Anyone ever get off "the" List?!

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

We all know the horrible conditions many nurses work in, with numerous lying, gossipping, backstabbing, lazy coworkers and inept managers who can't tell who the good staff are. (My apologies to those few environments where teamwork and good managers actually exist.) Has anyone ever gotten on the manager's **** list, and been able to get off? I've gotten off temporarily, but it always eventually leads to me being out the door and on another job search, hoping next time I'll find a good situation. If anyone has ever been able to make a comeback and survive such a setup, would you please share what worked to overcome their misperception of you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

My opinion is that you can't change anyone but yourself. If you seem to be having toubles with every manager you come in contact, take a step back and try to figure out what YOU can change to make this not happen. If you have had numerous issues and job changes due to management, maybe its you. Maybe youre not the best fit for the units you are working on, or maybe your personality is a bit quirky or abrasive. I am not trying to criticize you but just reminding you that you can't do anything about anyone else's behavior but your own. You can take it in stride and try to find a supportive unit or try to fix some behaviors of your own that could cause you to be unlikable by management or your co-workers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I went to school with a gal that had worked at a LONG list of occupations pre-nursing and complained that she was treated unfairly at every one and every manager she had was out to get her. Now she is a nurse and is at job number four after a year and a half.I did work with her briefly and it was definitely her aggresive confrontationalpersonality.I am not saying the OP is like this but if she is having trouble everywhere then maybe it is time for some self reflection.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

I agree. You can change noone but yourself.

It has been my experience though that if i'm having trouble at work...i can usually pinpoint it to something I am doing.

You have to have a thick skin in health care. I work with a woman that has been a nurse for almost 50 yrs. To say shes probably forgotten more than i will ever know seems like an understatement when it comes to her. I couldnt tell you the times i've told her "i've had it! i'm tired of"insert whoever is pisting me off at the moment". i'm quitting!" she always is my rock, telling me to just let it go, stand strong and it will always pass. and she's always been right.

i've been on and off the Slist more times than i can count. lol. just go with the flow...let it run off your back and just concentrate on today and the job at hand. before you know it...it's someone else's turn on the list!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

the only way i got off the list was to quit... and i was happy to do so... who needs the trouble..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It took me years to realize what it takes to get off the **** list- kissing a little butt - as distasteful as that sounds, (notice I said a LITTLE- not brown-nosing which is always obvious to management)- it can be as simple as volunteering for a committee, working extra, being more flexible, etc. and hunkering down & just doing my job & staying out of the spotlight!! ;-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I found the best way to get away from all that crap was to go work with agency nursing. i dont have to get involved with the all the politics of a unit, or the staffing issues, i do my assignment and leave at the end of my shift, also i get paid more!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I found the best way to get away from all that crap was to go work with agency nursing. i dont have to get involved with the all the politics of a unit, or the staffing issues, i do my assignment and leave at the end of my shift, also i get paid more!

This may sound stupid but I'm just a student and not an expert nurse but what is agency nursing? IS it similar to home health care...just curious? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Agency nursing is working for an agency that provides staff to hospitals at a premium pay to solve temporary staffing crunches. Agency nurses make premium pay, but aren't guaranteed steady employment. The agency gets a cut, just like an agent for an actor would. They are the go between with the hospital and take care of making sure all ducks are in a row and basically coordinate the whole thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I'm not interested in being blamed for the situation, had professional careers prior to nursing. I am interested in responses to my question. Appreciate all responses trying to help without attacking me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I agree on the agency option. I'm really enjoying it. My mental health has really improved since giving up my job and all the politics and mercenary managers

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, ER, ICU, LTC, DRUG & ETOH.

I'm sorry for your troubles but am curious as to part of your question. You talk about being set up, How? I agree with the other posters you can only change yourself. I find that doing my job , helping my co-workers when I can and not being part of that scene of back biters etc goes a long ways in keeping me off anyones bad list Good luck and God bless .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion