[Nursesuzi]

I'm just completing my 15 wk orientation on days in L&D. I love L&D. But my experience with 75% of the older nurses on days in L&D and Maternity are they are burnt out, crabby and sometimes down right *****y. Defines eating their young. They talk badly about each other and treat new nurse like hell. Why must nurses have such hard exteriors?. I know nursing is a stressful job, but god help me, if I get that way, kill me. I start night shift in two weeks and cannot wait. I've heard pm and night nurses are a different breed.

[VivaLasViejas]

I'm a day-shifter, and I don't think I'M crabby.....except when people make assumptions about others based on the shift they work

[SmilingBluEyes]

I am of the same opinion as Marla above--- staying away from generalizing people in any way. I have also heard we (yes I work nights, too)--- on the nightshift are lazy, stupid, "weird" (yes a doctor I worked with once said that) and we have it easy cause "patients sleep all night". I resent anyone saying that---so I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such generalizations.

Not ALL day shift people or older nurses are crispy---not all nightshifters are fresh and eager. Take each nurse on his/her own merit, find the mentors among them to follow and try not to let the jerks get you down. And right now, try and move away from that very damaging "dayshift versus nightshift" mentality ----you really dont' want to go there. Good luck to you!!!

[GAgirl]

Having worked nights and days, I agree with those that say don't generalize. Each shift is different....difficult sometimes and easy sometimes, but in very different ways. As far as rude or grumpy nurses, I think that is everywhere. We have plenty where I work. Always a bad apple, I guess. Keep your positive mentality. Lead by example.

[Nursesuzi]

Okay, you guys are right. Generalizing is wrong. Man, I guess I just am wrapping my mind around the fact that nursing is stressful and anywhere there is stress and many women your going to have some hormones and personalities flying. My quest will be to not take it personally. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

I am of the same opinion as Marla above--- staying away from generalizing people in any way. I have also heard we (yes I work nights, too)--- on the nightshift are lazy, stupid, "weird" (yes a doctor I worked with once said that) and we have it easy cause "patients sleep all night". I resent anyone saying that---so I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such generalizations.

Not ALL day shift people or older nurses are crispy---not all nightshifters are fresh and eager. Take each nurse on his/her own merit, find the mentors among them to follow and try not to let the jerks get you down. And right now, try and move away from that very damaging "dayshift versus nightshift" mentality ----you really dont' want to go there. Good luck to you!!!

[SmilingBluEyes]

((((((((suzi)))))))))))

hang in there. I have been where you are. It does get better. Just do not let anyone walk all over you for any reason. If you need to, get some good books or seminars on assertiveness. You definately will benefit in nursing in general. Hang in there.

[Thunderwolf]

Are all day shifters crabby?
Only the crabby ones.

[Fiona59]

When I worked Maternity, I found mean, crabby nurses on ALL shifts. The whole unit had a reputation for it.

I would just go to work and treat my Mums well and never had a problem.

There were two RN's that I would pray would be on opposite shifts from me, and one LPN who was just plain lazy. After trying to figure out what I'd done to offend those three, I just gave up. Turns out they were like that to EVERYONE.

Just imagine what it must be like to be cared for by them, live with them, or have them for your mother...

[redshiloh]

Pretty much you will find burned out, mean, psycho, backbiting.....on any shift. Try as much as you can, to stay away from them. Be polite, helpful, but never try to engage them in conversation. All it does is bring YOU down. I really believe misery loves company.

[Babytalk]

There are bad apples in every basket. What I find, as the manager of all of these apples is that we "enable" people to act the way they do. PLEASE develop your assertiveness skills. SOmetimes you need to treat these people like you would your own children. You expect your children to treat others and you with respect and you don't tolerate it when they don't. Do Not allow your co-workers to act this way either. The more people who stand up and stop the chain of events from occurring can make a positive impact on the bad apples. Don't tolerate the behavior and you can make a difference. :-)