I'm seeing numerous articles regarding the challenges of millennials in the workplace and our LTC is having the common issues managing them. We have talked for YEARS about "nurses eating their young" and "seasoned nurses vs inexperienced nurses " and now we are faced with another challenge. Many companies are catering to the demands of millennials. They enter the workforce and begin making demands for things that those of us have still not received after 20 years or more such as more flexible work hours. I see that every day -young nurses demanding vacations, schedule changes,refusing to work certain units.They never go "above and beyond" but squeak by with meeting the minimum requirements of the job because, after all-it's a 24 hour facility. They are NOT team players, they are self centered, truly believe the world revolves around them, it's the "Me " show...all "Me" all the time.
I continue to try to remain as flexible and adaptable as possible. I have learned all of the computer programs without complaint and continue to teach myself daily so I can be "tech savy",too. I try to be patient and tell myself I don't "own" the nurse's station and can't control the unprofessional behavior of these co-workers.
I fail to understand why these studies I 'm reading are telling me we must adapt of workplace to accommodate them because in a few short years they will be the majority. What happens then when everyone is making these demands? No-one will work weekends, holidays, certain units, etc. I read an article in Forbes that actually recommends "gamify" tasks for this generation who has never know the world without computers and Facebook. Isn't it time they GROW UP and stop playing games? learn how to get along with others?
Before the flaming starts let me first say that NOT ALL millennials have these issues.Just as all baby boomers are not old inflexible farts. needs,too.
