Found New Job, Lost My Groove!

[skarlitred]

Greetings to all,

I'm wondering if anyone out there might offer some ideas or advice about a situation I have found myself in. I recently changed jobs to another facility here in the same town, with anticipation that this could be a good thing for me. There were a couple of familiar faces that made the transition easier, but what I have found is that the politics here are a bit odd. I'm being held to a different standard than the ones already there, and I suspect a bit of bullying going on. It has affected my confidence, my overall performance, and caused me to doubt EVERYTHING. I'm in the ER, where this is not only a problem, it's a death sentence. The rest are like sharks in a tank. Do I stick it out, knowing of incidents that they have used to make me look like a fool- or do I find something else, chalking it up to a "Bad Fit"?

[exp626]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind. I understand being affected by being out of one's element, and that ER's are tough places with a culture that engenders bullying. With that thought, it may be a similar experience if you go to work in another ER. I don't know how long you've been there or what all has happened, so only you know if you need to move on, but maybe it will pass if you stick it out a little longer. Best of luck to you!

[mhy12784]

I think being new frequently means youll be held to a different standard than others (especially if youre not new with a ton of experience in which case this might not be applicable)

But I think its normal in general (for ALL professions) for it to be that way. New usually means unproven, and you gotta earn your respect. In a nursing, especially with certain specialties you really gotta prove yourself and earn that respect.

I started as an OR in the new grad (where its incredibly team based) and a huge part of the OR is ensuring extreme sterile technique, so as a new person I was held to a completely different standard. All you can do is use to motivate yourself to be a better nurse, and as a reminder to improve on whatever mistakes/flaws/standards youre being held too.

Of course im not sure on the specifics of how youre being treated differently (theres a huge difference between people being much tougher on you which I think IS acceptable, and being legitimate ###holes which obv isnt)

But if it doesnt get better over a year-two that might set off some red flags for me.

I know the ER like the OR has a VERY long learning curve, so I certainly can see why it could be tough for a while

[luvababy5]

I have learned to stand up for myself. Think back to those "i" messages learned in college. For example...

"I get really frustrated when I feel as though you want to rush me through report. I am afraid I will forget something important."

I have this example because I recently had to do this at my very new job. It was just one of many things this other nurse was pushing me on.

I also had a witness. Another nurse that could back me up if the bully went to the manager saying I was unruly.

It went pretty well.

[skarlitred]

Thanks. I found all of this extremely helpful! As mhy12784 stated, yes- I expect to be held to a different standard per se, as I am an unproven member of the team. I'm just concerned that the precedent has been set and will be hard to change. Hopefully not, since I like everything else about the facility.