Cliques in Nursing

[0.adamantite]

There is a 'clique' a my work, one of them a bully that I know outside of work (catty type of woman who picks on other's appearances, makes fun of obese people, etc). I'm not a part of it and don't care to be, but it's hard when I am working with the 'clique.' It reminds me of high school with the 'popular' or 'pretty' people. The last shift me and the 'clique' worked, it was chaotic. They refuse to help or work as a team with anyone outside of their group. They will help each other but when I need a quick boost or whatever they will tell me while sitting at the nurses desk chatting or looking at emails that they don't have time to help.

I just wouldn't go to them for help, but sometimes they're all I've got. They are cutting our staffing and when I need help turning to taking someone to the bathroom, I feel helpless. I'm not sure there's really anything I can do.

[Emergent, RN]

I feel for you. I've struggled with this issue throughout my nursing career. Some units are worse than others.

The Joint Commission addresses this. It is considered bullying to socially isolate a co-worker, and it's a detriment to good teamwork and safe patient care.

Examples of bullying:

• Unwarranted or invalid criticism
  
• Blame without factual justification
  
• Being treated differently than the rest of your work group
  
• Being sworn at
  
• Exclusion or social isolation
  
• Being shouted at or being humiliated
  
• Excessive monitoring or micro-managing
  
• Being given work unrealistic deadlines
  

It's tricky addressing this but hospitals are expected to. Here's a website with advise

http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Files/Bullying.pdf

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Cliques happen. When they interfere with patient care, like refusing to help a non-member with transfers or positioning, it needs to be documented and reported.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

There is something you can do... you can get outta Dodge.

They will never provide the support you deserve/require . Reporting this to management is useless.

You are reporting an attitude problem that is impossible to document or change.

You are right on that this is a clique with bullies. Get out before they bully up on you.

This is one of the reasons my username is Been There, Done That.

[sammiesmom]

Thanks for the info!

[smartnurse1982]

Hmm,around here cliques are based on race and ethnicity.

[Stitchy's mom]

When I was a GN (yup, that long ago ) I worked on a floor exactly like that. I didn't know very much to say the least, I was a new graduate, honestly, they don't know a lot, but I digress. I would ask for help and they would just look at me like I'm an idiot. I ended up quitting and thinking long and hard as to whether I wanted to even be a nurse. I always thought of them when we had students or new grads on the floor. I hope I was NEVER like that!

[uRNmyway, ASN, RN]

Hmmaround here cliques are based on race and ethnicity.[/quote']

Well that wasn't real productive.

Regardless of the reason people choose to isolate others, it's wrong. Now, if they just associate with these people, are friends with them outside of work, whatever, who cares. When it affects patient care is when the line needs to be drawn.

I agree with others. Document what happens. And really make it only about what affects patient care. Sure, your bosses SHOULD do something about bullying just for the fact that it's wrong. But they are a whole lot more likely to do something if it affects their satisfaction scores than if it hurt your feelings.