you CANNOT eat me!

As a new RN in the ER, I appreciate this post. I've experienced some negativity but I always keep my head up, say "THANK YOU" and smile, and go on with my shift...that's the best one liner that could be used that is tasteful and no one gets hurt. I never vent about coworkers to coworkers, as a newbie, you don't know how to trust just yet, but it also keeps you from gossiping and giving a bad impression. I only vent about pts and I try to make it funny so it's not so dreadful.

I've come to learn there are people you can always lean on to ask questions, while there are others I would NEVER dare. However, staying positive is getting me through orientation...I've come to realize that the GOOD, positive coworkers far outweigh the negative staff. I'm gravitating towards the RNs with great attitudes, they have the best stories and experiences, and they're super smart!

Unfortunately, in my case at least, there are a couple of coworkers who will be outright rude until the targeted person stands up to them, but I steer clear & refuse to anticipate it (I feel if I do, it will only bring on an encounter)...so until then, I'm going to spend my time and energy in the ER learning and growing. Nursing is my second career, and I come from "team work" and "professional attitude at all times" environments and thought nursing was the same, until I graduated!

Keep your head up, and remember to say THANK YOU and go on with your day (or night). Good luck!!

I agree with the others. Having a set piece probably will cause you exactly what you do not want.

It sounds a bit like you may have had an unpleasant experience elsewhere. Give your new colleagues the same benefit of the doubt that you want from them.

I have to agree with the "kill em with kindness" strategy. Being positive, and eager to learn will get respect and it may inspire other nurses to give you pointers and more education!

So, a thought crossed your mind? Must have been a long and lonely journey.

Pardon me, but you've obviously mistaken me for someone who gives a damn.

I'd like to help you out. Which way did you come in?

I'm busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

If ignorance is bliss, you must be the happiest person alive.

I don't know what makes you so stupid, but it really works!

Have you considered suing your brains for non-support?

Don't you need a license to be that ugly?

I see the wheel is spinning, but the hamster looks dead.

If you had another brain, it would be lonely.

It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying.

I can see your point, but I still think you're full of it.

A snappy, rehearsed one line come back may feel good, but it won't necesarily get you what you want, which is professional respect and acceptance. What wil earn you what you are looking for is helping your peers, and looking out for your patients.

Relax. If you go in looking for a conflict, I am sure you will find one.
People who work hard and try their best are respected. People who mistreat their peers, whether new or not, are not respected. A snappy, rehearsed one line come back may feel good, but it won't necesarily get you what you want, which is professional respect and acceptance. What will earn you what you are looking for is helping your peers, and looking out for your patients.

As far as getting walked on: Is this a problem in other areas of your life? If not, it shouldn't be a problem in this environment. Treat yourself with the same self respect you do in other areas of life, and you will do fine. ER straight out of scool, ICU one year later- I never got walked on. That doesn't mean everybody was polite, curteous or professional.

Another suggestion: Don't ask stupid questions. While some people say there is no such thing, they are wrong. Some examples:
Something you really know the answer to.
Something in which the answer is easy to find without asking the question.
A question that isn't really a question, just an excuse to hear yourself talk, or air an opinion in a backhanded way.
Any question asked to a person who isn't in a frame of mind to answer questions, because they are busy, stressed, etc.

Good luck in the ER. It's what I do, and I generally look forward to going to work, and wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

hherrn

BWA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for those, I needed a laugh today!

They can not eat you. Some may try. Just remember, you are in charge of your day. If you find you have a preceptor that is less than professional in their mentoring ability, you CAN ask for another. It is your time to learn. While a question may seem stupid to an experienced RN/ Employee, it may be just so basic to the task they they have forgotten to teach you. Try to find someone who was recently a new grad and who knows what you are going through. Call them when things get hard. And remember, you can always get encouragement here on Allnurses.

The first old bat, burn-out shell of a nurse who said to me "you know nurses eat their young" got this response from me: "Do I look young to you?" That smart-mouth answer got me in trouble with my instructor as I was still a student. But it stopped the games coming at me by that nurse in that rotation. It only works for old broads like me tho.
Seriously, try to know a little about your subject before asking question, helps preceptor to know that you are intellectually curious. Carry a emergency care book in your pocket and take a quick peek before you ask your question. That may help you retain info and prevent repeated questions on the same subject. I taught college for a while and never minded answering questions provided the info had not already been assigned as homework. I could see right thru the posers; the ones who thought they could slide thru my class by getting me to provide answers instead of doing some research on their own. Good luck on your new job.

Maureen GN

Look them in the eye, smile big and say, "Wow, were you always this good?" Slightly backhanded compliment that might get them to think about when they were new and weren't always THAT good!

From my experience, I also want to share with you that due to it being a high stress environment you may even find nurses that you like and respect can hurt or offend you without meaning to. I work with a great team of nurses. Sometimes we make each other mad, but in the end we always come through for each other. It's kinda like a big family. Good luck.

They will definately test you at first. I think it is because they don't know you. If you have questions about meds The best thing to do is look it up, read policy and procedures when you can. I remember being new and some of the best advise I got who I thought was out to get me becuse she was so gruff. I thought she was rude when I ask her about a med one time and she literally growled and said "Look it up" but I found I retained it better reading about the stuff. But like everyone else has said if you go in with an atttitude you WILL get attitudes back. You won't be new forever.