Help, My Nursing Cohort Dehisced!

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I lurk the forums a lot but post very infrequently. Unfortunately this problem has developed and I don't feel like I can trust any of my cohorts/instructors. So I turn to the tubes.

I'm getting ready to enter my last semester for my associates degree this fall. Our cohort has stayed mostly the same since we started nursing school. We'll all be working at the same hospital after we graduate (contracted :crying2:). Unfortunately this has led to a lot of backstabbing behavior and splitting as the semesters have worn on. It's hard to watch and hear about.

I keep mostly to myself but feel that even I have lost good friends as everyone jockeys for the positions they want. Even I'm guilty of trying to get ahead, I sent emails inquiring about possible openings (something I regret mentioning to classmates). I'm not really used to all these secrets, backbiting, and general nastiness. I was raised to be honest and forthright but for the first time in my life I'm feeling like these values are a liability.

I don't really blame my classmates, we're all under a lot of stress. I just wish we handled it better as a group.

I guess I just want reassurance. I'm planning on continuing my education. Will getting my BSN be this bad? I can't handle much more of this. If it's this bad when I go to get my bachelors I think I may just buy a cabin in the woods and forsake nursing altogether. Not a creepy unabomber cabin though, the worst thing I'll do is keep a garden and carve bears from stumps. :D

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Specializes in Infusion.

Very funny. Hey, I worry about the same thing happening as we get closer to graduation in about a year. The deal is, there is one huge employer in the area that everyone will want to work for and then a handful of small players that pay significantly less. I think I will be keeping my actions to myself now that I read your post. I'm gonna do an online RN to BSN so that there won't be any competition that can be seen.

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probably a good idea, my mouth is shut until I'm out of contract. It's been the most depressing two years of my life. I love the work, the patients, and the hospital itself but my cohorts are dragging me down.

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Specializes in ortho, med/surg.

i'd like you to ask yourself this question, "are my classmates going to be paying my bills after college?" most likely, the answer is no. while i don't think you should be clawing your way to the top through questionable means (which you are not), sending emails inquiring about positions or making your name known to managers is not a bad thing. of course there will be a sense of competition! the economy sucks and you say you will all be working for the same hospital. i feel for you! you can do it!!! try to focus on your studies, get ready to take nclex, and prepare for life after school...good luck!!!

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I don't think it will be any different with your BSN, maybe not AS competitive seeing that not everyone goes to the same hospital to work, but still.

I'm starting to feel the pressure of "getting a foot in the door" because it's summer holidays at the end of year 2 (out of 4) and everyone is talking about the jobs they got in the hospital--- I could care less! i found a job that pays 8 (!) times as much, that I will enjoy much more as a mental break from NS.

Maybe next year i'll look into a hospital summer job, but meanwhile---EVERYONE BACK OFF ALREADY! I DON'T CARE WHO YOU KNOW OR HOW YO GOT YOUR CRAP PAYING JOB.

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Thanks it's reassuring to hear it gets better/doesn't matter. I just don't handle the politics very well.

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