[smileysenior]

Are older nurses intimidated by new younger nurses? What do you think

[Drysolong]

Originally Posted by smileysenior

Are older nurses intimidated by new younger nurses? What do you think

Some are and also vice versa. It just depends on the individual.

[canoehead]

Oh please.

[smileysenior]

Originally Posted by canoehead

Oh please.

I have seen this in some places........I think that some older nurses feel threatened by new nurses because of many reason including technolgy and new developments........and we're taught to do things differently than they were taught and some may feel as if we are "taking over". Just some thoughts......

[rn/writer]

Why do you ask? Have you run into certain behaviors that suggest this idea to you?

Sometimes older nurses wish they had the stamina of the younger crowd, but I don't know too many (if any) that would trade their years of both nursing and life experience to go back to that newbie season.

Don't be too quick to assume that irritability or an unfriendly attitude means jealousy. There can be many things going on in the life of another person--health concerns, financial struggles, family problems--that look prickly from the outside but have nothing to do with envying another person. Or if there is envy, it might have more to do with seeing someone with fewer worries and wishing for that more carefree existence rather than being jealous that someone is younger.

At times, more experienced nurses can find themselves impatient with young ones who seem overconfident or who don't appear to respect those who have gone before them. Or who complain about having to start out as low man on the totem pole. People who have paid their dues can feel a bit riled by others who don't want to take their turn climbing the ranks.

I am very blessed to work on a unit (postpartum) where pretty much everyone gets along. Age and experience levels don't divide us. Everyone is willing to pitch in. Newbies feel free to ask all kinds of questions. More experienced nurses feel valued and respected. On busy nights (like last night) we look out for each other and do what's needed without regard to keeping score. This is the nicest place I have ever worked. I wish everyone had this kind of atmosphere on the job.

[smileysenior]

I completely understand that people can sometimes internalize things but nursing is a profession dominated by women and women can be catty at times......I've seen nurses be downright catty. Some of the older ones feel as if the newer nurse are "taking over". I cant wait until I get past the "new nurse syndrome" and be confident and comfortable but I have ran into some more seasoned nurses who are impatient, vindictive, and downright mean. New nurses are there to bring something to the table that the more seasoned nurses have done s a superb job of creating. This post wasnt meant to sound immature or anything.........its an issue I have seen and I just wondered if anyone else has also dealt with this..........I am a new nurse and I look to my more seasoned nurses for guidance,wisdom, and intution.

[RNKittyKat]

Are you referring to age or seniority in the profession? I'm a new nurse at 51 and am envious at the stamina of the younger nurses. But jealous? No.

[smileysenior]

Originally Posted by RNKittyKat

Are you referring to age or seniority in the profession? I'm a new nurse at 51 and am envious at the stamina of the younger nurses. But jealous? No.

seniority! LOL

[rn/writer]

This is an old topic which has been run into the ground.

It's a sad reality that there will always be some people who are less kind than they should be. This is NOT determined by age, gender, level of experience, zodiac sign, bad hair days, or amount of flatulence.

Rather than focusing on the faults and the complaints, Google assertiveness and find ways to set healthy limits. Genuine assertiveness (as opposed to aggressiveness) works to your benefit whether the problem is jealousy, anger, anxiety or general mean-spiritedness. You can't change another person's actions. You CAN take good care of yourself and refuse to be sucked into the games other people play.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Wondering how long it'll take before this gets fugly.