Fitting in at a new job

nyteshade, BSN · Apr 10, 2010

I personally get along better with my older co-workers. The way I see it, if you're making the effort and no one bites, just move on.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2010

do you want to really fit in?? what kind of place do you work? if it is professional, then it will be easy.. try to invite people out to lunch and spend time with them one-on-one or as a group. if your place is anything like my current place of employment, then do not waste your time!!! you really do not want to fit in!! i know i don't!! :uhoh3:

the people who fit-in at my place of employment usually have a lot of drama going on at home and share it with the world. they share their drama with co-workers who then turn around and trash talk them to others! also if you post nasty pictures of yourself over the internet and send "love" to others at work via face book, you will be fine too. otherwise, if you behave like a professional or an adult and you have a good life at home (and no drama to share), you probably will not fit in... i am not ranting ... i am just stating that there are times when one should not want to fit-in at work... assess if this is one of those times...

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Apr 10, 2010

I've never felt like I "fit in" where I work, at this point I'm just over it. I'm not married and have no kids, so I don't fit in with the older nurses and nurses my age (who pretty much all are married, etc), and I'm too old for the single ones (they're early 20's, I'm 30). I don't go out drinking any more, and that's what they do on their off time.

Ah, well. I get along with everyone ok, I just don't feel REALLY well-liked, if you KWIM. Story of my life. :lol2:

work&play · Apr 10, 2010

Try to concentrate on the patients and trying to "fit in" will eventually come at the end of your priority list.

MntnGirl · Apr 10, 2010

I agree with everything posted here. I started my job 2 months ago and have found that the older nurses are very kind but some of the younger, newer nurses act like they're too good to talk to me. I personally am not at work to make new friends, I'm there to learn the job and perform it to the best of my ability. I just keep smiling and don't take anything personally - people are SO different and it is unrealistic of me to expect that I'm gonna "click" with everyone. I disclose a very limited amount of information to my coworkers - I'm cordial but definately don't go into personal details, from what I've seen this crew loves to talk about each other and I'm at an incredible advantage to not get sucked into this drama. My advice is not to worry about what your co-workers are thinking about you, head to work with the plan that you are there to work, and then enjoy your time off away from work. The longer you work with your coworkers the more they may warm up to you :) Good luck!

Katie5 · Apr 10, 2010

That will come with time and if it doesn't no need to worry over it. You gain respect with your skill levels and work ethics.

At this point, you might want to listen more than you speak. And also keep your confidences to yourself and by that I mean, your private life private till you get a feel of the place. And even then....

Easy dear, you've only been there two months, they are equally assessing you. Trust should be foundation for any kind of valid relationship and should be earned.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2010

Be nice to everyone. Ask them about their families and their lives. People like to talk about themselves. Also, be very helpful and do it with a smile. Pretty soon, you will be totally accepted by them. I had to break into a pretty tight group of people and I didn't think it would ever work. Now I think they are the best people in the world. Friendly and supportive. I get along with the young nurses, older ones and the single ones. Can't ask for a better workplace.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2010

Just give it some time. People will get to know you gradually and eventually you'll make friends if you're like minded people. Maybe the younger nurses are still not so far out of school and are still pretty stressed about keeping things together? 2 months is not a very long time to give people a chance to warm up to you. And...if your unit is anything like mine, maybe they just want to make sure you're not going to be part of the revolving door of people coming and going before they get emotionally invested in you. We have a core staff that never turns over, but it seems like out of every 5 new people we hire we lose 3-4. It's gotten so I don't even want to get too friendly until I'm sure they're sticking around.

cicatrixx15 · Apr 11, 2010

Just give it some time. People will get to know you gradually and eventually you'll make friends if you're like minded people. Maybe the younger nurses are still not so far out of school and are still pretty stressed about keeping things together? 2 months is not a very long time to give people a chance to warm up to you. And...if your unit is anything like mine, maybe they just want to make sure you're not going to be part of the revolving door of people coming and going before they get emotionally invested in you. We have a core staff that never turns over, but it seems like out of every 5 new people we hire we lose 3-4. It's gotten so I don't even want to get too friendly until I'm sure they're sticking around.

That's how I was at the restaurant that I worked at since it had opened. I just stopped getting to know people until they had been there for awhile, because we had such a huge turnover rate. It may seem unfair, but its exhausting to learn about new people, get their names straight, etc. just for them to turn around and leave. Give it time:P

diane227, LPN, RN · Apr 11, 2010

Don't try to fit in or get friendly with people. Just concentrate on the work. You will fit in as you get to know people. Be VERY aware of people that are too friendly and keep your private life private until you get to know these people.