Finally a Nurse Manager That Does NOT Tolerate Nurses Eating Their Young

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

It was a breath of fresh air when I interviewed for a RN internship and the NM told be she does not tolerate bullying or nurses eating their young.

My mouth almost dropped as she spoke those words, as I never seen a manager feel so strongly against it.

She went onto say that she have fired a few nurses who were bullies, even though they were very competent as nurses.

I wish more NM had this attitude. I just don't see why it is so hard to come in, do our job, and keep the peace. I don't come to work to make friends, however I also don't come expecting to have to constantly defend myself from immature, catty, coworkers on a daily basis.

Obviously, we have so many personalities in nursing and there are times when people are having a bad day. However, people need to think a few seconds before saying things out of their mouths. Not sure why this is so hard to do.

Seems like this NM gets it. Maybe if more managers hold nurses more accountable for their actions we will see less bullying in the work place.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Great news! Seems these folks are in the minority for a variety of reasons.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

first of all, let me express my congratulations for having a nm that is conscious of this lateral abuse. having said that, the facility where i work has "zero tolerance" for this behavior and the same goes for verbal or physical abuse from patients to any medical staff. having said that, violence and unwelcome behavior between medical staff is not unusual today. undoubtedly, in the health care industry violence is a growing problem among individuals, as well as other disciplines. although, there are several theories regarding why lateral violence is a problem among medical staff and in the general public, the core issue continues to be that violent behavior towards another staff often times injures the other party involved self-esteem. consequently, lateral abuse establishes an atmosphere for increasing anger and possibly violent behavior among any staff. therefore, to stop lateral violence, the ceo, don and their nm's should monitor their medical staff and be more involved with this growing unwanted behavior. furthermore, with the same token the ceo must set a “zero tolerance policy" towards violent, or abusive behavior among any staff. with that said, this policy must be strictly and justly administered so that all employees accept that the policy is for real and applies to all medical and non medical staff. unquestionably, no one deserves to be abused in any given form or shape. needless to say, the discipline should begin with administration by being involved in the issue in order to provide a safe environment to their employees. however, it is easy said than done, it takes an effort from all of us, in order to succeed in eliminating this unacceptable behavior. i strongly believe, that as a nm one should be more aware on what's affecting one's staff, once a perpetrator is found guilty of "lateral abuse" they should be counsel and place on probation. however, if the individual continues the unacceptable behavior he/she should face censure and dismissal from their position.

[mindlor]

I will tell you straightup, my goal is to be a nurse manager in the near future. Once I achieve this goal the bullies and rude nurses etc etc had better shape up or I will ship them out.

[Lauryen828]

I agree mindlor, I too want to be a Nurse manager and that is something I would not tolerate. It does not make for a healthy work environment.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I have never tolerated it as a manager, but as you become a manager be careful that your enthusiasm isn't misinterpreted as aggression. It is very difficult to change the culture of a department and the only true way is by leading as an example so everyone WANTS to play in the sandbox nicely. It's a hard line to walk, being firm in your resolve and not being perceived as being a hard @$$. Yet still have good morale and a balanced budget.

I think many managers have a zero tolerance policy but it's the one's that don't that get all the attention.

[PeaceonearthRN]

I would be right there with her; there is NO reason to teach/develop nurses and be a bullie.

They would be meeting the highway if I were their manager !! Let's start a revolution!

It was a breath of fresh air when I interviewed for a RN internship and the NM told be she does not tolerate bullying or nurses eating their young.

My mouth almost dropped as she spoke those words, as I never seen a manager feel so strongly against it.

She went onto say that she have fired a few nurses who were bullies, even though they were very competent as nurses.

I wish more NM had this attitude. I just don't see why it is so hard to come in, do our job, and keep the peace. I don't come to work to make friends, however I also don't come expecting to have to constantly defend myself from immature, catty, coworkers on a daily basis.

Obviously, we have so many personalities in nursing and there are times when people are having a bad day. However, people need to think a few seconds before saying things out of their mouths. Not sure why this is so hard to do.

Seems like this NM gets it. Maybe if more managers hold nurses more accountable for their actions we will see less bullying in the work place.

[PeaceonearthRN]

My CEO has a no abuse policy!!!! Amen to that....

It's not a perfect environment, managers are 'young' and could use

a course in engagement of staff; however, no abuse is nice.

[Feistn]

Has anyone read the book "The No A-hole Rule?" I hope to use it as my guide if I'm ever in management. However, in my experience, bullies in the workplace are craftier than the schoolyard bullies. The dynamic is based on power and intimidation. I think sometimes we all need to learn a little mental karate to protect ourselves.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I was fed ******** too at my interview.... Just saying. They always preach so many things. Ask the floor nurses for a real interpretation of what is going on.

[tewdles, RN]

the zero tolerance policy is all about the implementation...otherwise it is just words

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

Talk is nothing. When you go out to the floor, see for yourself if there really is no tolerance for bullies.