Do nurses only "eat their young" in certain departments?

Nurses General Nursing

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This semester we are on Med/Surg. At first I thought this "nurse eating young" thing was just something made up by overly sensitive students, until I floated to other departments. I have been is short stay, OR and the ICU and the nurses in there are SOOOOOOOOOOO nice compared to the nurses on M/S! One of the nurses in OR told me "I want the student nurses to enjoy their time in here so they will come and work here when they graduate". He spent tons of time with me; quizzing me a little things, showing me how to sterile gown-up, and told me the names of all the instruments he was setting up. In M/S however, I feel like I am a big pain in the orifice! I try at all cost not to bother the nurses in this department, but if I can not find my teacher and my client is in 9/10 pain an is allowed prn morphine and it is time (we need assistance/an observer) they sigh and act all put out. Its like, if I was not there there would be a number of other things they would have to add to their list of things to do because I am taking two of their five patients and doing everything for them (minus needing them or my teacher when available for I.V. push meds). I even say, "as soon as you get a chance can you watch me give such and such med".

Don't get me wrong, there are some that are nice, but the majority make me feel hated. The school tells us that students in the past have been hired as techs that have left an impression...but who would want to work with these people? Some even ignore you when you say good morning!

It is a pity but it is true that the stories you hear of TLC may sound like some fansy fairy tale to you when you encounter such old (hacks) nurses. This is the real world and believe me you may think you stinck (forgive me for the word). Pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming! We are in a field that is so versatile - it is like day and night. That is what makes it a challenge to be a good Nurse. Give yourselve a pat in the back because no one will praise you for all that you have to put up with. But take heart and be satisfied that you are earning a living honestly by practising one of the best professions in life. Take heart!

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

PLEASE leave terms like "old hacks" Out of the discussion. This does not foster open dialogue nor understanding and promotes an ugly stereotype.

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