Is this workplace bullying or just a coworker keeping it professional?

[Anonymous]

I work in healthcare, and a coworker and I had a disagreement over communication related to patient care.

She had previously told me she’d be at work before her first patient, but ended up running late. I told her that if she couldn’t reach our supervisor, she should keep relaying the message to the team so patient care could keep moving. I also escalated this situation to leadership because I felt the communication could have been handled better for patient care.

She apologized but since then her behavior toward me has changed significantly.

* She only talks to me if it’s work-related.
* She moved her desk.
* When I walk into the room, she often gets quiet or leaves.
* If she’s talking to a coworker whose desk is next to mine, she’ll often say something like, “I’ll tell you later,” or “I have to go chart this patient,” right after I return to my desk.
* I overheard her telling another coworker that she has an issue with someone because they “seem to get off on correcting people,” are “quick to escalate things to leadership,” and “try to make you look bad.” The other coworker asked who she was talking about, and she refused to say who it was, but the description seemed to fit me given our recent interaction.

The thing is, she still communicates with me appropriately about work and patient care.

I’m trying to be objective here. Is this just someone who has decided they don’t like me and is keeping things strictly professional, or does this sound like workplace relational aggression/social exclusion?

If you’ve dealt with something similar, how did you handle it? Should I speak to leadership about how I’m being treated by her?

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

This sounds like a coworker who’s upset, pulling back personally, but still being professionally appropriate. That’s unpleasant, but usually not bullying.

My rule from managing teams:
- If patient care or your job is impacted → involve leadership.
- If it’s mostly hurt feelings and social distance → address it 1:1 first.

You might say privately:
“Things feel tense since our disagreement. I value working well together. Is there anything I can clarify or improve so we can move forward?”

Document concrete incidents; only escalate if it becomes obstructive or retaliatory.

[Masie]

That is hardly bullying. She doesn't need to do anything other than keep things work related. That is what you are supposed to do.

Work isn't a social club. Just do your job and she do hers. If she is upset then oh well. Sounds like you followed procedures like you are supposed to.