way you’ve been twisting the names of our patients when talking to me. Like calling Miss Angel ‘Miss Anger’ and Mr. Youki ‘Mr. You Kill Us.’ It’s really disrespectful and it’s hurting their feelings, and mine too” Luana said, her heart pounding.

Janet looked up, her expression unreadable. “Oh, come on, Luana. It’s just a joke. Lighten up.”

Luana took a deep breath. “It’s not just a joke, Janet. These are real people, and they deserve our respect. As i deserve it too. Twisting their names like that, when you’re talking to me, is unprofessional and hurtful. We need to set a better example.”

Janet rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Luana. You’re too sensitive.”

Feeling disheartened but knowing that she can trust no one there and afraid that then the clique will create her more problems and she will lose her job and her single income with it, Luana decided to step back, be quiet and live her misery alone.

Mockery or disrespect, even indirect, could not be stopped.

Luana decided to endure the bullies, them mockery, disrespect and place toxicity but to have the paycheck to pay her rent!

But YOU, if you have someone to support you and you are not alone in a hostile place, like Luana, don’t do it!

You deserve a better life than Luana has!