:angryfire Hi all, I got my LPN a year ago last march and worked med/surg and long term care. I graduated in Dec and started at a Level one mixed ICU/CVICU/everything else unit. I was so excited to be in the ICU! Took all kinds of classes, on the icu.faq website all the time, bought books, asked questions, etc.
Now, 8 months later I am so disgusted. The nurses there (well at least 80% of them) are so nasty to the new grads! Snide comments, act like they're so much better, can't talk about anything except what we don't know. Didn't they emphasize teaching in nursing school? Last night I was subjected to a long conversation about how lazy we are, how stupid we are, how we can't run a code, we shouldn't be working there, etc ad nauseum. There were three new nurses present but that didn't stop the nastiness.
I have done nothing but be excited, willing to help, and willing to learn. Now I'm thinking I should be working at an insurance co where RN's run the show, don't have to wipe poop, break their backs or be subjected to such hostility.
I agree, and I was taught that as well, 4 yrs ago. But, I always wonder, WHY? It's not like we are going to take their job or anything, there's not enough nurses to go around. What are they afraid of?????? Anybody know???
Truth be told, I think it IS fear--fear of trusting a new grad and making a mistake based on what the new grad said or did.
A lot of nursing is based on trust. The more experienced nurses anticipate problems well and solve them, while the new nurse will totally miss a problem.
I don't consider myself a nurse-eater. I usually just check the new nurse's charts extra carefully and next time I see that person, I'll try to privately mention the problem. Like I had one who would hang the IV piggybacks and then completely forget to open the stopcock. Common error, but when the med's due at 2200 and I find it at 0100 and it's due again at 0600....you understand what I mean.
But I have to admit, some nurses do obsess and crow over other people's mistakes. They need to seriously get over themselves, and you new grads need to find a supportive group to grow in.
Why do they attack the inexperienced? I don't think it's fear at all. I think it's a lack of fear. They know they are unlikely to get called on it by a new employee, so they do it.
Why do they attack the inexperienced? I don't think it's fear at all. I think it's a lack of fear. They know they are unlikely to get called on it by a new employee, so they do it.
Totally agree. Add in the fact that so many nurse's are so starved for attention and recognition that they turn to publicly pointing out other's mistakes, i.e.
"It's a good thing I'm here watching you because you don't know what you're doing, you almost killed that patient..."
And then of course you have the trickle down theory where the experienced nurse has suffered years of abuse from MD's, administration, and families so they in turn, take it out on the new nurses.
They want to be respected for their years of acquired knowledge and experience so they actually interpret the fear that they instill in others by intimidating them as respect, but it's just fear because the new grad wants to impress, not make mistakes, and relies heavily on their advice and help especially during the first year.
Totally agree. Add in the fact that so many nurse's are so starved for attention and recognition that they turn to publicly pointing out other's mistakes, i.e.
"It's a good thing I'm here watching you because you don't know what you're doing, you almost killed that patient..."
And then of course you have the trickle down theory where the experienced nurse has suffered years of abuse from MD's, administration, and families so they in turn, take it out on the new nurses.
They want to be respected for their years of acquired knowledge and experience so they actually interpret the fear that they instill in others by intimidating them as respect, but it's just fear because the new grad wants to impress, not make mistakes, and relies heavily on their advice and help especially during the first year.
I think you're both right. Therefore I amend my previous answer. And I like that trickle-down theory too; I've found that to be true.
Don't hate US. I say us because, though you see L&D below my name, ICU was my first home. It's my second love though.
I was fortunate to go into ICU straight out of school. I was also fortunate to work in a place (nonteaching by the way) where the physicians, RNs, tech, everyone LOVED to teach. It was GREAT!!!!
I still know those physicians and nurses names. They molded me into what I am and how I am in my quest for greater knowledge.
Do yourself a favor: as soon as you can, find yourself a place where you can thrive and learn and BLOOM into all your potential.
You're green...accept that, and don't let anyone put you down for that. You will one day (think you are) all knowing. :rotfl:
thst does suck.. some icu RN are like that, but remeber it is no NURSING it is the person. I think yo should call them one it .. When youare doig something like helping them or what say see we are not all lazy.. It is just like the bullie in school. Most will back down if you call them on it.
Truth be told, I think it IS fear--fear of trusting a new grad and making a mistake based on what the new grad said or did.
A lot of nursing is based on trust. The more experienced nurses anticipate problems well and solve them, while the new nurse will totally miss a problem.
I don't consider myself a nurse-eater. I usually just check the new nurse's charts extra carefully and next time I see that person, I'll try to privately mention the problem. Like I had one who would hang the IV piggybacks and then completely forget to open the stopcock. Common error, but when the med's due at 2200 and I find it at 0100 and it's due again at 0600....you understand what I mean.
