Big bad nurse bully

Cardiac-RN · May 21, 2006

I don't work with any bullies, but I would like to respond:

From a managerial perspective, would you rather have competent nurses who are 'bullies'- which may lead to less productivity/teamwork, increased staff tension/ unhappiness and higher staff turnover- or competent nurses who are not bullies, that help the unit maintain a cohesiveness that is more conducive to helping others- patients and staff?

I think all nurses have value for their skills- but I would place more value in a staff member that was not a bully and went beyond just providing 'competent' care for her patients, but worked well as a team and helped to meet the deparmental goals.

But in the case of a nursing shortage, I guess beggers can't really be choosers :uhoh3:

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · May 21, 2006

I'm wondering who makes the patient assignment if you feel that you are unfairly loaded upon? Our day shift charge makes the assigment for night shift and vice versa. We all switch off as charge, and will discuss the assignment for next shift - ie - everyone taking a fair patient load, etc.

Personalities come into play everywhere - there are going to be those that think of others in most actions, and those who only think about how something will benefit themselves. Stand up for yourself and take what it is coming to you with regards to breaks, etc. If you truly feel overwhelmed with an assigment, talk to the charge nurse or the nurse manager. You shouldn't have to suffer in silence. As far as swearing, I've been known to sound like a sailor, but never in front of patients and never directed at a coworker!!

Take Care,

Blee

Do bullies have value in the workplace? I would love to know the answer to this! How do nurses deal with bossy, histrionic and narcissitic nurses who are harsh in their relating with coworkers but are more than competent nurses?
An example of bullying may include unequal patient loads, taking best breaks, swearing, etc.
Any insight?

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 21, 2006

No. I don't think bullies have value in the workplace. Their behavior needs to be nipped in the bud before it gets out of proportion, but people are too afraid to confront.

Good luck. I can't offer any advice because I haven't had the experience.

HARRN2b · May 21, 2006

Bullies deflate the morale of the entire team. Trust me patients can feel the tension. Also causes individuals to call in sick, not get along, too much stress. No place for them in TODAY's workforce. They need to find the door!

burn out · May 22, 2006

Where I work they make bullys the nurse of the year.MMS (make me sick)

KeithEMU · May 22, 2006

But in the case of a nursing shortage, I guess beggers can't really be choosers

Actually I beleive that bullies are ONE of the main reasons for the nursing shortage. If they are allowed to stay on a floor, you will likely have a higher turnover in adition to other problems already listed.

NurseyTee · May 22, 2006

I'm being bullied at work and it is literally making me ill. I've never called in sick before since I have worked at this facility, but since the bullying has gotten so bad (with the support of the DON) I was so sick yesterday and today I had to call in. Usually I would just go in anyway because I know they are always working short, but knowing the bullies are there too, I just can't go in there. I really loved my job but the stress it has brought on me since the bullying started .. just isn't worth it. I threw up 5 times before i went to work on Friday. I can't take it.

chadash · May 22, 2006

I believe bullies have such a detrimental impact on the work place, that, even the most capable nurse can not produce enough to adequately restore what she takes.

anne74 · May 22, 2006

I'm always mistified with nurses who have poor social skills. How does that happen? I think a big problem with bullies is that there are many managers who have no back bones and look the other way instead of dealing with it. They are very short-sighted and don't see that allowing bullying to continue will later result in more problems - such as low morale and the loss of other nurses. I would try to talk to your manager or HR, and if they don't do anything, hit the road. No job is worth getting physically sick over. With the shortage, you can find another job where you don't have to deal with the harrassment. And, keep in mind that most bullies are very insecure themselves and it makes them feel better to control and harrass others. She is probably a very unhappy person.

PeachPie · May 22, 2006

What's worse, some of these become nurse managers and DONs because terror and bullying are euphemized as "leadership skills."

Selke · May 22, 2006

What's worse, some of these become nurse managers and DONs because terror and bullying are euphemized as "leadership skills."

Yes! Yes! Yes! You've nailed it! Amen to this. And if you're not a bully you will not be promoted, will not be seen as "leadership material", will not become the manager's "pet" (because under this understanding of "leadership" managers divide the staff according to their friends or not friends -- ie suckups -- if you are not a bully you are not noticed or seen as assertive enough). The model of nursing leadership of manager as big mama/queen bee and staff nurse as little subordinate/little girl. Not exactly my model of professional leadership, and why finding a space for professional growth in nursing is so difficult.