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.
I am less than a month away from finishing nursing school. I have worked in the hospital environment for the last 4 years, because I wanted to make sure that this was what I really wanted. I have worked in a moderately busy ER for just over 3 years, and while I love where I am, it took me quite a while to feel that I was a part of the team. Nursing school has been quite an eye opener. I have found the clinical aspects to be the most challenging, simply because you never know what type of reception you're going to get on the nursing units. I've encountered quite a range, from nurses going out of their way to help to those who didn't even speak. I agree with some of the posts that this is not exclusive of nursing, but I must admit that I have felt less than welcome to this field, and I can certainly understand where the saying of "Nurses eating their young" came from. I must also address the fact that many new grads have the attitude that they are a nurse now, and they know it all. Perhaps this is where some of the attitude comes from with the more experienced nurses? I have worked as a nurse extern for the last 6 months; I have worked with a wide range of people, and I have learned one thing: Everyone has something to teach you if you will allow yourself to be open to it. I have a lot to learn and I welcome the guidance and input from those who have chosen nursing as a career. We are the only ones who can change those things that we don't like in our profession. I know I will remember those who have treated me in a negative manner and will do all I can not to ever do the same to another individual regardless of their experience or length of time in the field.
I have went back and forth on this issue. I know I myself try to help new nurses, because I remember what it was like as the newbie But I know that not everybody is like this. And it was proven to me once again tonight. I was at work, working with a fairly new nurse, who i have worked with a few times. She appears to be on top of things; organized, intelligient, efficient, and good to her patients and an overall nice person. She told me stuff that had happened to her and been said about her that was awful. Rumors, people digging in and judging her about her private life. She feels like an outcast. Nobody speaks to her. And I witnessed it tonite. Too many people talking about people behind their back. And my floor wonders why nobody stays there, and other hospital staff would rather clock out and go home than get pulled to our floor. Its rumored that our floor is mean, I didn't believe it, but too many people are saying it.....and tonight I saw it. I just want to tell them to grow up....do your job and leave others personal lives to themselves unless it is affecting their job or they make it your business.
I went into work expecting to get dumped on again...and prepared to object to being given the first admission again! and guess what??? It didn't happen!
Instead of staff picking an chosing what they wanted me to have...the CN looked around and saw me...and immediately said..."I'm working on the assignments right now"! I got some of the best pts I have had since I have been there..even though I started out with 8 pts...I had time to give my pts a little extra care...open my charts as I saw the pts...and give my meds on time! I actually was able to spend time allowing my pt who was depressed and afraid....to actually talk about his fears. I was able to take MY BREAK...draw all my labs...and ready with a indepth report on my pts...an HOUR before days arrived!! I got to leave ON TIME....YEAAAA!
On the other hand...those who usually were able to sit around all nite...and leave on time...were the ones who ended up running all nite... got the train wreck admission, and were still there doing THEIR nurse's note AFTER I left!
How good it is....to feel in control again! I can only think that either the hospital was afraid I would leave...or somebody recongized themselves on here. Don't care which is was...and not sure if it will last....but at least I know for sure...the problem wasn't one of my not being organized....and proved that if I had a decent assignment I would have NO problems handling it!
Now I'm anxious to go back to work again...and find out what will happen next....???
I don't know why nurse's treat others this way. But we've all seen it. I had worked in a NH for 6 years doing everything from floor to supervisor. But always being an advocate was burning me out-and always feeling at odds with the administration. So I went to school nursing. but continued to work per diem at the facility. One day I came in to find a veteran crabbing and yelling about something that I did wrong- I didn't put transport papers were she liked them so she couldn't find them. well she yelled and crabbed and made me feel like a piece of sh-t. I walked out and the DON pulled me into her office where I had a chance to calm down.When I went back up the crab said to me "I wouldn't have said anything if I had known it was you." that was her apology. And my answer was that I refused to work with her again, and soon left the facility. their loss not mine!!!
Nurses eat their young was a phrased coined to describe the hell more experienced nurses sometimes unleash on newer nurses. It happens in some places more than others. I have had some of the worst co-workers on the planet, but 90% have been awesome nurses (just telling you so you aren't terrified of all the nurses you'll be working with:)).
Yes we do eat them. Not because we want to, only because we never get a chance to get away for real food. Well, ok, the young ones are tender and do taste good with ketchup.
LOL! All us grouchy ol' nurses have developed such a thick tough hide that it's impossible to be eaten...which is why we've survived the cannibalism! Hehehe.
Staying too tender and sweet guarantees you'll be a fine meal for someone.
As a 42 yr old nsg student, I believe many nurses love to eat their young. I have previous career experience in several different fields(due to old age) and have been shocked to see how RN's treat each other. It is a real eye-opener to go to different hospitals and observe what goes on. I rejoice at the end of the day when I flee the doors --escaped without being eaten alive by the mean old nurses (my age)!!!! This must be something like the DOC's have in medical school with the good ole boy network and having to stay up 489 hours straight as a new grad!!!!!!!
I recently took my 30 year old daughter in to help me carry food for a shower at work. When I introduced her, most everyone just grunted. My daughter was appalled! When I go to her workplace everyone shakes my hand, smiles, and says "Pleased to meet you."
I have went back and forth on this issue. I know I myself try to help new nurses, because I remember what it was like as the newbie 
But I know that not everybody is like this. And it was proven to me once again tonight. I was at work, working with a fairly new nurse, who i have worked with a few times. She appears to be on top of things; organized, intelligient, efficient, and good to her patients and an overall nice person. She told me stuff that had happened to her and been said about her that was awful. Rumors, people digging in and judging her about her private life. She feels like an outcast. Nobody speaks to her. And I witnessed it tonite. Too many people talking about people behind their back. And my floor wonders why nobody stays there, and other hospital staff would rather clock out and go home than get pulled to our floor. Its rumored that our floor is mean, I didn't believe it, but too many people are saying it.....and tonight I saw it. I just want to tell them to grow up....do your job and leave others personal lives to themselves unless it is affecting their job or they make it your business.
Well, ok, the young ones are tender and do taste good with ketchup.
LadyC00p
1 Post
I am less than a month away from finishing nursing school. I have worked in the hospital environment for the last 4 years, because I wanted to make sure that this was what I really wanted. I have worked in a moderately busy ER for just over 3 years, and while I love where I am, it took me quite a while to feel that I was a part of the team. Nursing school has been quite an eye opener. I have found the clinical aspects to be the most challenging, simply because you never know what type of reception you're going to get on the nursing units. I've encountered quite a range, from nurses going out of their way to help to those who didn't even speak. I agree with some of the posts that this is not exclusive of nursing, but I must admit that I have felt less than welcome to this field, and I can certainly understand where the saying of "Nurses eating their young" came from. I must also address the fact that many new grads have the attitude that they are a nurse now, and they know it all. Perhaps this is where some of the attitude comes from with the more experienced nurses? I have worked as a nurse extern for the last 6 months; I have worked with a wide range of people, and I have learned one thing: Everyone has something to teach you if you will allow yourself to be open to it. I have a lot to learn and I welcome the guidance and input from those who have chosen nursing as a career. We are the only ones who can change those things that we don't like in our profession. I know I will remember those who have treated me in a negative manner and will do all I can not to ever do the same to another individual regardless of their experience or length of time in the field.