Being bullied at work

[Mariah2019]

I started this job a month ago and within the first week I realized most of the nurses are LPNs and very hostile and ghetto. I’m one of the few RNs on the floor and most of the LPNs are older. Most of the days I just do my work and clock out to avoid drama. Most of the nurses there are always on smoke breaks every 5 minutes or gossiping and being loud at the nurses station. They use profanity in front of residents. Anyways, this one nurse (who I think might be a narcissist or borderline personality disordered) has taken a dislike to me for no reason and the other day in front of the CNAs verbally attacked me. I held my own and defended myself and told the supervisor. The issue is no one in management cares and that LPN and the supervisor are buddy buddy and smoke together, so I don’t think anything will be done. I feel like most of the nurses there don’t like me and I think it has to do with my good work ethic. I have now developed anxiety when I’m about to go to work. The energy is so horrible in this facility, and I’m thinking about quitting because I feel like since they’re all friends they will bully me out eventually. What would you do?

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

8 hours ago, Horseshoe said:

Add me as one who disagrees that we have "all been through it." I was NOT bullied as a new nurse. My unit had an awesome manager. The culture comes from the top, and our culture was one that nurtured the new nurses. Negativity would not have been tolerated there.

I have also never bullied a new nurse. I have a lot of empathy for the newbies. I don't get off on being passive aggressive, nor do I need to build myself up by tearing someone else down.

I really have never worked anywhere that had a culture of bullying or NETY or anything like that. I am not saying that it doesn't exist-but it doesn't happen everywhere.

I could not have said it better myself. I share your sentiment. So why don't we see more stories about this? Because people who are generally happy and satisfied don't feel the need to vent on public forums. I work with adolescents and the thing I teach them is that bullies are predators who seek out the weak members of the herd to attack. If you don't want to be bullied you have to stand up and also have a strong crew of friends. Also understand that you are entitled to nothing.

Way back when I was a green as grass new grad L&D nurse by fellow nurses sent me to the supply room to get the "Cervical Stretcher" I went and searched for the thing in vain, just could not find it anywhere so I went back to the nurses station and picked up the phone to call central supply that when the nurses all busted up laughing. I had a moment of embarrassment but laughed right back with them and never had a problem with them after that. They were a great group of teachers, mentors and friends. I am forever grateful for my early experiences.

I think this whole lateral violence, NETY, nurse bullying is a result of the "Everybody gets a trophy mentality of the 20th century.

Hppy

[workinmomRN2012, BSN]

On 5/9/2019 at 9:47 PM, Ruby Vee said:

" A new grad says her preceptor didn't invite her to eat lunch, and complains that "she wanted to eat with her friend from the other ICU," and calls that bullying. Oh, and the charge nurse never says "hello" first. (REALLY?) Someone cannot get along with anyone at her job -- or the previous four jobs since she graduated a year ago -- and conclude that clouds of mean people are following her around."

I didnt see these examples in the OP post, that would really be petty. I believe that the OP is genuinely being singled out/bullied, what ever you want to call it. Ive had this sort of stuff done to me too and believe me, I dont take this stuff lying down. the only way to deal with people like this is to stick up for yourself or leave. But my point is that it should be this way, she should have to stick up for herself everyday at work. Its BS and you know it!!! you can wrap it up to make it look pretty.... but it still stinks!!!

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

I feel there are more threads on whether bullying is happening or not. Some places have it and some don't. It's the same with the people.