nursing school bullying

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there's a nursing student in my lab group who is wishy washy. he talks to everyone in class but me. or if the teacher hands him some sheets to pass around to other students, he'll hand it to everyone except for me. don't understand why he's bullying me. never had a disagreement or said anything controversial or radical. its giving me a bit of anxiety

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

ITA with what NurseNanci1 said!

While I think I understand where the OP's like LadyFree and ESME said about these minor problems not at first appearing to be bullying, but after a year or 5 days per week full time dealing with these types of behaviors, I am a changed person...hopefully for the better!

In my LVN program, the challenge is that the rude are allowed to continue the behavior, but the responder is typically blamed and harassed further.

Therefore, the tactics suggested (like mentioning it to the bully) would actually get you deeper into a problem with other students who feared the bullies and the teachers who seemed to thrive off of the bullies (or were also afraid of the bullies??). In my nursing school, bullies have been allowed to physically threaten and grab other students, as well as do generally rude behaviors that were described above.

I'm so glad I'll be finished in a few weeks.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Vintagemother, WHY are people "allowed" to grab other people in your program??? That SHOULD not be happening...:no:

Last time I checked, that was assault...and reportable to the point of pressing charges, heck even getting a restraining order. :blink:

No one should be "allowed" to put hands on another without their consent...this is one of the first classes...it's part of fundamentals...and common sense.

I'm sorry, as someone who has been bullied and MORE in my life, that is not acceptable... :no:

I rather have dignity before ANYTHING else, I will an have not "allow" someone to even THINK they have power over me...respect is a two way street...from peers to people who have a administrative responsibility. :yes:

I think the program that you are in would not be looked upon highly if THAT got out...that is unacceptable, and qualifies for litigious action :yes:

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Specializes in Adult Psych.

Agreed above ^^ Absolutley unacceptable for anyone to grab you. Non consensual contact is assault, it is a violation of your right to your person.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Lady Free and Sherrif Lauren, I truly thank God it was not me who experienced the actual physical assault, though I was threatened to be assuaulted, which I did report. Long story made short, I made enemies when I reported it, with both some staff and some students.

As I will be done with my vocational nursing school in a matter of weeks, the only things I'm left wondering sometimes are:

how common is this type of behavior in nursing school and nursing jobs?

were there warning signs that this particular program was going to be a place that allowed such issues?

when is bullying to be ignored and when should it be addressed?

....these are probably rhetorical questions with probably no "real" answer.

But I'm just hopeful that my RN program will not be like this, though a part of me knows that some of these experiences may be par for the course...just part of being in the work world, I suppose.

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Yes, I strongly feel like I am being bullied and its causing me to not be as productive as I could be in class. He'll hand everyone in class their paper but me. It causes tension and its very distracting

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Specializes in Oncology.

then ask him what the hell is problem is. You don't have to stand for it. Some may not see it as bullying, but that **** gets old. confront him.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

OMG, learn to be assertive, just yell very loudly "HEY YOU FORGOT TO GIVE ME A PAPER!!!" and I bet he never does it again. If he snickers at you while your doing skills, look over at him and ask him if he has a problem, if he says no, then tell him

"oh, i just though for some reason you were snickering at me, maybe you should just say what your thinking" and I bet he stops.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Yes, I strongly feel like I am being bullied and its causing me to not be as productive as I could be in class. He'll hand everyone in class their paper but me. It causes tension and its very distracting

You've been given some excellent advice, but you keep reiterating the same complaint with no evidence that you've tried any of the suggestions that have been offered. Please try some of them and let us know how it goes.

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Get to class early + take his preferred seat.

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Think of this as a learning opportunity.

As a nurse having to advocate for patients, you will likely encounter doctors who ignore you/your patient's needs.

This is your chance to practice the assertiveness skills that you will need to be an effective nurse.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Yes, I strongly feel like I am being bullied and its causing me to not be as productive as I could be in class. He'll hand everyone in class their paper but me. It causes tension and its very distracting

I am so sorry you are experiencing this....it can be disconcerting.

You sound young....and this guy is being a creep. He continues because he KNOWS it is bothering you. You need to gain more confidence. You are not in nursing school as a popularity contest nor to make friends...you are there to learn how to be a nurse.

People who have to make others feel badly to make them feel better....have very low self esteem and probably a very small....uhm...minds (I know what you are thinking....;))....amongst other things.

Here is the deal....the more he knows it bugs you the more he will do it. The more reaction he gets the more satisfaction he receives. Take away his satisfaction....his power...and he will stop.

STOP being a victim!!!!

Ignore his behavior...you are in control of how YOU feel. As a nurse you need to have confidence in who you are or families will sense you like an animal can sense fear. A quote from President George W to Matt Lauer...."Don't let the loud voices get you!"

Hold your head up your shoulders back and NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT!

After all...in a hundred years will it really matter he didn't pass you your papers?

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I cannot believe that so much bullying is going on in nursing schools, around the country! I mean this is a profession where compassion anprofessionalism are supposed to be mandatory! How can the staff allow someone that is verbally bullying or esp physically bullying others to become nurses?? I mean these people will care for the weak and frail, 101 characteristics bullies look for!! SHAME ON PPL THAT ALLOW THAT IN NURSING. I shudder to think that I'm getting old...

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