Cattiness an issue as a NP??

Published

I'm a bedside nurse who is so sick of the childish behavior from many coworkers (nurses and techs). So much gossiping and backstabbing! I'm in the midst of applying to a NP program and I hope the environment is more professional. I realize this is a question that can have many variables, but do u feel like u are treated more professionally as a NP than a bedside nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

That depends on your co-workers. I think you will have backstabbing, gossiping, malcontents in every profession at all levels.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that all depends on your work environment but I will say that as long as you work with a predominately female heavy environment, you will experience all of the above. I teach now at a school and its the same as if I were working in the floor! It just gets old sometimes you know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't imagine it being different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also thought in a more professional setting there would be less gossiping but unfortunately it isn't it might be a little less than bedside nurse but it still goes around I just tend to stay away from those people and try to keep it minimal and work related.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You know what? I've been a nurse for 20 plus yrs, an APN for 7+ yrs and I just don't see any cattiness or backstabbing. As an RN I worked in a very busy ER and was too busy for nonsense.

As an APN there are 5 of us mid-levels (all female) and we work great together, coordinate our schedules and no problems whatsoever.

Of course, I work very much by myself as the only APN in the clinics where I work and I just don't see this.

Much does depend on the environment and the attitude you project. I don't engage in gossip. If I have to disagree with a nurse, I do it privately and it goes no further. Accolades are given publicly and I am generous with this aspect of my relationships.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't pay that any mind. I stay away from the "Young and the Restless" and "Bold and the Beautiful" type people. I never liked those shows anyways. Lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP, ONP.

There is none in my workplace. I observed it among my female colleagues when I was staff nursing, but wasn't ever really a participant or victim. We don't have too much to gossip about, except for the time one of the senior medical staff in the company was drunk and was arrested for urinating in public. We collectively shook our heads and chuckled a bit about that, but would never have discussed it outside of the group. In fact, we defended him vigorously when patients brought it up (he made the 11:00 o'clock news, unfortunately). We all get along well; there isn't anything to back stab about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I rise above that stuff, but always did no matter my work environment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you generally avoided it on the floors, you will avoid it in an office. Front desk and MA or LVN positions are ripe for cattiness. I've been in more than a few where they are constantly going at it. Go into patient rooms and take care of your patients...only get involved when it affects patient care. I don't do the whole "she said, she said" thing. I cut them short and just say what needs to be done. I am aquaintances with coworkers at work...I am not *friends* with them. I have friends in many other places..it's too complicated to make them at work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I definitely think NPs are treated more like a professional. It may depend on your setting but I am currently working with 3 male doctors who are all amazing!!!! and one female NP. It is a nice change to leave high school behind....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion