Is nursing a sick , petty , vindictive world?

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I used to be a cna and despite all the ******** that came along with it I really enjoyed it. I am about to finish six years of very intense military service and i have deicided to become a nurse. I have been reading every thread i can on this site and nothing yet has disuaded me excpet one thing. that is the paralells nursing has with the military and that seems to be a petty, vinidictive world run by people who never realized their own potential and want you to feel their pain. Is this an accurate view of nursing?

It is a common attitude you see with a large gathering of female species. Being common, doesn't neccessarily right, but that's what gives.

I've met some of the best females in nursing and I've met some not so good ones. You just have to take everyone like that and try not to let it get to you.

But women, why are we like this?

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I've noticed everything you said and I've only been a nurse for 7 months.

I came from a business world and I thought corporate was bad, it's nothing like what I've seen so far in nursing and I'll gladly go back to corporate anyday to not have to deal with all I've seen in nursing so far.

I've been accused of being "weird" and "antisocial" because I don't sit around and tell all my personal business and gossip about others. I've been told I don't socialize enough. The thing is, I'm very observant and I'm watching people to see who I can trust and who I can't. I am cordial, but I don't get chummy with any and everyone. All I want to do is go to work and take care of my pts and be the best nurse I can be and then go home.

Another thing is I'm used to being direct and professional. Dealing with men in the business world, if there was a problem, it was brought to the forefront, talked out or hashed out and that was the end of it. It didnt go any further than that. Well, what I've observed in nursing is that if you try to be "professional" and talk to that person about whatever issue, then expect to have a meeting with the DON, or the CNO if they press the issue hard enough. In corporate, you don't meet with the higher ups to talk about "feelings". If you meet with the higher ups it's because they have enough evidence on you to fire you for whatever reason. Trust me, it's only a matter of time before another meeting with the DON will get you fired, due to emails sent behind your back with issues about your nursing abilities that you wasnt even made aware of.

Then next thing you know, they are having in service meetings about how to avoid conflict and how to approach the person you are having an issue with FIRST before going up the chain. Really? I guess so many people missed that memo.

And don't get me started on the passive aggressiveness.

You have spoken well.

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It is a common attitude you see with a large gathering of female species. Being common, doesn't neccessarily right, but that's what gives.

I've met some of the best females in nursing and I've met some not so good ones. You just have to take everyone like that and try not to let it get to you.

But women, why are we like this?

Guys are just as bad if not worse.

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yes it is. Every vocation/profession has these problems. Nursing is not special. Does this make it right? Absolutely not; however, we need to stop pretending this is uinque to our profession. Humanity is pretty messed up and the sooner we can confront our faults on a global scale, the better. Unfortunately, I do not see this occurring in my lifetime.

No, its not. I've only done clinicals and I can tell you I got treated BETTER working at a cashiering job (I worked there in my late teens) then I did on a 6 hour clinical in nursing school. Once a customer came in the store and was threatening the employees and he was told to leave. Even the manager got very upset and was very close to calling the police. Even the employees worked together pretty well to get this guy out. I can't say the same for nursing. I was told nurses have to finish the care even if they are getting injured by a patient. I can't think of one other career that allows their employees to get beaten up and abused on a daily basis. And it seems when one nurse speaks up about the bad treatment that they all have experienced... most turn against her or dont support her.

My mother,father,3 aunts,2 uncles and all my friends get lunch breaks on their job and are allowed to urinate when they need to. They don't need to feel sorry for their basic human needs. I even heard some places don't even need to tell nurses what they are fired for? huh? I guess harassing them off the floor is better. So many professions have unions and many employees feel atleast somewhat protected by their employers. Seems that the majority of nurses would beg to differ. Even during nursing school just stepping foot on the majority of nursing floors I could instantly feel the manipulation,rudeness and bad energy among the nurses. I didn't feel that way when I would visit my mother's job and the many others places of employment I've been.

It seems that many nurses have had SO many jobs. Like a revolving door..... So much for retirement huh? I just don't understand it....

