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.
nothing like perpetuating an erroneous stereotype! i feel rather sorry for people who believe this way, and i wonder why they would choose to enter a profession dominated by people for whom they have so little respect.
exactly. if nursing is full of catty witches full of drama eating their young because they are females and can't help it, why the waiting lists to get in?
:nurse:I remember a preceptor that I had at my first job as a new nurse. I overheard her one day telling the other staff that she was "babysitting" me. I had never felt so hurt and belittled in my life. Now after 12 years of nursing and now working in a busy ED, I can honestly say that this preceptor felt threatened by a young new nurse. Shame on you nurses that treat students and new graduates like they are a thorn in your side! These are our collegues and our future nursing professionals. Treat them well, teach them and let them pick your brain. If you can remember back that far, you were once a student and a new graduate. In the end, the staff will be happy and the patients will get better nursing care.
Specializes in Home Health, ICU,Rehab,Med-Surg,Hospice.
on 'eating our own'. i was gobbled up as a brand new nurse (in pediatric icu). i was seen as a strong personality but no one was willing to take me on; i needed to be taught, to be guided. instead, i was thrown to the sharks (was made a charge nurse!) and failed (was fired) within the first 3 months of passing my board. after months of self assessment, i went as basic as i could - rehab, then worked my way to icu. my relationship with critical care had been a love-hate thing. i loved the close contact with the patient and family, learning new meds, protocols, hate unit politics, the gossip, the bad management choices. i do appreciate constructive criticism. final word on nurses eating their own, it does happen. i won't do this with new nurses, but if a new nurse is in over his/her head, i will speak up.
Exactly. If nursing is full of catty witches full of drama eating their young because they are females and can't help it, why the waiting lists to get in?
When I see a sign in most buisnesses, fast food for example, a sign that says now hiring, I think it would be more correct for the sign to say..ALWAYS hiring. Sometimes the job working conditions are so appalling there is a reason "demand' for such jobs. the statistics I have read substantiate a high burn out rate for nurses.. I dont dispute the fact that students have to get in line. I think we are facing hard economic times and nurses that have been inactive will be drawn back into nursing. It may mean being a nurse for the criminally insane, with history of violent sex crimes. But if you have to pay your bills..well guesss what ..one does about anything.
When I see a sign in most buisnesses, fast food for example, a sign that says now hiring, I think it would be more correct for the sign to say..ALWAYS hiring. Sometimes the job working conditions are so appalling there is a reason "demand' for such jobs. the statistics I have read substantiate a high burn out rate for nurses.. I dont dispute the fact that students have to get in line. I think we are facing hard economic times and nurses that have been inactive will be drawn back into nursing. It may mean being a nurse for the criminally insane, with history of violent sex crimes. But if you have to pay your bills..well guesss what ..one does about anything.
I saw a help wanted sign at the local grocery store a few years back. I applied and got a job in the produce section. The job was union, with benefits. I took a 40% pay cut, but I didn't have to work around nasty nurses any longer. I received greater respect caring for veggies than people. I've gone back to college, and I start law school this fall. My call is to all nurses who are smart, and have self-respect to start over in their careers.
The only reason nurses are treated poorly is bacause thay don't stand up for themselves, and demand better. Nurses are expected to be doormats by doctors, and by each other.
I wish that I could change my career, but right now nursing pays the bills. Congratulations on your job at the grocery store! I admit, I am jealous. After a busy day in the ER working around nurses and doctors with short tempers, a job like that sounds like a dream. Isn't that sad? I got into this profession to care for the sick and the suffering, not to be a door mat. :angryfire
The only reason nurses are treated poorly is bacause thay don't stand up for themselves, and demand better. Nurses are expected to be doormats by doctors, and by each other.
I agree that without nurses standing up for themselves, they will be treated poorly and become doormats.
I also say there's much that we can do as individuals because somehow I've managed not to be eaten by older nurses, am treated well by my boss, and am no one's door mat. I disagree with the presumption that we are expected to be doormats. My days can be tough, demanding and stressful, but I'm o.k. with that. (Most of the time.)
Specializes in Women's Specialty, Post-Part, Scrub(cs).
In regards to "nurses eating their young". I had to attend a mandatory inservice yesterday morning. I like going to these since the first and only 2 I have attended have been a big change from the butt chewing meetings I am used to. My facility tends to really use this as an inservice on how to do something "right" or address issues they feel are important. And it is a "pat on the back" for the "great job all of you are doing for our facility". The funny part that made me sit up was when our Director of Nursing Services stated..."We have alot of students here and some new orientees...lets remember that we "cannot eat our young" even when things get hectic. If someone is just not getting into the work mode, you can say something to the instructor but please don't eat them" I almost started laughing because I have been reading this forum for awhile now. This statement must be more popular than I thought!!!
I agree that without nurses standing up for themselves, they will be treated poorly and become doormats.
I also say there's much that we can do as individuals because somehow I've managed not to be eaten by older nurses, am treated well by my boss, and am no one's door mat. I disagree with the presumption that we are expected to be doormats. My days can be tough, demanding and stressful, but I'm o.k. with that. (Most of the time.)
Good luck in law school.
Somebody's complaining about nursing and is going to law school? Talk about from the frying pan to the fire! Will somebody please tell me about a low stress, high paying job, and where I should sign up? Thanks!
Somebody's complaining about nursing and is going to law school? Talk about from the frying pan to the fire! Will somebody please tell me about a low stress, high paying job, and where I should sign up? Thanks!
Diahni
diahni
I think there is good and bad in any occupation. As least that has been my experience.....so far I havent seen any occupation walk on water...except water skiers...sure do come close..but wait is that an occupation?
I think there is good and bad in any occupation. As least that has been my experience.....so far I havent seen any occupation walk on water...except water skiers...sure do come close..but wait is that an occupation?
I'd like that as a job - walking around in the woods would be a fun one, too.
Tweety, BSN, RN
36,458 Posts
exactly. if nursing is full of catty witches full of drama eating their young because they are females and can't help it, why the waiting lists to get in?