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by frizzle

I graduated with my BSN in August and immediately took a job in a critical care step-down unit. I passed my boards 2 weeks after beginning work and thought I was on my way!
WRONG! What is with this phenomenon that nurses eat their young?
I'm not threatening. I need their expertise and guidance. Boy did I find out that a preceptor and a mentor are 2 very different things!
Any advice???
Thanks!

[Tweety]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Nurses as a group don't eat their young. There are a few bad seeds out there that perpetuate the myth that nurses eat their young. But 99% of us are good to each graduating class.

I'm sorry you're having trouble. Are all the nurses there bad and eating you? I would not put up with that and suggest you find another job.

If it's just your preceptor can you talk to someone about finding another one?

Nip it in the bud, be your own advocate.

Good luck.

[cardiacRN2006]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Why do nurses eat their young?

Because they can. Stand up for yourself and don't let it happen.

[jackheller]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Help, I've been eaten and I finally left, but don't know what to do next. I posted as Greetings and my username is jackheller, which is my dog's name and since no one has replied to me I think I have to changeit. How do I do that? new nurse.

[Tweety]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Jack, people tend not to answer questions in the "Introductions" because it's mainly a forum to say hello.

I don't think there's a need to change your name right now. But if you'd like to, submit three alternatives to the administrators here: http://allnurses.com/forums/f128/

Also, burying your question in someone elses thread might not get you any help either. I suggest you make a post of your own here in the General Nurses forum where you might get some advice. I know it's a big and confusing website here, and it takes a while to get the hang of things and how things work, so don't be discouraged.

Good luck.

[savedbutterfly]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change.......courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer is very appropriate. LOL

[kukukajoo]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Why do nurses say that nurses eat their young? I am so sick of hearing that statemtent! Kinda funny if you ask me when it is coming from a nurse- do you eat your young, too? You seem to group every nurse in there so you must, right?

[nurseangel47]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

The concept of "eating our young" has been discussed in a recent thread and received lots of hits and thoughts on the subject...perhaps you could investigate previous thread regarding this subject. Lots of opinions on it discussed.
Good luck...perhaps eating garlicky and spicy food while in training might cut down on flavor for some of those ravenous nurses ....or try wearing a garlic braid suggestive of diverting the likes of the more vampirous ones?...!LOL

[llg]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

Originally Posted by kukukajoo

Why do nurses say that nurses eat their young? I am so sick of hearing that statemtent! Kinda funny if you ask me when it is coming from a nurse- do you eat your young, too? You seem to group every nurse in there so you must, right?

Good point.

I, too, am waaaay tired of that expression and wish people wouldn't be so quick to use it. Some people put down the entire profession because they meet a few unkind people at work. That's a cop out.

To the original poster: I am sorry that you are struggling with your first nursing job and that you are having trouble establishing a positive relationship with your preceptor. Is there someone in your work environment who you can talk to? another experienced nurse? an educator? a manager? Certainly you have met some nice person in that environment. If not, why did you take a job there? Have a good talk with that person and get some advice from him/her on how to handle the personalities involved.

The work world can be a stressful place ... and everyone's nerves get a little frayed sometimes. Yes, some people are just not nice. Others, take a little getting used to. But that's the way the world is. Find a mentor who knows the environment and the people in it who can advise you on how to handle the specifics. If you want to share a few specifics with us, maybe some of the people here can give you a few tips that might help.

Also remember that you might be experiencing some normal "reality shock." Most people start a new job with very high expectations -- expectations that may be a little unrealistic. When reality sinks in, they "crash" a little more than is called for and can become overly critical. Talking with someone who knows the environment can help you sort out what is just reality shock and what is an actual problem that needs to be addressed.

Good luck to you.

[P_RN]

Re: Why do nurses eat their young?

In my opinion this phrase has joined the Urban Legends.

DH worked in computers, and his co-workers had a passion for putting down new employees. They'd go through at least 5 a year. Then when the department was "reorganized" (another legend-like word) suddenly things were different. Different how? Well , they gave classes on where things were, dinners to meet the other staff, even parties where everyone was an equal.

No, nurses don't eat their young anymore than the Tooth Fairy refuses to leave money, and we all know she always does that.