How do you deal with a toxic workplace?

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I'm a relatively new nurse (about a year in). Fresh out of school I applied and got offered a job at a facility that we had done clinicals at. It is excellent money but it's taking a toll on my mental (and physical) health. I find myself getting absolutely sick the second I think about work. I recently got moved to another unit within the facility and the staff there are just absolutely mean and backstabbing. Department of health is in at almost a weekly basis for family complaints, staff reports, ect. We recently got a new DON in who plays favorites and is always scapegoating other employees. It's just all getting to be too much. this past week, department of health was in on a legitimate family complaint and my DON and risk manager called in all of the employees and instructed us on what to say. Thankfully the guy never spoke with me but that was the last straw. I'm currently seeking employment elsewhere and have a few interviews lined up. But in the meantime, how do I even begin to deal with this kind of place? I'm so beyond stressed out.

You are making the right decision to move on. In the meantime.. keep telling yourself this is a temporary situation. When in this situation, I used my sense of humor to get through.

Best of luck, let us know how it turned out.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
How did I deal? I left. ONE person cannot change a toxic workplace.

Yes. You are the rightest! Please excuse my taking liberty with the language.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Leave. ASAP (have a job lined up to go to). I stayed in a toxic workplace for far too long and it was only after getting out that I realised the actual toll it took on me.

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what is a lJ ?

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
what is a lJ ?

Imminent Jeopardy: Basically, the facility is one step away from being taken over by the state, and they have a very limited time to correct the deficiencies. (From 1 week to 30 days). I keep forgetting that the phrasing is different for other states.

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Specializes in Cardiology, College Health.

It is very easy to say "move on". In this economic climate it is not always easy or possible. After 30 years as a Nurse I find myself working in an almost intolerable work place. The money is good and the benefits are better but the political climate is toxic and unbearable.

I could "move on" to a lesser paying job with less benefits and an inconvenient schedule. But I have chosen to stand firm. I do my job to the best of my ability, take excellent care of my patients and try not to engage in conflict. Yes it is stressful but I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF. I take the time off I am entitled to, I get away from the work place when possible at lunch time and most importantly I focus on my patients and the work not what is going on around me.

Nurses too often look at jumping ship as the answer to all the problems. EVERY workplace has it challenges and learning to deal with them is an important step in growing as Nurse. A better opportunity may be just down the road, but never leave a job just because it is not the "perfect" atmosphere. Have patience and only leave when something truly better comes along.

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Specializes in Corrections and Occupational Health.

Just look forward to the jobs you have applied for. I know it is hard to but make the best of the time you have left since you are looking for a new job. Keep your head up :up:

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Specializes in ER/PSYCH/DMH/DMR.

I have worked For DMH for the past 14 years.I came to work after 28 years in the ER where I was burnt out and figured I would have a State pension with insurance when I retired.I would never work for the state again.Yes it is very very toxic.If I had it to do over I would have stayed in the ER or go to the VA.The state does care about your safety.The union can help some if your union is active.I was assaulted Aug 3 2015 went out on w/c but went back to work that month.We now have patients from the state prison because they are to hard for them to manage.Did we not get COs or extra staff?No we got picked off like flies.I was assaulted again in Feb 2016 by being threatened to be killed and by every which way he could it.I again went out on W/C but after 3days they denied the claim because I was not physically assaulted.Last I knew the law is that is assault. I am waiting for a court day.During this time they have tried to cut off my counseling,called to to ask about patient belongings from Apr.(I've been out since Mar)called me to come to work tried to cancel my health insurance.I had to see their Doctors.Any way they can be nasty.Intercepted my mail from staff sending my belongings home.It is not going to get any better working for the state.Get out of there while you are not vested.!!

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Specializes in Hospice.

I agree 100% ggraydon. too often when the going gets tough, people think the answer is to leave. ALL work environments have politics, difficult people and challenges. It is best to find techniques to focus on the important matters at hand, like you have done. If we pause and try to understand with empathy why someone is giving off toxic energy, we can handle the situation better. We can manage how external factors effect us. Limit your exposure to their negative energy, maintain your positive outlook, and practice techniques to keep OUT their bad energy. It is theirs not your, so don't accept it!!! Live your purpose and focus on why you are there... to serve others. But, you must work hard at taking care of you and have great self talk. You can be the light in the darkness. be proud and happy everyday you are not them. initially they may look at you with distain because they remember a part of them that was as optimistic as you, but if you remain strong and find peace in your service NO external factor, no matter where you are employed, can alter your path. Believe in yourself and be proud.

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You are already doing the most important thing you can by looking for another job. In the mean time, your only defense is mental. I know this is corny but keep an open mind. When you put your scrubs on, imagine they are a haz mat suit. Know that they are protecting you from the toxins. Be the best nurse you can be while you are there. Show your patients what a good nurse is. When you get home. Remove your haz mat suit and shower, washing all that nastiness away. Do whatever mini exercises during the day you need to just to get through. Good luck. Don't give up on nursing. It is not all like that, I promise.

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Specializes in Adult MICU/SICU.

Leave.

There is no fixing that.

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I face a toxic workplace daily now.

My husband & I had a serious discussion 2 days ago.

Decided I will turn my notice in soon.

Meanwhile, hoping for a miracle.

Will miss some of the coworkers & residents.

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