How do I protect myself from mean nurses?

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  1. This is a discussion on How do I protect myself from mean nurses? in Nurse Colleague / Patient Relations, part of General Nursing ... I am a newly licensed LVN/LPN. My cousin is an RN and she says sometimes people will try to blame...

    I am a newly licensed LVN/LPN. My cousin is an RN and she says sometimes people will try to blame things on you that you didn't do just to protect themselves. They will lie right in front of you in front of a boss to protect themselves and so many of these stories.

    I have always been a nice guy and I don't even remember the last time I got in an argument. I am a very calm guy and rather shy.

    I would like to know of any tips or how to protect myself from mean nurses or coworkers. I don't even have a job yet but I would like to be ready.
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  2. 19 Comments so far...

  3. Industrial strength bear repellent spray and playing dead.
    funfunfun550, andreasmom02, MimiLPN, and 8 others like this.
  4. Imagine this nurse >

    Says you made a serious error that both you and her know is not true. Since she is higher ranking they will believe her and not you. How would I protect myself?
    MimiLPN, mizfradd, OnlybyHisgraceRN, and 2 others like this.
  5. Elephant gun... definitely need an elephant gun.
    MimiLPN, Fiona59, mizfradd, and 3 others like this.
  6. These are things I wish someone said to me before I entered the field of nursing: Assume positive intent, but be assertive. Use discretion; know what to let slide & what demands a discussion. If someone says or does something that could negatively impact your work relationships &/or your career, promptly intervene. However, let the little things that are just rude/annoying or hurt your pride go. Being assertive involves balance; you want to stand up for yourself without making everyone else walk around on egg shells b/c an overly confrontational communication style will hurt you as much as being a pushover. Even if you are a knowledgeable, caring, efficient, fantastic, etc. nurse, no one will care if you are a pill. If all else fails, definitely the elephant gun.
    Ruby Vee, ElSea, Ceci81, and 5 others like this.
  7. Guide
    You are going in with a negative mind set. Did a nurse actually say you did something you didn't or is this just you imagining it happening? Don't listen to what others say. The older experienced nurse can be one of your best friends.Don't be afraid to ask for their help and treat them with respect.You can a lot from them.
    Fiona59 and kalevra like this.
  8. Expect the best, keep your head up. You can not go into a job defensive and thinking everyone is out to get you. Do your best, think things through and most importantly--know what you know, be acutely aware of what you don't know but where to find it, and ASK questions. Don't just "do something" if you are not sure.
    andreasmom02 and Ir15hd4nc3r_RN like this.
  9. I have found in those situations, more times than not, that you catch more flies with honey
    agldragonRN likes this.
  10. Guide
    Just try to stay under the radar NursingBro. That will go a long way.
    Ceci81, Not_A_Hat_Person, and LTCNS like this.
  11. Quote from NursingBro
    I am a newly licensed LVN/LPN. My cousin is an RN and she says sometimes people will try to blame things on you that you didn't do just to protect themselves. They will lie right in front of you in front of a boss to protect themselves and so many of these stories.

    I have always been a nice guy and I don't even remember the last time I got in an argument. I am a very calm guy and rather shy.

    I would like to know of any tips or how to protect myself from mean nurses or coworkers. I don't even have a job yet but I would like to be ready.

    It all comes down to who signed for it. Also advice dont hide anything its not the crime but the cover up thats the kiss of death. Hopefully you geta job in a good team oriented facility where not everyones a snake in the grass.
    amoLucia and LTCNS like this.

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