[Annie09]

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but my idea of an ideal clinical situation is that of a student who comes prepared with their patient info and meds, and a with willingness to learn and help, and a nurse who understandably is very busy, but at least incorporates the student into the shift, either by inviting/allowing the student to observe her providing care, or by giving the SN a wide berth in which to provide total care to the patient, and be available to listen/consider what the SN is saying if that particular patient presents with certain health issues during the shift that require a more trained eye to assess. Am I right, or am I wrong? I am not expecting a nurse to take me by the hand, and teach me. I had a lab for that, and am provided with two open labs during the week in which to practice. But at least be mindful that I am there, and know that I am very appreciative for inviting me along to at least to observe, or be a go-for, or an extra pair of hands willing to assist?

[helping1]

I agree. Several times I have seen nurse "eating their young"
Mainly the older nurses...not to single them out...Also I have noted a lack of respect to those below many of the nurses(ei Aides and such)

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by Annie09

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but my idea of an ideal clinical situation is that of a student who comes prepared with their patient info and meds, and a with willingness to learn and help, and a nurse who understandably is very busy, but at least incorporates the student into the shift, either by inviting/allowing the student to observe her providing care, or by giving the SN a wide berth in which to provide total care to the patient, and be available to listen/consider what the SN is saying if that particular patient presents with certain health issues during the shift that require a more trained eye to assess. Am I right, or am I wrong? I am not expecting a nurse to take me by the hand, and teach me. I had a lab for that, and am provided with two open labs during the week in which to practice. But at least be mindful that I am there, and know that I am very appreciative for inviting me along to at least to observe, or be a go-for, or an extra pair of hands willing to assist?

This is exaxtly how it should be.............a two way street - a well prepared, willing to learn, independent in tasks already learned, nonjudgemental student and a nurse that takes the time to incorporate a student in their assignment to maximize the learning experience with respect while not compromising patient care.

Maybe when the respect rolls both ways will the "nurses eating their young" stop.

[traumahawk99]

i wouldn't let it bother me at all. of course, there are those who love to try and beat you up on report. but so what? they aren't management. management cares that you are vertical and have a license and show up for your shift, that's about it.

eventually you'll improve. i would focus on keeping the patients happy. get them whatever they want quickly, etc. management wants you to please the patients.. they don't give a rat's behind about the other nurses. if you've got patients telling management what a great nurse you are, then you are a great nurse, and the other nurses can't do a damn thing.

so don't sweat it.

[class 5]

I do agree that nurses eat their young. I don't think all nurses do it, because when I was a new grad I had a few nurses senior to me that were great resources and always wanted to teach me something, whether it was starting my own iv access on pt..to inserting a foley..However when the not so nice ones gave it to me they gave me hell!!! I would always walk in and know that if someone was on isolation had a huge decubitus ulcer, or on a feeding tube it would be my zone..I always had 1st admission!!!! always on code cart or narcotic count.. I always had the vent patients or the dementia pt's.. this went on for some time due to the clique situation...until I finally had enough..it had become too much when I would be running all night and they (mainly 2) would be sitting down charting or reading a book...I would be leaving at 9am they would be out the door at 735am...I finally complained to my supervisor that certain people were being shown favoritism,..It slowed down for a while and then whoever came after me I felt bad because I knew it was their turn...I did survive it, and became a stronger nurse because of it.. I was not going to let them see me sweat..and before long it stopped altogether..keep your heads up new grads!!!

[flygirl43]

We eat our young....because they taste great! LOL!

[rddsnurse]

Originally Posted by SKM-NURSIEPOOH

... "Nurses eat their young" but they also sometimes "Eat each other"

Not to mention any other specialty that comes to the floor! After a 2 week vacation it seems even worse than ever. I am thinking about changing jobs just to be on the outside for another 6 months before it starts in again.

[Ginger45]

If your not humble when you start you are humble when you finish that is for sure.

[PinkFuzz]

I think some nurses are just mean, take out a bad day on others, and plain out don't know themselves well enough to understand how they come acorss...regardless if your are young, old, exprierenced, male, female, human, etc.

[Bklyngurl]

ABSOULUTELY NURSES EAT THEIR YOUNG! Although not all nurses eat their young, I have personally seen senior staff nurses belittle, speak in a condensending tone and even make some new/ young nurses cry! Common sense to anyone would say "I was once where you are when starting any new career." I am not sure where some nurses loose their compassion towards new nurses but I would like to know if they are even aware of it? Words of encouragement, stay strong and seek out nurses who are willing to show/ teach and extend themselves to you, most importantly never forget how your feeling now for someday you will be a "senior" nurse encountering "new/young" nurses. I personally don't subscribe to the theory of nurses eat their young...you never know they can some day take care of me or my family