No job is perfect and many people don't enjoy going to work but nursing is about as bad as it gets.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Yes, every job has its good sides and its bad sides and nasty people are everywhere.

However....

Nursing has this weird thing going on where I swear some nurses take pride in the fact that they get crapped on. They pride themselves that they can tolerate it. Well, I can tolerate pretty much anything, but why should I have to? Why do we still have nurses mocking the whode idea of bullying in the workplace? :mad:We all know it happens-why do we put up with this from each other, doctors, management? Why are the people who speak up and who don't think they should be treated like garbage told to "grow a thicker skin" "stop being sensitive"?:down:

And frankly, I don't care if other professions go through this too. We are in a caring profession..we should hold ourselves to a higher standard-we all deserve better.

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Nursing is far from "as bad as it gets."

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Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.

You know why nursing become so bad? And healthcare generally?

Because we talk about patients but we think about insurance MONEY!

Healthcare and nursing became money makers, many came in nursing field for money, nurses are not anymore"the nurses" are money makers-nurses...who cares...is a bussiness... we need to do money, we make alliances, knew the rules, find "the opennings" in the rules, make assumptions and interpretations... ALL for insurance money.

You need to adapt to this world or it will reject you, is all about! But with all of these..... please fight to be what you want to be THE NURSE, and YES WITH GOOD FELLINGS!

People STILL have fellings, loool, even here, believe me.

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Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.
well, I was going to say NO, because I work with a great group of nurses. Jerk nurses are just the ones that get mentioned on here because everyone needs a place to vent.

Then I saw this post and it seems a little...petty. (not that I don't agree with the use of spell check! it is indeed a friend)

I was thinking the same thing but I wasn't sure if she meant it as a joke. I think she must have. She has the warped sense of humor typical of nurses. I love it.:yeah:

To the OP: My coworkers, especially on my shift, are some of my favorite people in the world. We don't allow what few petty, negative people we have around, to bring us down. Also, we have great managers that foster an environment of teamwork so we feel like we are all in it together. I have worked in some places that are toxic but I learned early on not to get sucked in to someone elses drama. If you mind your own business, you have nothing to worry about. (Well, you have alot to worry about but that is the least of it) lol:lol2:

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It can be. I've met a lot of "interesting" folks over the years, staff, bosses, patients, other coworkers.

I think a lot depends on your nature. Are you sensitive and easily influenced? Easily hurt, shy? Or can you let stuff roll off without even noticing it?

I have definitely lowered my expectations of the human race as it impinges me at work. :argue: :monkeydance: :clpty::beer: :kiss

Hey, just do the best you can.

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Specializes in medical/surgical, acute care, psych..
Yep, and so is every other profession and vocation. I don't know why people go into it thinking it's going to be all daisies and puppies and bliss and joy. It's like every other job. You go to work, it has it's good and bad, and you get a paycheck. There are nice people, and there are crummy people, and you'll have to pay some dues (of course in nursing, it's always referred to as BS like "lateral violence" and "eating our young.") Nursing isn't special, it's just like every other job, it has it's pros and cons.

while i agree with it not being puppies and daisies, statistics have shown that hostile working environment complaints, grievances, and preferential treatment of employees, is much hire in nursing. MY solution: Get a grip. Quit blaming other people for why you didnt do something, why u ran 5 minutes late, your husband drama, and last but not least...being nice to someones face, and then stabbing them in the back out of petty jealousy, and emotional unstability, which runs rampant in this field. IF you cant handle the stress, (im speaking to everyone) then get out...with exception to those who have viable grievances and discrimination complaints, in which caser, i say QUIT HUFFING AND PUFFING ABOUT WHO SAID WHAT TO WHO, OR WHAT NEW RULE IS DISCRIMINATION, TAKE YOUR A@@ TO HUMAN RESOURCES ANF FILE ON IT, OR FEDERAL EEOC AND FILE IT !! THE MORE YOU BADMOUTH PEOPLE ON THE JOB, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES TO OPEN YOURSELF UP FOR DEFAMATION AND SLANDER SUITS, FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYER (AGAIN, CHECK THE NUMBERS)

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