generation gap among nurses

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2006

It's helpful to remain cognizant of the fact that, during a different time period, "old-school" nurses were expected to go along unquestioningly with whatever the doctor demanded. The nursing programs of yesteryear had a hidden curriculum that emphasized obedience to doctor's orders. A 52-year old baby boomer nurse who completed a diploma RN program 31 years ago would, for example, fall into the category of the "old-school".

The younger nurses of today probably speak their minds more assertively because today's nursing programs do not possess the old-school hidden curriculum that stresses obedience and conformity to authority.

In addition, not all baby boomer nurses are passive. Many are spunky and feisty, and would not allow anyone to walk all over them.

UKRNinUSA, RN · Nov 10, 2006

I work with quite a few RN's that are close to retirement age and wow are they assertive -maybe because it's the ER, I don't know. You would NOT like to get on their hitlist. However I can say that I have noticed some generation gap stuff going on with myself - I still can't get used to seeing a female nurse covered in tattoos - it just makes me shudder. Am I officially old?

medsurgnights · Nov 10, 2006

I've noticed the absolute opposite in the nurses that I work with, the younger nurses tend to be more passive, and the 'baby boomers' more bold in advocating for patients and nurses. I've heard so many say the things that I wish I had the guts to say :)

PANurseRN1 · Nov 10, 2006

i have noticed that the those who are baby boomers are more timid compared to the gen x. gen x nurses are assertive of their rights while the baby boomers are passive..
have u experienced "generation gap" or differences between the people u work with?

fascinating. we're barracudas when it's convenient (like when someone wants to rant on experienced nurses), but we're timid little mice when newer nurses wants to brag on themselves.

make up your minds. :uhoh3:

by the way, generalizations are usually harmful and loaded with inaccuracies. but what do i know, i'm just a little old meek mouse nurse who is too afraid to speak her mind.

octopus · Nov 10, 2006

I'm young (31 I believe still counts as young!) and I notice more differences with the Gen Y than the Baby Boomers. OK, so the Boomers are a bit stuck in the mud in the majority (at least here), but some of them are out there keeping up with new developments. But the Gen Y... their attitude is often not great, and I cannot understand why they always have their top button undone (Australia is different - we have uniforms buttoned down the front)... their cleavage is unmissable. OK, I'm ranting, but why would you want all those men looking down your shirt as you bend over to put their stockings on? Not to mention the rings, nailpolish, earrings - all rather unprofessional I think. I don't get it.

georgy · Nov 10, 2006

me too think so..

DeLana_RN, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2006

You can't generalize like that - the youngest baby boomers were born in '64, and would hardly accept the "timid" label. There are all kinds of nurses in the various generations... only in the past, "assertiveness" was often called "bitchiness"

DeLana

angelcharm · Nov 10, 2006

im not saying that everyone behaves the same way.. but in our hosp they are like that :specs:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 10, 2006

Why ever would you want to make generalizations like that?

Young people just don't know anything..........:trout:

jenni82104 · Nov 10, 2006

:chuckle

allnurses Guide · Nov 10, 2006

Why ever would you want to make generalizations like that?
Young people just don't know anything..........:trout:

Marla . . .

To the op . . there are many articles written on this subject and actually quite a few threads here on allnurses too.

My experience has been that the older nurses were more apt to put work first and that younger nurses put their family first . . .not working more just because the hospital is short staffing. I actually did it too when I first started working . . . . but then God decided to play a little trick on me and I got preggers in my 40's and I put the brakes on working too much and work part-time now. I actually had stayed home with my older kids and now as everyone knows, my goal is to be a stay-at-home mom again. :balloons:

You can make "some" generalizations about different eras. But there are always exceptions . . . my 17 year old HATES it when I mention what she considers stereotypes of teenagers and their milestones . . . :uhoh3:

steph