How do I protect myself from mean nurses?

kalevra, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2012

Industrial strength bear repellent spray and playing dead.

NursingBro · Dec 20, 2012

Imagine this nurse >

Says you made a serious error that both you and her know is not true. Since she is higher ranking they will believe her and not you. How would I protect myself?

kalevra, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2012

Elephant gun... definitely need an elephant gun.

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Dec 20, 2012

These are things I wish someone said to me before I entered the field of nursing: Assume positive intent, but be assertive. Use discretion; know what to let slide & what demands a discussion. If someone says or does something that could negatively impact your work relationships &/or your career, promptly intervene. However, let the little things that are just rude/annoying or hurt your pride go. Being assertive involves balance; you want to stand up for yourself without making everyone else walk around on egg shells b/c an overly confrontational communication style will hurt you as much as being a pushover. Even if you are a knowledgeable, caring, efficient, fantastic, etc. nurse, no one will care if you are a pill. If all else fails, definitely the elephant gun.

loriangel14, RN · Dec 20, 2012

You are going in with a negative mind set. Did a nurse actually say you did something you didn't or is this just you imagining it happening? Don't listen to what others say. The older experienced nurse can be one of your best friends.Don't be afraid to ask for their help and treat them with respect.You can a lot from them.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Dec 20, 2012

Expect the best, keep your head up. You can not go into a job defensive and thinking everyone is out to get you. Do your best, think things through and most importantly--know what you know, be acutely aware of what you don't know but where to find it, and ASK questions. Don't just "do something" if you are not sure.

LTCNS, LPN · Dec 21, 2012

I have found in those situations, more times than not, that you catch more flies with honey

agldragonRN · Dec 21, 2012

Just try to stay under the radar NursingBro. That will go a long way.

KRODD · Dec 21, 2012

I am a newly licensed LVN/LPN. My cousin is an RN and she says sometimes people will try to blame things on you that you didn't do just to protect themselves. They will lie right in front of you in front of a boss to protect themselves and so many of these stories.
I have always been a nice guy and I don't even remember the last time I got in an argument. I am a very calm guy and rather shy.
I would like to know of any tips or how to protect myself from mean nurses or coworkers. I don't even have a job yet but I would like to be ready.

It all comes down to who signed for it. Also advice dont hide anything its not the crime but the cover up thats the kiss of death. Hopefully you geta job in a good team oriented facility where not everyones a snake in the grass.

nurseywifeymommy1 · Dec 21, 2012

Are you working there or is this a general question? If someone accuses u of lying not only should u stand by ur word, but also ur documentation to back up what you did. If the boss chooses to believe u over the other person and u were telling the truth, it's likely that person will lie again and again and will get caught or it will be seen as a behavior .

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2012

Well for one, documentation is your best friend as far as being blamed for something or being thrown under the bus. If all your documentation is done, you stay on the up and up, you will be protected, at least legally. Unfortunately, there are people from EVERY group who can act that way, not just the nurse, so please get that out of your head before you subconsciously end up alienating the nurses because you are afraid of them. Everyone from janitorial staff to the DON and MDs can be ready and willing to throw you under the bus to protect themselves.