What would you do?

jbeck817 · Nov 4, 2005

I am somewhat new to nursing. Have been doing it for a year. The first med/surg floor I worked was very much like what your situation now is like. My decision was to apply for a different unit where I wasn't being abused. This treatment should not be the norm. (I had to wait 6 months first according to policy) Now I am pretty satisfied with nursing. Let me tell you that when I first left that horrible unit, my confidence has gone down to a zero. I even questioned myself, "Can I even do this?" It's been several months and the confidence is slowly coming back. IMO, the situation you described is inappropriate and not conducive to becoming a good nurse. Money isn't everything, your worth comes first. The learning you can take from it is to NEVER "eat your young."

HappyJaxRN · Nov 4, 2005

Thanks for your reply. Yup. My confidence is out the window. There's hope. Thanks.

SFCardiacRN · Nov 5, 2005

Nursing is hard and some units are unbearable. Fortunately demand is high and good units are out there. Move on!

grentea · Nov 5, 2005

I'm a unit that seems to like new grads. All of the nurses I've met so far on my unit have been really supportive and nice to me. I can assure you that there are plenty of nurses out there that are kind to one another. I would probably choose my happiness and sanity over a pay cut. Once you've been at a place a while, you usually get a raise anyways. Do something you enjoy!

flaerman · Nov 5, 2005

Hi,

I'm really sorry to hear of all the troubles you are having but unfortunately nursing is a profession that "eats their young" and that part I have always found frustating. I am well past my year in nursing as I am a golden oldie who has been on the job for over 20yrs(all of it hospital-based). I hold a license in 3 states and have seen it occur in all 3. I am not now nor have I ever been one to get involved in that type of behaviour. I have always worked well with others(regardless of what their role is), have worked with students, mentored new nurses and have always tried to act as a resource for others whenever possible. If you are doing something wrong or potentially harmful to yourself and/or your patients I will let you know face to face in a non-public setting(where possible). The nurses I have met that I don't like are usually rude, reckless or "stupid"(and I can't abide stupid, LOL) and I told a few people that I don't care for them or something they are doing without hesitation. If someone is potentially dangerous or harmful to their pt's or the team I will counsel, write-up, go to management, or now suspend(am an Administrative Nursing Supervisor- "it's great to be king") without a qualm. I don't allow that type of back-biting to go un-noticed on my watch, I tend to look for out those who may newer to the profession and will be available to help or guide wherever possible. You may want to look into the other position so that can survive, and not get into that same lame back-biting that your perceptor and charge people are doing(why are they even in that position in the first place????), some of these "nurses" forget that RN didn't come behind their name on the birth certificate and that they too were once the new kid on the block. These are people who do nothing other than detract from the wonderful profession the nursing can be when is actually profession practiced by "PROFESSIONALS".. Hang in there and know that you are better than they are and more of a professional than they ever will be in their mediocre little minds and careers(hopefully these people will never care for any of my family or friends or let me catch them in this rude unprofessional behaviour. flaerman:)

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Nov 5, 2005

Never ever stay in a toxic workplace, they will beat you down to nothing.

suebird3 · Nov 5, 2005

hey. sorry to hear you're having such a bad time.

the one thing that popped into my head is that the afore-mentioned nurses are very insecure, and scared of any newcomers. they may enjoy making others as miserable as themselves. :angryfire

you are much better than they are.......move on, and your "family" here at allnurses.com will support ya! :)

suebird

rn/writer, RN · Nov 5, 2005

Why do we want maximum pay? To improve the quality of our lives. Looks like you can take a pay cut and improve the quality of your life anyway. Sometimes the big bucks just aren't worth the bigtime abuse.

Maybe it's called a transplant unit because so many nurses end up getting themselves transplanted to other places when they realize they can't take it any more.

Altalorraine · Nov 6, 2005

Is ALL of nursing like this? My skin is getting thicker...

No, all of nursing is not like this. I work on a unit with a bunch of absolutely terrific women. We watch each others' backs, we jump in to help, we support each other. Don't stay a minute longer where the work environment is hostile, and be sure to write a professional letter to your DON and/or Human Resources explaining why. It costs $50,000 to replace a nurse (not including salary); it is going to hurt them. Management is responsible for making the work environment a decent place.

Altalorraine

SFCardiacRN · Nov 6, 2005

I have to agree with Altalorraine. Management sets the tone of a unit. A poorly managed unit is one to get away from! Some of the units in my hospital have nurses waiting to get in and others have nurses leaving all the time.

onconurseRT · Nov 6, 2005

I can relate to you and your situation. I work on a unit that is EXACTLY as you are saying. I started there in May and now I work only 1 day a week PRN. I did not realize what was happening (eating of the young) until it was "too late". My physical health deteriorated soooo fast because of the stress that was there. I started seeing a stress management counselor weekly to help me get back on track and that helps SOOO MUCH!. Most people say "why don't you just leave?". My personality is such that I give everything 100% and I don't feel comfortable "just walking away", however, in Jan 2006, I will be doing some serious searching for the "right place" and will then make my transition over. I am a very committed person when it comes to my work, it sounds like you are as well, however, if it means less money, I think it is worth our sanity to take the cut. These nurses are creating a hostile work environment for new people coming into these jobs and not only is it completely unacceptable it is also against the law. I have covered myself by contacting human resources, every level of management and voiced my concerns with documentation to back it up. (They have messed with the wrong:angryfire "new girl"). I told my husband that I can literally hear the sucking noices when I am at work--- it sucks the life right out of you! It is not a wonder that there are thousands of qualified nurses with current licenses that are NOT working as nurses because they choose NOT to!!

Good luck to you and your new position.