Published Mar 21, 2010
tobesmartt
135 Posts
I work in a elderly community care facility. I do like most of my patients, however my co-workers are another story. I feel like I do not belong in the group, I eat lunch ususally by myself. I am usually ignored. and my suggestions and opinions usually just float up in the air.
I really wish I could quit.
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN
88 Articles; 21,268 Posts
Let me move this to the LTC forum where you'll get more answers.
Bill E. Rubin
366 Posts
I work in a elderly community care facility. I do like most of my patients, however my co-workers are another story. I feel like I do not belong in the group, I eat lunch ususally by myself. I am usually ignored. and my suggestions and opinions usually just float up in the air.I really wish I could quit.
Sorry to hear your plight. I feel your pain. Having worked in other industries and many jobs for 25 or so years, I often didn't have any friends, but nursing is different. It's particularly hard when everybody else appears to have friends but you. I am in a similar situation where I work. I do get along fine with most of my co-workers, but I too am ignored and generally eat alone. Even when there are others in the room, I still usually eat alone, if you know what I mean. Keep your chin up and try to find solace in your work. How long have you worked there?
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
It can take a looooong time to be accepted.
Just hang in. And honestly, for now, just keep your thoughts to yourself unless it is affecting resident safety.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
I have found that to be the case everywhere I worked. People gather in their own little cliques, speak in their other language, which excludes me, and act as if I don't exist. If I had quit every time I was excluded from the work group, I never would have had a job. You have to decide that you want the job more than you want to be included by the majority. After all, they do not sign your paycheck. Approval from your residents/patients is all the approval you need.
Bella'sMyBaby
340 Posts
Know exactly how you feel....
I work upstairs with my Boss; we get along great (and we VENT).
What's said in our Office, STAYS in our Office.
Now the staff downstairs, that's another Story.....
Hopefully, there is one person you can get close to.....
thank you for responding . I have worked there for 11 years now. I'd really am thinking about eating in my car, but by the time I walk there with my bad heels and walk back, I would go over my time. Well maybe you and I can vent how co-workers are so insensitive towards their [ppeers (us_). thank you. my chin is tired of being up.
, thank you for responding . I have worked there for 11 years now. I'd really am thinking about eating in my car, but by the time I walk there with my bad heels and walk back, I would go over my time. Well maybe you and I can vent how co-workers are so insensitive towards their [ppeers (us_). thank you. my chin is tired of being up.
Eleven years?
Wow. Do you have any clues as to what it might be?
RNMLIS
71 Posts
I too have felt the same way - isolated - not a lunch issue as we rarely stoped to eat. My isolation was deepened due to the fact that many of my fellow nurses were contract Filipina's and they spoke to each other in their dialog. Relevant nursing topics were discussed in another language! Not a great learning experience on top of a sense of isolation.
Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN
1,261 Posts
I prefer to eat dinner(3-11 shift lol) by myself. I enjoy the solitude and peace and quiet. If someone comes in the employee lounge and sits down I don't mind talking. Oh and this is of course if I get a dinner break...which if I have 50 patients, hasn't happened yet.... yet.
montinurse, BSN
220 Posts
I know this sounds like a given, but have you tried asking them questions about themselves? To get them to open up to you? After 11 years, maybe they think you don't want to get to know them..? I probably could have wrote this post a couple of times Or more in the last 10 years, from getting out of the Navy, going to college, finding a new job/jobs. It really is tough making friends! Hang in there-you're definitely not alone!
why thanks for responds. i have tried to get to know them. have even brought their likes of desserts. i just think they don't like me.