Big bad bullies

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, Trauma, MICU.

I am on a committee to discuss, deal and eradicate nurses eating their young. Hard and impossible task I know; However, something must be done! We recently had a few issues with very experienced nurses belittling our new nurses. Yes, the new nurse may have over sold themselves in their interview, but who doesn't? Now the experienced nurses are very quick to pass judgement and to talk down to the new nurses like they are stupid for not being the best at NG tubes or a pediatric Foley cath.

I am trying to come up with a catchy, possibly somewhat silly/dumb phrase to get people attention that we need to educate and not belittle.

Does anyone have any ideas on this they can share or what they may have done in their own ER?

Thanks!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honestly, what do you expect the experienced nurses to say to over-confident newbies? And why is it that only the older nurses are being corrected on this issue? It would appear that this is a two-way street when it comes to disrespect.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's great what you're doing! I've gone through this personally and it got to the point where i couldn't take it anymore and I quit my first nursing job. It was really devastating. I started to feel like my goal was to impress all of those bullies and the moment I questioned nursing as a career, I knew I had to go. They weren't worth that to me. So if I have to by unemployed for another year, so be it. I'll find the right fit!

Here are a few that I thought were nice:

It isn't big to make make others feel small!

Take a Stand! Lend a Hand.

Help don't Hurt!

Don't Hate! Congratulate!

GOOD LUCK! I hope this helped. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Honestly, what do you expect the experienced nurses to say to over-confident newbies? And why is it that only the older nurses are being corrected on this issue? It would appear that this is a two-way street when it comes to disrespect.

how is the newbie going to disrespect the older, experienced nurse? that's a suicide move. i never have seen young nurses diss a experienced nurse (sure there are some, but those get cut off by everyone)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, MICU.

Thanks nursemarjorie.... I will bring those ideas to my group!

Soldiernurse22, I'm not sure what the newbie should be "corrected" for. Not having as much experience? The newbie did not disrespect anyone unless overselling your skills is disrepect? Should people be more truthful in their abilities.... yes. But when they say, "I'm not so good at this, can you help?" Why is it ok to belittle them? And in front of other peers? We teach our, pardon the expression, scum bag patients how to be better and they aren't going to be working side by side with us saving lives.... why not teach the newbies how to be better nurses?????

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is a large contingent of nurses on this board that ignore all of the evidence that states that nurses are bullied at a much higher rate than other professions. Your time will be better spent in the peer reviewed literature, some of which offer interventions and outcomes, than on this board.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that if experienced nurses felt more valued and respected it might curb the hostility that is sometimes focused on newer nurses.

I personally didn't get too much of it as a new nurse, but I also went into my first RN job with a humble attitude. I asked questions and put it out there that I was well aware that their years of experience were invaluable. I respected their opinions and asked for their help. In return, I got the feedback and tricks of the trade that I needed to survive my first year. But I had to initiate it - I had to set the tone.

Strangely enough, the group that made me feel the most uncomfortable was the 3-6 yr RN's. I felt the most critiqued by them - and they were quick to talk about me and make me feel insecure ( without offering real help). They were way tougher than the 10+ yr veterans!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

Slogan idea: "Contrary to popular belief, Young nurses really aren't that tasty!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
how is the newbie going to disrespect the older, experienced nurse? that's a suicide move. i never have seen young nurses diss a experienced nurse (sure there are some, but those get cut off by everyone)

Well, have you never seen it, or have you?

In a relationship of any kind, respect always goes both ways. If a newbie comes in all over-confident and acting out, of course that's disrespectful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, MICU.

Haha psu_213 that is super funny!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, have you never seen it, or have you?

In a relationship of any kind, respect always goes both ways. If a newbie comes in all over-confident and acting out, of course that's disrespectful.

Haven't seen it before myself. Every new grad I encountered didn't act cocky or condescending. it's much common for new nurses to get bullied by older ones than vice versa. I was "bullied" by experienced nurses when I was pretty new, but as long as I didn't do wrong and they were just staff rn, I politely ignored them.

You sound pretty angry with new grads. Guess you had couple foolish younguns act over their heads?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

My slogan would be "Lead by example". And in SoldierNurse22's defense (not that they cannot do a damn good job defending themselves) maybe the new nurses need coaching on how not to come off as cocky. I just recently had a new grad that is still on orientation and is doing great beaming with confidence give bedside report and made it into a "teaching experience" on more than one occasion. For one, I am very educated on the separate things she made into "teaching experiences" and two, I do realize this is probably boosting her confidence and more of a remediation of the experience for her but...it was still done at the bedside which I feel makes us both look like idiots to the patient, she has no idea of my experience or any educational deficits, and it just thoroughly annoys me! If she keeps it up, either someone or many someone's a going to tear her a new one and they will probably not stop until the behavior stops. This may take a long time if she's clueless of what she's doing or unaccepting that the problems (perceived NETY) are starting with her. Can somebody tell me how to do paragraphs when typing on your phone please and thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment