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 don't think it's a problem of "nurses eating their young", it's a problem on WHICH nurses are selected to be preceptors that can make someone's work life hell. Not every nurse is equipped to teach. This is where the problem lies.
At my hospital, precepting is a good resume and portfolio fluffer. Besides, you get $1.00 extra per hour to precept. There are classes you have to attend and I think majority of those who want to precept only do it for the resume fluffer and as a "break from having to work". Then when they realize they actually have to "teach" someone, this is when everything gets thrown back onto the new grad, as in "they are just not getting it" (only two weeks into orientation), or "I can't believe you can't do a foley. You should have known that from nursing school" (let alone MOST nursing students are not given that opportunity due to lack of clinical time).
I think alot of this can be avoided if good preceptors are selected from the get go. I'm not saying evey new grad is gonna be successful. But if every one a preceptor has ever precepted and felt "was not getting it" or "it's not a good fit", maybe one need to look at their teaching methods and do some adjustments.
Also, I really think upon interviewing and hiring process, a questionnare should be given about someone's learning methods. Like which type of learner are you type of thing. This can be matched to a preceptor who has a similar teaching method and hopefully, should be a good match.
Sometimes a new grad may not get it. Sometimes it may not be a good fit. However, I don't think the new grad is completely to blame for that, nor is the preceptor. I think both parties have to meet in the middle to make sure the new grad is successful. Alot of times, I see more finger pointing about either being "eaten" or "he/she is just not getting it".
I would personally LOVE to precept! They can keep the extra dollar an hour.. I would love to teach, and instill a sense of confidence in a new graduate. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Hm.. maybe I should go into teaching.
I would personally LOVE to precept! They can keep the extra dollar an hour.. I would love to teach, and instill a sense of confidence in a new graduate. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Hm.. maybe I should go into teaching.
Please, pursue the teaching goal. Nursing really needs more people like you
who teach because they love the specialty/nursing field...
I understand why the saying was started. I have experienced that type of behavior first hand as a new nurse, even from my own family. I became an LPN about 3 years ago and my cousin became an RN last year. Somehow the difference between the two gets confused for respect. I think I should be treated with respect just as much as anyone. I don't know if it's just women being catty or jealousy or what. I always follow the direction of my superior but I absolutely despise being talked down to or belittled. I can't understand why other nurses would want to discourage new ones, I am happy to teach new nurses anytime I can, I'm glad we share a common interest.
Specializes in Geriatric care; Nursing edu & Admin; Wound care.
Eh..
While i'd like to say it isn't true, (and a lot of older nurses i've met have been AMAZING and super helpful), there are nurses that "eat their young".
I'm not saying it's as common, but i've occasionally met some that have some sort of superiority complex. I'd say it was a personal thing, but anyone new who was hired to our facility, these nurses would turn on. I don't think it's as common in a large hospital (Didn't see it so much there), but in a lot of smaller areas (SNFs, smaller hospitals, etc.), it can happen.
No, I don't believe it exists with EVERY nurse, but to say it doesn't exist is also silly. It exists in nursing, as well as many other professions.
C'est la vie.
OH! And a special LOL to the article. Of course no one will own up to it.. can you imagine?! "Oh, me? eat our young? Yeah. I love treating the newbies like crap.. LOLZ!".
Well I think maybe some nurses eat their young. One in particular where I work started out very nasty. But then she came around after a couple weeks after I made a point of calling her on it. But, the majority are awesome and very helpful. I think its a personality thing in general. Some people are miserable. Period. This is not unique to nursing.
Specializes in Mes/Surg, Rehab, Ortho, ALF admin, Hospi.
I am an LPN, have been for 8 years. I've done everything you can imagine from running ALFs to Hospice, to Floor nursing, and I must agree with nightingale. I find that the most horrible people to work with are the loooonnnggg time RNs who are burnt out. I have also seen some STELLAR RNs who actually care about the next generation of nurses and want to help. I have a happy, out going and caring personality that is often times mistaken for weakness or stupidity by those "mean, crotchety" hags who just want to make someone feel bad. It does happen, and I am still learning how to respond to these types of people, and be professional at the same time. (input is greatly appreciated) To those nurses; and you know who you are, if you take a second to LOOK and LISTEN, and find that 'target' nurse is treating they're Pts with kindness and compassion and being prudent...STEP OFF! because after all, its all about the PATIENTS!
shoegalRN, RN
1,338 Posts
I don't think it's a problem of "nurses eating their young", it's a problem on WHICH nurses are selected to be preceptors that can make someone's work life hell. Not every nurse is equipped to teach. This is where the problem lies.
At my hospital, precepting is a good resume and portfolio fluffer. Besides, you get $1.00 extra per hour to precept. There are classes you have to attend and I think majority of those who want to precept only do it for the resume fluffer and as a "break from having to work". Then when they realize they actually have to "teach" someone, this is when everything gets thrown back onto the new grad, as in "they are just not getting it" (only two weeks into orientation), or "I can't believe you can't do a foley. You should have known that from nursing school" (let alone MOST nursing students are not given that opportunity due to lack of clinical time).
I think alot of this can be avoided if good preceptors are selected from the get go. I'm not saying evey new grad is gonna be successful. But if every one a preceptor has ever precepted and felt "was not getting it" or "it's not a good fit", maybe one need to look at their teaching methods and do some adjustments.
Also, I really think upon interviewing and hiring process, a questionnare should be given about someone's learning methods. Like which type of learner are you type of thing. This can be matched to a preceptor who has a similar teaching method and hopefully, should be a good match.
Sometimes a new grad may not get it. Sometimes it may not be a good fit. However, I don't think the new grad is completely to blame for that, nor is the preceptor. I think both parties have to meet in the middle to make sure the new grad is successful. Alot of times, I see more finger pointing about either being "eaten" or "he/she is just not getting it".