Atmosphere in hospitals

[Newbie7]

Hi--I am going to a nursing school and working part-time at nursing homes as experience. I interviewed with one this morning. That place was strange in the sense that everyone I saw seemed to hate their job. Real dead atmosphere, no one smiled, and almost all seemed to be there unwillingly. What kind of work environment would it be working in a typical hospital? I chose nursing because I like to be surrounded by enough number of caring people. Folks I saw today were nothing like that. The manager I spoke to was a borderline *****!

I would appreciate any info on this. If working in a hospital is like this, I would consider other profession. Thank you.

[squeakykitty]

Not all places are like this. There are a lot of good places to work in. It sounds like you ran into a toxic work environment.

[leslie :-D]

my alma mater was a 'prestigious', highly respected school, as was their hospital.

when i graduated, i was offered a job there...superb pay, benefits, opportunities.

this hospital clearly caters to the well-to-do and famous personalities.

all pts get a rose upon discharge.

doing many clinicals there, i never appreciated the seemingly pretentious atmosphere.

i have a big mouth and could never adjust to speaking in hushed tones.

give me a facility that is filled with personality and character any old day.

i don't care how run down, shabby its physical structure is.

i need to feel that sense of camaraderie, belonging and dedication to the pts.

a good administration realizes that it's the staff who sustain the reputation of a hospital...

and not the $10000 chandelier hanging in the entry.

leslie

[nurseshepherd]

I used to work in a facility similar to what you are describing and it stayed that way until there was a total change in administration from CEO on down. Good working environments in hospitals don't just happen, it takes a lot of work on the part of administration as well as a committment to the staff who take care of the patients. If nursing staff are not valued, and you can tell real quick (like what you experienced at your interview), then everything becomes a chore and you'll start dreading having to go to work. Please don't assume all hospitals are like that one, there are some good ones, keep looking. Good luck!:)

[floatRN]

I would trust your gut and keep looking until you find the right fit for you.

[Hygiene Queen]

They are not all like that, thank goodness. You will find some place where the staff is friendly and even fun.

My job in psych is stressful but we all know how to laugh and bring up each others' spirits. This is important because otherwise we'd be the most unpleasant bunch to work with.

I have had jobs where the staff is "stiff". I couldn't stay in those places. It was like working with a bunch of turnips. The jobs were relatively "easy" but there was no joy.

I know you will find some place with "personality". Even if the work itself is stressful, your co-workers will pull each other through with good humor and comradarie (sp?).

Keep looking.