Different Types Of Coworkers

Some of our coworkers are wonderful and, as a result, our shifts are great whenever we work with these people. Others are less than stellar. I have created a list of several types of healthcare coworkers, along with their behaviors. Nurses Relations Article

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You are reading page 7 of Different Types Of Coworkers

lorirn58

74 Posts

This article is not talking about simple "flaws". This article is talking about unnecessary and ruinous behaviors in a profession where those behaviors DO NOT BELONG. I am glad that the article also mentions good behaviors and choices of ways to be in the nursing profession. We ALREADY know that people are people and these behaviors apply to ANY job. Stay on the topic at hand.

lorirn58

74 Posts

Multi10, the truth is the truth. Too much time is spent being politically correct and it causes a lot of grief and havoc in a profession where bully and inappropriate behaviors DO NOT BELONG. You need to consider the patient first.

Now, if you want to define and pigeonhole other human beings, perhaps you should tell them to their faces. Then wonder what they call you behind your back. But you probably don't care what they call you if they even bother with you at all.

multi10

180 Posts

lorirn58:

"Illogical?" Don't...call...me...stupid. (Keven Kline, A Fish called Wanda.)

You labeled my reasoning illogical.

The fact is that I agree with most of what you said. Bullying and inappropriate behaviors cost tons of lost time, and unnecessary pain, and should be reported and banned. Of course we all consider the patient first or we won't last long on the job. Even the meanest most abusive nurses I've dealt with I believe had the patient first. Not true for the nurse that dips into the narc. box.

Consider the typical code or the typical ER admission and how we all mobilize for the patient at hand. The petty stuff falls by the wayside.

Maybe it's semantics. I define bullying as overt and in-your-face harassment. Labeling or typecasting can be sneaky and covert and a way for some colleagues to undermine a person.

The way I coped, successfully, was by concentrating on keeping my head down, my mouth shut (for the most part), and learning to be better.

The "unsure" nurse. they are always second guessing themselves.

That is me. :arghh:

oldenurselady

41 Posts

Specializes in ob.

Don't forget the comedian and the omnipotent one!

Aurora77

861 Posts

Specializes in Med Surg.

I've got one--the "takes no initiative" coworker. I can tolerate a lot in my coworkers, but this drives me batty. Seriously, after several months on the job, you should not have to ask basic questions over things you do daily. You should also be able to do more than the very bare minimum required (if you even do that much). Combined with a healthy dose of passive aggression and you've got one of the CNAs I have the "pleasure" of working with.

Specializes in Psych.

Polly policy. And I say that with great admiration. As she knows the policy book backwards and forwards so it is quite helpful! Me, I would be, saftey queen. Very rigid on my unit with issues regarding saftey of patients and staff. But alas we already have a safety king... I mean saftey officer who is worse then I.

SaoirseRN

650 Posts

I've been called a "flirt" at work. If a nurse talks to a doctor, for maybe a little too long in others' eyes, she's a "flirt." .

I am an admitted "flirt"! I always chat up the doctors (of both genders), though I do not neglect my patients in order to do so and I certainly don't say anything inappropriate. But getting to know the docs is a good way to build good teamwork/working relationships with them. So yes. I'm the flirt. But that's okay! LOL.

Hey, "VickieRN..." That queen bee nurse is like the "Mother Hen" when me and my buddies go to the club. She is the one that runs interference when one of us is trying to hook up with a girl in her circle, hoping to feel important and being in control of that situation by acting like the hook up needs her approval. But, as soon as some genuine interest is shown in her, all of a sudden everything is ok, and she's less cynical ;)

It's offensive, labeling people in the workplace, defining them with patronizing phrases... I would like to be called "The Best Nurse in the World."

But what happens if I slip up one day? "The Second-Best Nurse in the World."

Putting that aside, no matter what the job, occupation or situation, I don't think it's okay to label, and therefore, define, other people. In my current job, a woman is called "Granny." A man is called "Red."

Behind their backs.

Now, if you want to define and pigeonhole other human beings, perhaps you should tell them to their faces. Then wonder what they call you behind your back. But you probably don't care what they call you if they even bother with you at all.

They're too busy working.

It's all in good fun. but honestly... if you REALLY thought about it, I'm sure MANY, if not all of your peers would fall into some almost defined category :) this is a way of finding weaknesses and improving on then ;)

I'd like to add another archetype I see often:

The Perfect Robot

Usually 20s/30s, in perfect physical shape, hair & makeup perfect. Never late, never leaves early, never sick or calls off. Usually bikes or walks or runs to work. Never discusses personal life, never goes out for happy hour. Always packs a healthy lunch. Works out regularly. No tattoos, scars, or other imperfections. Scrubs always spotless and matching. The latest healthy nursing shoes. Always has badge and pockets stocked with everything. Always perfectly calm and never makes mistakes, gets in trouble, speaks up or stands out in any way. Never has a bad day, health or family problems. Usually does okay work, never more than needed and never less.

These creatures teach me that perfectionism and total, safe balance in life is both boring and mediocre!!

Agreed, but in my current profession at least (Air conditioning), I would KILL to have more of these. They don't satan out, but they don't cause problems. Hey, we can't ALL be superstars :)

Archetypes can be fun to recognize, as a group. When it's made personal at the workplace, not so much.

Would you like to know that your colleagues call you "The Intimidated Nurse", or any other label?

Name-calling, when it's personal, is never okay unless you are praising your colleague.

We change and evolve each day. What name will you be tomorrow?

We will be whatever name we are deserving of...

Please lighten up :)