Attitudes in the OR

SkipBeat · Mar 9, 2012

Ok..so I am a new RN Intern... love the specialty, dislike the negativity and hostile RN's/ scrub techs I work with.
What is the problem folks?? I have been on the unit less then one month and today stood up for myself and really ticked off a service manager... WHY... she was ugly towards me and curt and I stuck up for myself... then I was told to watch how I talk to people... Ok.. I am a very pleasant person, BUT you talk harshly to me and I will stand up for myself. I have been walked on on other units and it's NOT happening here. Oh well the service manager got irked.. maybe she will respect me next time. AND... I was trying to HELP HER... yes.
We had a meeting this morning and one of the traveling RN's leaned over to me and said "Why are the people so hostile and angry here?" I said "I have no idea." FYI... there was a massive exidious (sp) a few months ago from my OR unit... 40 people LEFT.
People cuss on my unit, act vulgar, etc. It's terrible.. and these are supposed to be PROFESSIONAL people??? I am ashamed.
Please tell me this is NOT the NORM in the OR.....

I don't think it's the norm at places that are nice to work at. This usually happens when staff are stressed, underpaid, and overworked. It can also happen at places where management is terrible. I would learn what I can and get out.

mactheknife · Mar 10, 2012

Sounds like you have ended up in a real bad one. I agree with Skipbeat learn what you can and get out. They are a perfect example of what not to become. Remember them as that example.

Epona · Mar 11, 2012

Thanks all. Yes. I plan on getting what I can and LEAVING. Another one who is leaving told me the other day "Get what you can here and leave."

Thanks again for the advice! :)

circnurs · Mar 17, 2012

All I can tell you is as much as you can't stand those people you work with and you want to bust them in the head to the whitemeat, stay professional. Be discrete about your complaining, because you may think you are commiserating with a co-worker and the next thing you know you are being called in to the supervisor's office. And most importantly DON'T BURN ANY BRIDGES!!!!!! The medical community can make the world a VERY small place. You never know when you may run in to some of these people again, and they may be the ones you are asking for a job.

I am experiencing the same issue where I work. They are rude, and vulgar. We have very ineffective management and abusive surgeons. I have been there for 2yrs now and can not wait for my contracted obligation to be over. Most of the staff have been there for 5+ years one has worked for the organization for over 30yrs. They are good nurses but even though they are miserable and complain on a daily(hourly) basis they stay.

I have recently noticed that I have really started to take on this negative energy. I walk around angry, little things are starting to set me off. I am not depressed but emotionally exhausted from the frustration of dealing with all of the stupidity. I have decided to leave and start travel nursing. I always knew that this was just a pit stop which has made it a little easier to deal with.

Epona · Mar 17, 2012

Thanks Circnurs. Yes. I have to swallow really hard sometimes. See I am older then the folks they typically bring in as new Interns. Most of the people in my group are in their 20's. They are 'moldable' and when someone older talks rough to them, I guess they just deal with it. I have worked as a manager at some of my other jobs and I am older, so when someone acts ugly it's hard because of where I have come from and my wisdom. I am dealing with it though.. had another nasty person yesterday and I just shook my head in agreement and went on. I have learned that I cannot win. Just go on...

We had a round table discussion this past week (the interns and our main teachers), and I did bring up the above incident. I did not mention the name... the teachers were APPALLED and told me if that EVER happens again to get them immediately.

As you said... just a pit stop, then on to a better place... have a great weekend!

Argo · Mar 17, 2012

Your key to survival is 1. Grow thicker skin and 2. Learn to get over it because There are a bunch of jackass's around.

I have worked in the OR about 17 years now. The first 16 were in south tx and now living in Colorado I run across people I know from years past and people with only 1-2 degrees of separation. It's a small world and the quicker you learn to "get over it" the easier your life will be. The less it gets to you the less people will try to get at you too. THats just the nature of the beast. Too many big egos running around the OR.....

socialjustice · Mar 22, 2012

My attitude when I first came to the OR was to always be serious and try really hard to get everything right. People seemed to mistake this for arrogance and it made it difficult to work with many folks. After a while I have realized that, and this may sound strange, but people seem to be much more helpful and forgiving if you are humble and almost seem a little clueless. Doc's and techs want to help you and will do so willingly. So to deal with some of the really horrible personalities I just smile and act like THEY have all the answers to stoke their ego a bit. :)

gymnut · Mar 22, 2012

I know how you feel. I'm currently enrolled in my hospital's surge tech program and while the techs and surgeons are great and treat you well the RNs have a horrible reputation hospital wide for their bad attitudes. To be honest when someone who works there asks me what I do and I tell them the next question they ask is how can I stand working with the RNs. There are a few great RNs who are really patient and helpful but most just talk down to you and make you feel inferior.

I do have a thick skin and I can push things aside because I've been in customer care and management for ages. If I'm collecting a paycheck everyone can take their attitudes and stick'em where the sun doesn't shine. However if I'm shelling out almost 10 grand in tuition money and your attitude is a detriment to my learning then there is a problem.