Interpersonal conflict in Nursing

Published

Specializes in Phys. rehab, Chem. Dependency, Home care.

I have been a nurse for almost 7 years. I started working at this facility last year and it was deemed one of the best hospitals in the area. Once I started working on the unit, I could feel the tension between the nurses. It is particularly between the shifts. I know this happens everywhere, but it is disturbing because there is such mistrust and back biting. Day shift feels that Night shift doesn't have much to do and should pick up on some of their duties. Night shift feels that day shift gets favoritism by the NM and gets away with a lot of things. People are quick to tell what you didn't do to the NM and some (i have heard) have tried and succeeded in getting some one in trouble or pushed out of the door because they didn't like them. I am a staight to the point person and I don't like playing games. I try to be polite and professional to everyone. If I have an issue with someone, I bring it to them. I told a nurse that she signed off on something but the order wasn't in the computer. She blew me off and and now the nurses on that shift have been very standoffish towards me. I was trying to look out for her even though people told me it would not make a difference; she won't change and this is part of her MO. Being new to the hospital makes it worse because they see you as the new kid on the block and feel that you should just adjust to it. How can I help them see that working together and looking out for each other not only improves patient satisfaction but will change the morale of the entire unit?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

good luck. You can't change the nursing mentality and that environment, no matter how much you try. You can only be you and do the things that make YOUR day better. If someone partakes or finds your ways better, then you will stick together, and so on and so forth. Keep your nose to the grindstone, don't make waves that aren't life or death issues. Keep out of the petty drama between shifts. Don't listen to those conversations, they'll only bring you down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Hey *I* worked "there" for 22 years. "There" being everywhere from a garage to a hospital to home health to a movie theater.

Did you see the MSNBC article about the WICCAN security gate person who was fired partially because a coworker said she had cast a spell on her car heater?

Crappy people are everywhere. Why can't we just get along? I do not have the answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Onco, palliative care, PCU, HH, hospice.
Hey *I* worked "there" for 22 years. "There" being everywhere from a garage to a hospital to home health to a movie theater.

Did you see the MSNBC article about the WICCAN security gate person who was fired partially because a coworker said she had cast a spell on her car heater?

Crappy people are everywhere. Why can't we just get along? I do not have the answer.

Whoa... what? So all you have to do to get someone fired is to literally cry witch? What century are we living in again?? Sorry... that just really saddens me that in this day and age that someone would get fired for something like that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will NOT be able to change the attitudes/ cliques/ lack of teamwork.

I was not fired for a "witch hunt", but did quit.

This is lateral violence. It is overlooked by management because they are aware that there is NO answer.

Put in your time, keep looking.

You may find a more positive environment.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Phys. rehab, Chem. Dependency, Home care.

I know that we are not at work to socialize, however, it is difficult to tune it out when you spend a large amount of your time in a place with negativity. Sure, I could leave but I know this is something that happens everywhere (to a degree) and running away won't solve it. Has anyone dealt with the endless conflict? Were you able to make a change? I want to be a part of the solution and help make the unit I am working on a better place.

As far as the quote "don't make waves that aren't life or death issues", I agree except when a nurse continues to do the same thing and that thing could cause a major error and harm the patient (in the long run).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

Been there, done that. Won't go back!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

How about first approaching that particular nurse and seeing if you two could work it out? if that doesn't work (or if there are multiple staff involved), then approach the NM/DON and discuss with him/her what you just posted (that there are major conflicts/problems and it needs to be addressed)?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Phys. rehab, Chem. Dependency, Home care.

I will give that a try. I did talk to her about signing off an order without checking it in the computer. I hope she doesn't blow me off again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
*clip* How can I help them see that working together and looking out for each other not only improves patient satisfaction but will change the morale of the entire unit?

you can't. you're working in a toxic environment. If it were me, I'd be looking for another job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i know how you feel. i'm still trying to overcome my new kid status which is especially tough when my preceptor didn't care for me. it wasn't anything i did - she planned on not liking me. there is one nurse in particular (who happens to be friends with the preceptor i had) who constantly makes smart comments or blows me off. she'll even flat out ignore me sometimes when i ask a question if i'm not looking her right in the eyes. i asked her a question the other day about where something went in a chart and she heard me, but said nothing. i said, "okay, awesome." and just walked away. her patient, her chart, her problem if i put it in the wrong place. another example - someone told me to tell "jane" when i saw her that a doctor was on the phone. when i saw her 30 seconds later i said, "jane, there's a doctor on the -" ..."i KNOW!" i was like, "yeah, okay, and i had no way to know that."

i'm nice, but if they want to give it then i can give it right back. amazingly, she's started being nicer to me lately. i think some people just like to test you to see how far you'll let them go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

oh and it may take several discussions with that particular nurse. . . you may want to first start off by asking to speak with her privately and then saying something like "it feels like there may be something tension . . ." and that you're not there to nitpick her but that both of you (and all the nurses) are there to benefit the patients. . . .and it certainly helps when all are working in unity and on the same page . . .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion