This vile expression implies that experienced nurses do not treat new nurses kindly. My first problem with the statement is that it’s a generalization implying that all nurses are like that. Interestingly, whenever I hear someone utter the expression, I always say, “I don’t do that. Do you?” The person making the statement always says, “Oh no, I don’t, but many others do.” I’ve never heard even one nurse own up to doing this, although some nurses are willing to indict the entire profession. Every time that statement is repeated, it causes harm and casts a dark shadow on every nurse. Say anything enough, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Please note that by moderator consensus some of the "Nurses Eat Their Young" posts will be referred to this thread where there can be an ongoing discussion, rather than several threads saying the same thing.
To students and new grads that are having problems with nurses, please take a moment to read the above link. Is it really the entire profession, every single nurse, or do you need help with one or a few nurses? We will be glad to help you in dealing with those people, but let bury the phrase "Nurses Eat Their Young".
To experienced nurses who claim our profession eats it's young, please take a moment to read it as well and think about it. Also take time to teach, be friendly and nurturing to the new nurse and students on your unit.
To the original question, "do nurses eat their young" I always say, "yes, and I like mine with ketchup and salt."
Honestly, I spent 20 years in computers, where the end of every quarter was musical chairs -- did they fund your position, or are you out the door? Are you going to get outsourced this month or next? Your boss comes in and tells you if you want a paycheck, your new work location is 500 miles away, and it's just too bad if your kids are in school, your hubby/wife also has a job, you just got a new house, etc. On any given Friday, are you going to come back from lunch and find your computer gone, your stuff packed up, and security standing there to walk you out? Or, like I did, you're running the robotics at a major manufacturer of disposible razors and your boss tells you not to mention that there's no functioning backup system and it can cause the blades to go flying and if you tell the plant he'll fire you (and I told the plant manager it was dangerous, and yes I got "surplussed" because I didn't want to be the one explaining to OSHA why 60 peole were sliced to freakin' ribbons...).
It can get a serious case of the "meows" at work as a nurse, but I've yet to see the level of back stabbing, tattling, and deliberate sabotage that was the norm in my old world as people fought for a paycheck on a daily basis....and people wonder why I left computers and laugh at all the cattiness....geez. Be where I've been, and it's hilarious.
Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.
To the original question, "do nurses eat their young" I always say, "yes, and I like mine with ketchup and salt."
Honestly, I spent 20 years in computers, where the end of every quarter was musical chairs -- did they fund your position, or are you out the door? Are you going to get outsourced this month or next? Your boss comes in and tells you if you want a paycheck, your new work location is 500 miles away, and it's just too bad if your kids are in school, your hubby/wife also has a job, you just got a new house, etc. On any given Friday, are you going to come back from lunch and find your computer gone, your stuff packed up, and security standing there to walk you out? Or, like I did, you're running the robotics at a major manufacturer of disposible razors and your boss tells you not to mention that there's no functioning backup system and it can cause the blades to go flying and if you tell the plant he'll fire you (and I told the plant manager it was dangerous, and yes I got "surplussed" because I didn't want to be the one explaining to OSHA why 60 peole were sliced to freakin' ribbons...).
It can get a serious case of the "meows" at work as a nurse, but I've yet to see the level of back stabbing, tattling, and deliberate sabotage that was the norm in my old world as people fought for a paycheck on a daily basis....and people wonder why I left computers and laugh at all the cattiness....geez. Be where I've been, and it's hilarious.
I can understand your reasoning and applaud your ability to make jest of the fact that "nurses eat their young"....But most young, new nurses don't have your world experience behind them and it is tragic the way some are treated...we lose many a capable nurses because of this....but I agree, it is everywhere, not just in nursing.....
First off, I want to say that I love working with new nurses and student nurses, helping them explore this career that I love so much.
My question is when is a "new" nurse no longer a new nurse? I have a coworker who has been a nurse for about two years now but when we bring up difficulties with him, our manager says "give him a break, he's a new nurse" BALONEY!!
Unfortunately, he just isn't able to multitask so the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces on the floor. He's a smart guy, older, second career. I like him and everything but he's gonna get paid the same as the rest of us because he's an RN, not necessarily that he can do the job the same way as the rest of us can. IT'S SO FRUSTRATING.!!!!!
Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.
First off, I want to say that I love working with new nurses and student nurses, helping them explore this career that I love so much.
My question is when is a "new" nurse no longer a new nurse? I have a coworker who has been a nurse for about two years now but when we bring up difficulties with him, our manager says "give him a break, he's a new nurse" BALONEY!!
Unfortunately, he just isn't able to multitask so the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces on the floor. He's a smart guy, older, second career. I like him and everything but he's gonna get paid the same as the rest of us because he's an RN, not necessarily that he can do the job the same way as the rest of us can. IT'S SO FRUSTRATING.!!!!!
