Verbal abuse (I'm not a nurse...yet!)

[manofbess]

Hey guys and girls,

I'm currently a teacher and I'm thinking good and hard about going to nursing school. I've actually already applied for an ADN program, so I could be one of you sooner than I thought.

I have been reading a lot about newer nurses basically being chewed up and spit out. I'm sorry, but life is too short for people to be mean just for the sake of feeling empowered...especially in fields such as nursing and education, where we need anyone and everyone we can get.

Are males more prone to being verbally abused by "superiors", or are females more likely to take the abuse? Do you find male or female "superiors" easy to work with? I know it's inevitable that not everyone you work with will be the most easy-going person, but it sure makes it easier to not have to deal with a room full of angry people who have to lash out at others and make their days longer. Any words or any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Rocky_LPN]

no one should have to take ne type of abuse, and if your on top of everything you wont have to. Always have the chart in front of you when calling the Doc, i find that the best way to avoid being yelled @. Im a "young punk" w/o a family or kids so the first time a doc or ne body for that matter chooses to get loud with me ill let them know how i fill and then pack up and leave. ok im getting off my high horse now, sorry.

[psalm_55]

this verbal abuse thing has improved since the sexual harassment laws have been in effect. also, younger docs are 'kinder and gentler' -- or just flat out remote.

also, most nurses who are male report that they receive less abuse than their female colleagues.

regardless of gender or heirarchial status, it has been my observation over many years that, for the most part, if your focus is the patient and you do a good job -- you will be respected.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

Do not think it is limited to nursing only...the corporate/business world has its share of it too....in different forms. This just comes to mind.

[nnayr]

It's normal nowadays for nurses to be verbally abused but it's how you deal with it that matters. For me, I always look on the brighter side of things. It's a part of the package because we are always dealing with different types of people and different types of problems.