Identifying Dysfunctional Cultures

[is5512]

All these threads about the Preceptor From Heck scare me...especially since the PCH seems to be accompanied by Screaming Doctors and Abusive Co-workers.

Ok, these "diamonds" can be found anywhere. But, I asked a Prof the other day which hospital I Really should try to get into. He mentioned "X" because of their training program and "Y" because of their culture of caring.

It makes me wonder: Do some hospitals (or schools) have inherent cultures are breeding grounds for these types of people? How do you spot these cultures before you make a huge mistake and commit to them?

[Chisca, RN]

How do you spot these cultures before you make a huge mistake and commit to them? A starting point would be to select a hospital from this list.

http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Modern+Medicine+Now/RN-Magazines-2009-Magnet-hospital-directory/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/569945

[diane227, LPN, RN]

There are hospitals that have a negative culture and it is usually due to : poor staffing, horrible managers, no feedback, managers who won't fix problems or who play favorites, treat employees like animals in a stable, etc. Most employees will work for less money if they have a positive fun environment to work in. On my unit we work hard but we have fun and I look forward to going to work every day.

[RNperdiem, RN]

A warning sign is a unit that is heavily staffed by agency, float nurses, per diems, new graduates and a few overloaded senior nurses who are burning out. Teamwork and an atmosphere of caring is impossible under certain conditions.

High turnover usually happens for good reason.

Hospitals differ in how nurses are treated by the doctors. The tone is set by the senior attendings, and it affects how you will be treated.

[rachelgeorgina]

Interesting, as a student, I've worked in three facilities as an NA- a nursing home, pedi hospice and LTC pedi disability hospital.

The nursing home has the culture described above - angry, backstabbing staff with a major lack of teamwork inherent in everything.

Pedi hospice is staffed by nurses who've been there as long as the facility has been open and don't seem to be warm to new staff. It's been really difficult to blend in, though I'm really determined because it's such an amazing place.

Strangely, the place I thought would be the worst has been the best. The LTC care for disabled kids is full of a variety of different nurses (old/young, black/white etc) who make a brilliant team. I love it.

[bluesnurse]

How do you spot these cultures before you make a huge mistake and commit to them? A starting point would be to select a hospital from this list.

http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/Modern+Medicine+Now/RN-Magazines-2009-Magnet-hospital-directory/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/569945

Can't agree with you there. I've worked at "Magnet" facilities in the past and IME, the only thing it proves is they're skilled at making themselves look good on paper.