Just wanted to add my two cents
I would think that after two years..if he is full time....is adequate time that he is no longer considered "new"....I agree, there are many that cannot multitask as well as others....I understand your frustration...If he is giving it his all, 100%, and not just sitting in the break room or on the computer, I would much rather work with him and help him along than work with the ones that "know it all" but play on the computer instead of checking on their pts....THEY are the ones that frustrate me.....:wink2:
I agree, that the issue is not just in nursing, but my profession is nursing/ This is where I make my living, this is where my blood, sweat and emotional tears are shed, so forgive me if I don't find solace in the fact that there are other professions with members who are insecure, have poor self esteem, uncaring, vindictive and just mean. I want to see nursing change, I want to see those who are in the profession of helping, who are charged to "do no harm" not do harm to those who work along side of them. Nanacarol
YES!! Many do!! Many don't!! As a young LPN, and an RN student, I've come to appreciate the rude, demeaning, belittling nurses who eat their young. Why? Because they are picturesque examples of the kind of nurse I do not want to be. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that there are a LOT of such examples in every work environment.
Thank you to all the great "senior" nurses out there who help us newbies at every turn of the road. You are priceless to us. We salute you!!!
The question for you and others is,"would you want to be cared for by a nurse who does not feel he/she is ready to assume full responsibility for your care or one who believes it is all about multi-tasking, and possibly misses something because of the many tasks that get in the way?" Just wondering, a nurse should be considered in training until he/she says and feels comfortable with being a nurse. It is not ones peers that make that decision. nanacarol
Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.
I got off work tonight at 8 and talked or I should say "listened" to a younger nurse outside telling me all about her horrid day with the nurse from hell....I wanted to leave and come home, but stayed and listened because I could tell she was very upset....after she told me all about the day, nurse degrading her, the whole nine yards...she looked to me for advice, I know, I am older and kinder and I just didn't know exactly what to tell her...I have worked with her before and she is very conscientious, just a little young and naive.....I felt so bad for her but just told her to try and ignore the mean one and keep doing her job..
My point is....this is an ongoing thing....it is not going away...I do not foresee any changes to come....sad, but true....
Honest and respectful confrontation really does work, but it has a cost. There will be those who side with the "mean"one, those who quietly applaud the strength it takes to say ENOUGH is enough and still those who will not commit. But nurses must speak up, must say I am not going to put up with disrespect and unprofessional behavior. Also an official report that indicates one feels intimidated and threatened by this behavior will require the hospital to take a stand, (it is the law).
I sincerely believe we teach people how we want to be treated. Standing up, speaking up is the only way to facilitate change. Nanacarol
As a 1st semester nursing student, I do experience some animosity that the experienced nursed have against the students; but I completely understand. My nurse watched me do an accucheck on a patient and i took about 10 years to get the blood on the strip! I understood that the nurse has millions of other things to do and watching me all day must be irritating for her, but she was still kinda nice, so I will take what kindness I can get and just keep saying thank you and smile all day long so no one hurts me. As a student, I guess you just expect the meaness from other nurses and you just plow thru it.
Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.
As a 1st semester nursing student, I do experience some animosity that the experienced nursed have against the students; but I completely understand. My nurse watched me do an accucheck on a patient and i took about 10 years to get the blood on the strip! I understood that the nurse has millions of other things to do and watching me all day must be irritating for her, but she was still kinda nice, so I will take what kindness I can get and just keep saying thank you and smile all day long so no one hurts me. As a student, I guess you just expect the meaness from other nurses and you just plow thru it.
OK to expect impatience once in a while, but how sad for you to think you should expect MEANNESS (SP?)...NEVER, NEVER have I ever been mean to a student and as a student would not accept that kind of treatment...:redbeathe
nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,043 Posts
To the original question, "do nurses eat their young" I always say, "yes, and I like mine with ketchup and salt."
Honestly, I spent 20 years in computers, where the end of every quarter was musical chairs -- did they fund your position, or are you out the door? Are you going to get outsourced this month or next? Your boss comes in and tells you if you want a paycheck, your new work location is 500 miles away, and it's just too bad if your kids are in school, your hubby/wife also has a job, you just got a new house, etc. On any given Friday, are you going to come back from lunch and find your computer gone, your stuff packed up, and security standing there to walk you out? Or, like I did, you're running the robotics at a major manufacturer of disposible razors and your boss tells you not to mention that there's no functioning backup system and it can cause the blades to go flying and if you tell the plant he'll fire you (and I told the plant manager it was dangerous, and yes I got "surplussed" because I didn't want to be the one explaining to OSHA why 60 peole were sliced to freakin' ribbons...).
It can get a serious case of the "meows" at work as a nurse, but I've yet to see the level of back stabbing, tattling, and deliberate sabotage that was the norm in my old world as people fought for a paycheck on a daily basis....and people wonder why I left computers and laugh at all the cattiness....geez. Be where I've been, and it's hilarious.