But I have to admit, some nurses do obsess and crow over other people's mistakes. They need to seriously get over themselves, and you new grads need to find a supportive group to grow in.
I am sorry, but I think thats rediculous. A new grad will totally miss a problem? I have seen many burned out seasoned nurses make some real bad boo-boos. And besides, I went to an ICU right from school, and I was taught, in school and on my preceptorship, to never "trust" anybody, to double check and recheck everything, especially DRIPS as soon as I accept report and assume resposibility for the patient. Because if there is an error on a previous shift, like a drip that is still running that is wrong, and I let it go for hours , I AM JUST AS RESPONSIBLE AS THE ONE WHO HUNG IT. It sounds to me like the "experienced" nurses kind of want to nurse on "other experienced nurses" word. It's not like that today. Everybody's responsible. I am not a new grad anymore, but I remember all to well when I was. Sorry to sound like I am blasting you, angie, but while I understand this may not be your view, I know it is for MANY. And regarding checking the new nurses charts really carefully, you should be doing that for EACH AND EVERY NURSE. Everybody makes mistakes, and I dare to say I believe "experienced nurses" make mistakes EQUALLY as much as new ones. And as far as those piggy back meds, if YOU LEFT THAT MED HANGING, CLOSED, FOR 3 HOURS OF YOUR OWN SHIFT, ITS YOU THAT IS RESPONSIBLE AS WELL. Nursing shouldnt be based on trust. It should be based on YOUR OWN sound clinical judgement, accuracy, knowledge, and preofessionalism. This is why people leave the profession. Who can blame them? Nurses very well eat their young.
Totally agree. Add in the fact that so many nurse's are so starved for attention and recognition that they turn to publicly pointing out other's mistakes, i.e.
"It's a good thing I'm here watching you because you don't know what you're doing, you almost killed that patient..."
And then of course you have the trickle down theory where the experienced nurse has suffered years of abuse from MD's, administration, and families so they in turn, take it out on the new nurses.
They want to be respected for their years of acquired knowledge and experience so they actually interpret the fear that they instill in others by intimidating them as respect, but it's just fear because the new grad wants to impress, not make mistakes, and relies heavily on their advice and help especially during the first year.
Just another example how nurses are generally disrespected, no matter how many years of experience they have, huh?
I am sorry, but I think thats rediculous. A new grad will totally miss a problem? I have seen many burned out seasoned nurses make some real bad boo-boos. And besides, I went to an ICU right from school, and I was taught, in school and on my preceptorship, to never "trust" anybody, to double check and recheck everything, especially DRIPS as soon as I accept report and assume resposibility for the patient. Because if there is an error on a previous shift, like a drip that is still running that is wrong, and I let it go for hours , I AM JUST AS RESPONSIBLE AS THE ONE WHO HUNG IT. It sounds to me like the "experienced" nurses kind of want to nurse on "other experienced nurses" word. It's not like that today. Everybody's responsible. I am not a new grad anymore, but I remember all to well when I was. Sorry to sound like I am blasting you, angie, but while I understand this may not be your view, I know it is for MANY. And regarding checking the new nurses charts really carefully, you should be doing that for EACH AND EVERY NURSE. Everybody makes mistakes, and I dare to say I believe "experienced nurses" make mistakes EQUALLY as much as new ones. And as far as those piggy back meds, if YOU LEFT THAT MED HANGING, CLOSED, FOR 3 HOURS OF YOUR OWN SHIFT, ITS YOU THAT IS RESPONSIBLE AS WELL. Nursing shouldnt be based on trust. It should be based on YOUR OWN sound clinical judgement, accuracy, knowledge, and preofessionalism. This is why people leave the profession. Who can blame them? Nurses very well eat their young.
Regarding the entire tone of this post, I have to add--You need to relax. Or something.
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UM Review RN, ASN, RN
1 Article; 5,163 Posts
Truth be told, I think it IS fear--fear of trusting a new grad and making a mistake based on what the new grad said or did.
A lot of nursing is based on trust. The more experienced nurses anticipate problems well and solve them, while the new nurse will totally miss a problem.
I don't consider myself a nurse-eater. I usually just check the new nurse's charts extra carefully and next time I see that person, I'll try to privately mention the problem. Like I had one who would hang the IV piggybacks and then completely forget to open the stopcock. Common error, but when the med's due at 2200 and I find it at 0100 and it's due again at 0600....you understand what I mean.
But I have to admit, some nurses do obsess and crow over other people's mistakes. They need to seriously get over themselves, and you new grads need to find a supportive group to grow in.