Disappointed

"I am looking for some advice. I am a new nurse that has worked on a psychiatric inpatient unit for 8 months. I love working with the patients, however I can not stand my job due to the negative environment the STAFF has produced."

Having been in similar circumstances, I survived by focusing on something I learned from Emotions Anonymous: "My happiness does not depend on what others do or say or what happens around me. My happiness is a result of being at peace with myself." Your own opinion of yourself is the Most Important One.

In fact, in one situation, this quote assisted me in transcending a situation and subsequently making it better. In short, one of the multitude of My Duties at this particular Mental Health Clinic was to monitor the Client's VS in the Crisis Stabilization Unit and to run the Morning Group. Basically, the Morning Group was an informative/gripe session when I took it over. I chose to add the essence of a 12 Step Meeting.

Since the Clients were generally made up of Clients with Mental Illness Diagnosis's and Chemical Abusers, I requested that several copies of Emotions Anonymous' book One Day at a Time be purchased for the Group. All could identify with The Program. The Philosophy, Readings, and Clients' Responses focused on Hope and Improvement. The Positive Vibes didn't spread like Wildfire, but, I believe, improved the Energy about the Unit.

"I have been in the charge nurse role for a couple of months now and I do not feel very confident, probably due to the fact my clinical leader has ZERO confidence in me. I feel I am harrased while giving report in the morning, constantly questioning my judgement on everything..."

There is a Certain Attitude we must take on when we Supervise Others. We have Reponsibities toward Others, just as they have Reponsibilities toward Us. If we are "in charge", then We say How It Goes.

The Team Approach is a good Concept to follow. Generally, the Team Approach says that we all have equal input. However, when push comes to shove, one of our Responsibilities, as a Supervisor, is to make the Final Decision. It's like a Supervisor once told me: "You don't have to like it. You only have to do it." I could get behind that.

"My coworkers are usually supportive, but there is always those who appear nice to your face and talk behind your back."

You may just need to accept this type of behavior as one of People's idiosyncrasies. People Gossip. People talk about Others behind their backs. And, People in Charge are often seen as the Enemy of the Proleteriat.

"Everyday is started with negativity, everyone is stressed out. I am constantly anxious. I guess I am questioning if I have given this job enough of a chance, or if I should move on. I am sad that it has come to this point, where negative attitudes are deterring my love for psychiatric nursing care. "

Yes. It is sad that not all People are Self-Governing toward the Greater Good. But they're not. They are just doing the Best They Can with their Available Resources. People of Higher Conscious usually don't Breed Negativity. It's because People of Higher Conscious know the Tools needed in order to achieve a Greater Good

jahra gave some good advice, in that basically, "if ya can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". I've quit jobs where I felt targeted. If your Own Sanity and Peace of Mind are jeopardized, it comes down to Priorities.

A Wise Man once said something like, "If a town will not have you, shake the dust from your sandals and move on". I take that to mean to shake off the Negative Situation and keep your Mode of Travel.

But it's Yor Decision, enurse10: Fight the Good Fight or Shine This One On.

I sense that you will make the Right Decision for the Greater Good.

The best to you.

Dave

Its all about the team and if this one isn't a good fit for you I'd start looking for one that does. Good luck.