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.
This thread has me intrigued so I went out and asked a couple of women who are nurses what they think. One response I got really stood out to me. From a woman who is a regular at my work:
"It's not so much that nurses want to 'eat their young.' It's more like having your children around and you want them to succeed so much that you try to push them hard.":innerconf
I liked that answer. And I'm going to keep it in mind if I ever encounter a problem.
Thats a good one. We do want nurses to succeed, but we want them to understand reality....and that's not what's in the book.
this thread has me intrigued so i went out and asked a couple of women who are nurses what they think. one response i got really stood out to me. from a woman who is a regular at my work:
"it's not so much that nurses want to 'eat their young.' it's more like having your children around and you want them to succeed so much that you try to push them hard.":innerconf
i liked that answer. and i'm going to keep it in mind if i ever encounter a problem.
i have experienced, and witnessed, treatment from other nurses that if they were my parents, it would be abuse. i don't agree with that analogy about them wanting us to succeed by pushing them. some people are just mean. it's nice you want to view it in that way, but we have all encountered people who are nasty for no good reason and don't want the best for you. of course there are nice, professional nurses out there that truly care, but let's just call it like it is, shall we?
I have experienced, and witnessed, treatment from other nurses that if they were my parents, it would be abuse. I don't agree with that analogy about them wanting us to succeed by pushing them. Some people are just mean. It's nice you want to view it in that way, but we have all encountered people who are nasty for no good reason and don't want the best for you. Of course there are nice, professional nurses out there that truly care, but let's just call it like it is, shall we?
Very well said, ...I agree...as an analogy......there is a difference between pushing a calf when you want it to feed and simply dipping your finger in the milk and gently yet firmly leading the calf. :heartbeat
I am a new RN student, I have been working in the hospital setting for a couple of years, and I have personally never seen a nurse mistreat someone else. I must say though, I am scared of what I will encounter after graduation. Yikes.......lol
Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.
:heartbeat don't be scared and go in with that fear.....be yourself, help when you can and LISTEN AND WATCH ....you will be fine....if I had to, I would only estimate about 20% of nurses that are rude, mean, nasty, etc.....
Most of us are willing to help new nurses...just keep in mind that we may be overwhelmed, short-staffed, and very busy..so keep the questions to a minimum if you see this situation..... good luck and Happy Nursing !!
Leighann, I agree with you. The nursing field seems too competetive: who's the smartest, who knows the most, who has the best skills, etc. Part of our jobs as nurses are to mentor those who do not have the skills and/or education for the job they are in. It's called OJT---and we do it in every profession, not just nursing.
:heartbeat don't be scared and go in with that fear.....be yourself, help when you can and LISTEN AND WATCH ....you will be fine....if I had to, I would only estimate about 20% of nurses that are rude, mean, nasty, etc.....
Most of us are willing to help new nurses...just keep in mind that we may be overwhelmed, short-staffed, and very busy..so keep the questions to a minimum if you see this situation..... good luck and Happy Nursing !!
So, the implication here is that it's better for the new, inexperienced nurse to not ask that question, but rather he should wing it and hope everything works out ok, when the other nurses are overwhelmed, short-staffed and busy? Is that a correct assessment of the situation?
If seasoned nurses are overwhelmed, short-staffed and very busy, and cannot find an occasional second to answer a question from a new nurse, how must a new nurse feel? I fear for the safety of any patients those new nurses are getting. Maybe we're going to have to extend NS a few more years in order for the students to learn all they need to know before they get to the floor.
I have been an RN for a little over 20 years, and I can still remember when I started as a new nurse the treatment I received! I felt in the way and not informed. The actions that surprised me the most was how I heard the more experienced nurses talking bad about other nurses. I wondered; do they talk that way about everyone or just their own nursing co-workers. Times have not changed much where I work! Nurses are still back biting and undermining each other, especially the new nurses. What a shame! If we are to move forward nurses need to learn from their past actions. Nursing is a profession and takes just as much care and compassion working with each other as the patients do. I wonder if a nurse that treats new nurses bad if he or she treats their new patients the same. Beware bad attitudes are contagious!
I believe it is not a nurse issue. It is an issue that happens that is negative amongst people. I hate to say this but many women (who are insecure, unhappy, and or negative) are threatened by each other. This happens in nursing, the business world, and other professions where there is competition.
It happens but not the majority of the time (thank God). It happens when management lets it happens. Sometimes it suits a managers ego or needs when there is a devide and conquer attitude.
Been there (in those negative environments) and moved on. How do I deal with it? I refuse to be a part of it. One day at a time I embrace my colleagues, nurture where I may be of assitance, and look for ways to keep myself nurtured and positive.
IMHO.....:)
I agree:yeah: a positive attitude takes work on a daily basis, especially when dealing with a demanding public or a very busy schedule or even when surrounded with negative attitudes. People will only do what they can get away with or what works for them.
So, the implication here is that it's better for the new, inexperienced nurse to not ask that question, but rather he should wing it and hope everything works out ok, when the other nurses are overwhelmed, short-staffed and busy? Is that a correct assessment of the situation?
No, by all means ask the question. But when you get that "look" from us, rather than cry "why do nurses eat their young?"....have a little compassion for us. It works both ways.
I don't think the complaints here are because of a "look". We're dealing with grown people here, some of us middle-aged and more. Most adults couldn't care less about "looks".
And, regardless of your stress level, you can most certainly be polite and minimally courteous when you're telling the new employee that you can't or won't help them.
I am a new RN student, I have been working in the hospital setting for a couple of years, and I have personally never seen a nurse mistreat someone else. I must say though, I am scared of what I will encounter after graduation. Yikes.......lol
never seen a nurse mistreat someone else, that is really awesome. Stay there!
good luck and Happy Nursing !!
Tweety, BSN, RN
36,406 Posts
Thats a good one. We do want nurses to succeed, but we want them to understand reality....and that's not what's in the book.