Help!! Question about new grad program personalities

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I am 6 months into a 10 month new grad program. Getting into the med-surg. acute care hospital new grad program was a highly competitive process, and I'm still grateful I made it in the program, it gives me confidence that I interview well.

I am getting sick and tired of the sorority girl, petty drama that I see on my nursing unit. It goes like this...You're not in my clique so I'll either blatantly ignore you or I'll scrutinize everything you do as long as you're here and make you look/feel like an idiot. It seems half the battle is managing the different personalities of the clinical mentors(a bunch of super young 20 something yr olds drunk with power all trying to be the top dog on the unit). Ugh I hate it. I wish it was just show up do your job and go home.

How do you guys deal with feeling like you don't fit in on your unit? How do you deal with the difficult personalities that think they're hot stuff and try to put you on the spot and quiz you like it's nursing school again when they are supposed to be helping you? I can't bring this up to the boss because she is super tight with the other coaches and I would not be doing my self any favors trying to throw them under the bus. I'm just counting down the days till I finish the program. Honestly, I can see the writing on the wall if I don't start kissing some serious behind. I might not make it.

Was it like this for any of you? Any advice?

Thanks,

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Specializes in ICU.

Is it possible that your obvious disdain for the more experienced nurses on your unit comes through, and that's why you don't "fit in"? Quizzing you isn't bullying or putting you on the spot, it's making sure you're safe and know your stuff.

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I can't really tell from a post whether by quizzing you they are trying to be obnoxious or are honestly trying to help you without just giving you the answer. Some people genuinely learn better that way (myself included). It may help you to give them the benefit of the doubt and chalk up their behavior to a misguided attempt to help you. I don't think you have much options in this case anyway--it's better for your career to stick it out. As long as they're not being malacious towards you, and it's just a personality clash, it should be reasonable to stick it a few more months.

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Curiously, some people take it as quite the personal accomplishment to be the more experienced people on the unit despite being off of their own orientation for a relatively short time. It is what it is. And what it is, is not about you.

Develop your serious/interested/concerned/attentive demeanor. Don't talk/banter too much. Exist on a different plane. Trust me, you won't be the object of much of anything if you can simply manage to be non-reactive and stay focused on your goals and your patients' needs.

Mainly, hustle. Learn as much as you can.

It'll be over before you know it.

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I am a bit of an outsider on my unit because I am a bit older, ASN(would never be hired these days), and honestly not that ambitious.

I like the energy and intelligence the "hot shots" bring to the unit. They usually have the confidence and skills to back that up, and if handled right can be some great team players when help is needed. They are the ones who will start your difficult IVs and help you when the dialysis machine is giving trouble.

One way to handle you situation is to build a strong social foundation independent of work. Not being in a clique doesn't matter because you have friends and a life outside work. You can relate to them as coworkers and not worry about their approval.

It is a fine line to walk to have good coworker relationships. You have to be polite and considerate, but not over-involved in other people's life.

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Thank you guys so much for your responses. I love the fact that I come here and you guys totally get it. I will keep my chin up, work on my weaknesses(which includes giving report), and press on

Thanks again

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I am 6 months into a 10 month new grad program. Getting into the med-surg. acute care hospital new grad program was a highly competitive process, and I'm still grateful I made it in the program, it gives me confidence that I interview well.

I am getting sick and tired of the sorority girl, petty drama that I see on my nursing unit. It goes like this...You're not in my clique so I'll either blatantly ignore you or I'll scrutinize everything you do as long as you're here and make you look/feel like an idiot. It seems half the battle is managing the different personalities of the clinical mentors(a bunch of super young 20 something yr olds drunk with power all trying to be the top dog on the unit). Ugh I hate it. I wish it was just show up do your job and go home.

How do you guys deal with feeling like you don't fit in on your unit? How do you deal with the difficult personalities that think they're hot stuff and try to put you on the spot and quiz you like it's nursing school again when they are supposed to be helping you? I can't bring this up to the boss because she is super tight with the other coaches and I would not be doing my self any favors trying to throw them under the bus. I'm just counting down the days till I finish the program. Honestly, I can see the writing on the wall if I don't start kissing some serious behind. I might not make it.

Was it like this for any of you? Any advice?

Thanks,

Perhaps your obvious lack of respect for the more experienced nurses on your unit is shining through? Quizzing you is not bullying you; it's a way to discern your knowledge base and critical thinking skills. Or lack thereof.

Fitting in on your unit is part of being successful at your job. You need to work at that as well as on your IV insertion skills or giving report.

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Specializes in NICU.

Chomp,chomp.chomp,=sound of nurses aka hot shots eating their young.Yep It does happen,been there done that.My unit once had a bunch that loved torturing new staff/temps/agency at change of shift.They would surround the victim and throw questions ,grilling style like raptors.You either learned to deal with it or it would get worse.Some ignored the humiliating browbeating,some responded in kind but you did learn to be super detail oriented of your work ..if only to avoid their harassment.

You have made it this far,hang in there,cultivate a quiet serious demeanor avoid those in the personality contest.They make mistakes too,you will see.

I just dont understand why all the competition for a med surg hospital job and 10 months of what?...is this your orientation?

There are plenty of jobs,once you gain some experience you can look around.

Good luck to you ,blessings on your career.

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