It's all good except for...

Nurses General Nursing

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So. I'm the only male nurse on a 25 bed med-surg ward and I get along with almost everyone except ONE nurse. I've only been a RN for 11 weeks and she was my preceptor. She has no patience and while she was precepting me, she'd often be short tempered and treat me like an idiot at the smallest of learning mistakes. (I've been in health care for 27 years prior to coming to nursing and have a BA in business) I have been told not to quit by two other RNs when they recognized the tension and frustration she was causing me. I'm off orientation and have received accolades for my performance from other nurses but she is also the charge nurse and I'm afraid she is just waiting for me to make a mistake. Anyone else experience this? Any advise?

Why did you feel the need to mention you're a male?

The facts that you are male and have a BA in business are not relevant to being a new nurse.

There was some tension during your orientation that is ongoing.

I was a charge nurse for a gazillion years. I think your.. I am a male/ have prior experience/ and a BA in business attitude ticked her off.

Perhaps, show her the respect she deserves?

... I was thinking... that the patients they had together wandered off or died "often" ...strange situation when you look at it that way.

Very strange indeed! You made me lmao, Sour Lemons. I love your interpretation. You did read it right.

Until she starts writing you up for no reason just ignore her, in a professional nice way, and do your job. Don't let her distract you or intimidate you. Be as nice as you know how to her. It'll help you feel better.

And yes, R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

When you have a background in other than nursing and become a nurse I think sometimes it is perceived as you are invading the nursing profession. I remain kind and considerate and seek the nurses wisdom, get their input. Value of a profession is different for each person. Paying dues are different for each person. Because I was Administration (SNF and Hospital) I was at times during my nurse first year of graduating; told I presented as a threat when I asked questions that were nursing and administration mixed I suppose I did not even realize how I was presenting until someone brought it to my attention. A combination nurse in the beginning can be challenging and one in which you need to develop new coping skills in how to be effective.

You more than likely ask questions that are scenario based and somewhat technical. Nurses are behaviorist, you are like me more than likely analytical. We have to meet people where they are and knowing where your preceptor is coming form will serve you well in how you present yourself.

Lastly never, never, never allow yourself to stop doing something you worked hard for just because a nurse is giving you a hard time. I fondly remember a nurse at a Hospital in Chicago I was so afraid of her...she was so strict, she was so critical and expected perfection in everything like I had been doing those tasks for years. When she showed me how to do something I told her until I do it 3-5 times I will not get it, I am a tactile person. She would then show, allow me to do it with her stand by. It was awkward but she did teach me.

Her hubby walked away from her for a younger and thinner woman. She also told a male pt that if he didnt want to swallow a pill she can shove it up his %*$. That got reported to the supervisor. I was told she treated another male nurse the same way. He quit.

You'll do yourself no favors spending one second worrying about whether she's a man-hater whose husband left her and plans to treat you the same way because you're the same sex as her former husband. Blah blah blah. You've already spend too much time thinking about stuff like that.

You have things to learn, man!! Enough with this. I mean, really. If she's all that then you might as well quit now, right?

Her hubby walked away from her for a younger and thinner woman. She also told a male pt that if he didnt want to swallow a pill she can shove it up his %*$. That got reported to the supervisor. I was told she treated another male nurse the same way. He quit.

You are focusing on statements that are hearsay. If you are getting "accolades' from other nurses, you will do just fine.

Her hubby walked away from her for a younger and thinner woman. She also told a male pt that if he didnt want to swallow a pill she can shove it up his %*$. That got reported to the supervisor. I was told she treated another male nurse the same way. He quit.

Don't get into listening to and worse, spreading negative gossip in order to make yourself feel better. Just keep your head down and do your job to the best of your ability. Don't stop asking questions, because no matter how many "accolades" you are getting, you are still a very new nurse, which means you still have tons to learn.

Her hubby walked away from her for a younger and thinner woman. She also told a male pt that if he didnt want to swallow a pill she can shove it up his %*$. That got reported to the supervisor. I was told she treated another male nurse the same way. He quit.

I had to chuckle at this. You think that when a woman finds out her husband cheats on her and gets a divorce, that turns her into a bitter, man-hating shrew???

Come on. I think I see the problem here. You are a brand new nurse. 11 weeks out. You have 2 choices. Be the best nurse you can be at this job or quit.

Don't get into listening to and worse, spreading negative gossip in order to make yourself feel better. Just keep your head down and do your job to the best of your ability. Don't stop asking questions, because no matter how many "accolades" you are getting, you are still a very new nurse, which means you still have tons to learn.

This was so good it beared repeating.:yes:

the top three reasons people stay in a job is because they:

1) like what they do and find their work meaningful.

2) enjoy the people they work with

3) benefits and money.

I, like you, want a job where I enjoy going to work and the people we work with (and for) are the largest part of that. I'm disappointed not because I was looking for kum-bi-ya moments with my co-workers, but I was hoping for an adult atmosphere and unfortunately where I work, ain't always it. NO workplace is perfect but I would have thought the leadership of the unit would deal with the pettiness or maybe not. All good advise JKL33 and I already do much of it thanks

Correct..and I love learning new things and I think that is evident to most of the staff there.

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