Back-stabbing in nursing?

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Hi,

I'm an airline pilot who lost his job due to company closure, and have no hope of finding another flying job in the near future thanks to our wonderful economy. I'm seriously considering becoming an RN, but have some concerns, and reservations.

I'm shocked to hear about all the back-stabbing that seems to go on in nursing - both from my sister (RN), and through this site. It is so ingrained in me, and I am so used to pilots watching each-others backs, that I have a hard time believing so much goes on. Professionalism is of paramount importance.

I would think that most go into nursing to help. Why then, do you help patients, but stab each-other in the back?

Is it a personality trait of those that go into nursing?

Is it because most nurses are female? A good number of our female flight attendants enjoyed trying to get each-other into trouble. I would assume those in nursing are not like this as becoming a FA is a few week course, and nursing is years.

Is it just a small minority that do such things, and make it seem worse than it is?

Are male nurses less susceptible to being stabbed?

We always stuck together, and it was us against the company who was breaking the rules. It would be tough for me to go into a work environment with scheming co-workers. I would assume that anyone on a site such as this is not a back-stabber, but a helpful type - let me know what I would be in for.

Tell me it isn't true!

Thanks!:)

1
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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

It will all depend on the unit -- for example, the unit I worked as an apprentice nurse was AMAZING! The nurses worked together so well and everyone was friendly with everyone else. There was no back-stabbing and everyone was supportive.

Now that I am working as an RN in a different unit, things are far different. Most of the nurses get along and help each other out but there are still a few nurses that everyone watches out for that will go out of their way to make life hell for the others. I try to ignore that gossip and do my own work and stay close to those nurses I know I can trust.

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Ironically... I know a flight attendant who is among the biggest back stabbers I know. (I am not saying that all of them are of course)

I think in any field you will have the nice players and you will have these backstabbing people.

Do not talk yourself out of nursing for that reason.

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Yes, there is much back-stabbing among flight attendants (almost always females, not males for some reason). They would even call to report another being two minutes late! It always shocked the pilots (both male and female). That is one reason why I was wondering if it might tend to be a female trait.

Thanks for the info!

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Specializes in Government.

I have many pilots in my family and have seen how much respect they get, how the crew looks out for them. Nursing is very very different. Different work groups get along differently but mostly you've got your work to do and run your feet off all shift to do it.

I think any negativity comes from work conditions. Not gender.

How many admits do you get at 20,000 feet ? :wink2:

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Specializes in ICU/CCU,peds,UR,rehab.

In my opinion, "back stabbing" results from insecurities that are not related to only to nursing. Many people who choose nursing have come from backgrounds from which they feel a need to care for other people. For myself, I needed to "rescue" people from the hurt I felt when both of my parents were killed in a car accident. Critical care provided the opportunity to do just that. When I finally realized what was happening, I was able to transition into another area of nursing that was less stressful. In the course of working critical care, I thought I was "back stabbed" innumerable times when promotions were given to others. Reflectively, I now realize we were all responding to stress of caring for patients who were one step away from death. It is the same today.

Do not give up on nursing. We need you. The experience you have as a pilot will serve you well as you care for your patients as you prioritize needs. You will find support, especially as you gain experience. Those that lash out are usually doing so under stress but are to busy to realize the full scope of what the real problem is.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU,peds,UR,rehab.

I would hope you don't have any discharges at 2,000 feet:uhoh3:

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i have a aunt who was a flight attendant for 10 years and could she gossip up a storm... my grandmother use to say " she talks like a old hen in a chicken coup".. my grandmother called her motor mouth....

people are people... you find people who gossip and back stab in all professions. i am a RN and have been a nurse for 23 years... gossiping i s a human trait... not a good one... but never the less .. it is done.... oh well.... you just go to work , do your job... and keep your nose clean....

believe me ... working with gossiping nurses is the easy part of the job..... and i am to busy to care what they say......

just keep your patients alive and breathing... and safe

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Specializes in LTC/MDS/PPS.

"would think that most go into nursing to help. why then, do you help patients, but stab each-other in the back?

the few times i have seen it happen it was driven by greed, power or envy

is it a personality trait of those that go into nursing?

no, more like ample opportunity to practice for those prone to the behavior

is it because most nurses are female?

naw, have to say it's probably vested on the other sex more often than not, but an even spread accross the board

is it just a small minority that do such things, and make it seem worse than it is?

pretty much, depends alot on the facility..those things don't go over well here, don will snatch ya up quick

are male nurses less susceptible to being stabbed?

only by other male nurses i think

we always stuck together, and it was us against the company who was breaking the rules. it would be tough for me to go into a work environment with scheming co-workers. i would assume that anyone on a site such as this is not a back-stabber, but a helpful type - let me know what i would be in for.

hope ya find the same..don't pass on nursing just because of this, give it a chance

tell me it isn't true!"

it's somewhat true...close enough? good luck

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

oh i don't know if it's just a female trait... i work with a male nurse that is the biggest gossip and his big mouth has gotten him in trouble more than once..... he drives me crazy.. he makes fun of people DR's and othe nurses .., and it unprofessional ... but yet he is a excellent nurse and i really like him for the most part.... he can save your life thats for sure..... then he'll talk about you ....

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Does anyone ever "call them out" when they are trying to make things difficult for others?

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Only fuel discharge for emergency dumping since they installed the DB Cooper latch. he he

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