Attitudes of other staff

pigginsrn · Mar 7, 2016

I get it. I left a job for this type of culture. It is toxic.

rubyagnes, BSN · Mar 8, 2016

I've just graduated and only experienced nursing via clinical, but through my school experience on various floors I heard so many nurses and UAP's say unbelievable things about patients. Pain management specifically seems to be a trigger and for any patient in consistent pain they're often considered "med seeking". It seems many of the nurses I was around forgot about empathy. To me, even if a patient is "med seeking" I still have empathy for them. I wouldn't want to be in a position of unrelenting pain, and so they always have my empathy. Even if they're seeking meds and addicted to drugs, that is sad to me. Why be mad about it?

I tried not to take it personally. I can see it getting to me in the future, which is worrisome. Who knows, maybe in a few years of work I will become jaded, but I hope not! I think it's best to just try to ignore the negative remarks and be the most positive nurse you can be. It's sad the energy of nursing can be negative when, to me, it is the most positive experience of helping those who are vulnerable and in need. We're taught in school to be nonjudgmental caregivers, yet on the floor many people seem to forget that.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Mar 10, 2016

I get what you're talking about. And like pigginsrn, I too left.

This *is* a toxic work environment/culture and it most likely will always be that way at xyz facility. This is when you really have to make a difficult choice.....can you block or counteract the negativity surrounding you? Or will this continue to be a driving force that leads you to have less and less respect for your facility, work, and coworkers?

I'm sorry you're in this environment and I do hope it gets better for you. Just know that only *you* can change you, ie: how you feel about the toxicity and how much you allow it to effect you. Toxicities are everywhere, more prevalent in some areas than others.

I, personally, tried to let it go but what really happened was I ignored it until I hated everything about my job. Poor choice, but lesson learned.

WinterLilac · Mar 13, 2016

I've diplomatically challenged colleagues in the past when they've said callous things about clients. For example, recently one of our clients was pacing up and down past the office, head down no shoes. My colleague spat "what a waste of space". I said "I'd hate to be that mentally tortured, she's working so hard to get better". Doesn't sound much but it reminded us all she's human and unwell and give her a break!

Davey Do · Mar 18, 2016

Understood, Laurel.

"Med seeking" is a common, yet subjective, perspective. If a Patient has a certain med ordered, they request the med, and it's within the time frame, then just administer the med!

It seems power struggles abound on Psych units. In the past two shifts, I've had to deal with two Techs who didn't want to give a Patient snacks! As another Tech, with whom I respect, said, "That's what they're there for! Give the patient the damn snack!"

Often times, during shift report, a Nurse will relate a Patient's behavior with an air of disbelief. I've often replied, "They act as if they're mentally ill!"

A Psychiatrist once told me, "Expect unexpected behavior from someone who's mentally ill. If they continually manifest appropriate behavior, then they're not mentally ill!"

I also remember what a Therapist quoted to me in regards of dealing with difficult Co-Workers: "With these oxen, we must plow".

Ever thus...

WinterLilac · Mar 18, 2016

Wise words Davey Do, wise words.