Need advice on how adjust a new RN attitude

[LLRNWashington]

I've been an RN for 6th months on a very professional floor. The problem is I use to be a CNA in the same hospital on a different unit where the manager would the staff let do and say whatever we wanted and I developed some bad habits: eating at the nsg station and running my smart mouth for about 6 years. I became am RN and transfered to a different floor where all the staff is very professional. I've gotten into trouble a times for smart allic remarks to other staff members that told my boss. I'm a lot better than I was 6 months ago, but they are doing lay offs at my work and I need to get professional fast! I always hear that young nurses are very unprofessional and I'm 27, but that doesn't help me! Any advice or help? Thanks!!!

[grandmawrinkle]

IMO, I don't think being professional/unprofessional has anything to do with your age. I have known plenty of horribly unprofessional nurses that are 50+.

However, I do think, in some ways, professionalism comes with experience. If you make enough screw ups to the wrong (right?) people and you get called out on it, you will clean up your act.

The best advice I can give you is to just be verrryyyy mindful of what is flying out of your mouth. Often, it is helpful to bite your tongue even with what you would consider mindless chit-chat. Listen to others, as opposed to speaking yourself, at least to start with ... and after that, make sure that what you are saying is really what you want to say, and make sure you don't deliver it in an inflammatory way.

[SlightlyMental_RN]

Additionally, take time with your appearance: No cartoonish scrubs. Think professional, understated makeup. Don't go to work looking like you just rolled out of bed, with rumpled, wrinkled scrubs.

Lastly, be known as the organized one. Show up to work a little early and organize yourself for your shift. I like to use a time grid, to better plan for the day.

[diligent-trooper]

First, how do you define "professional?"

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Recognizing there is a problem is half the battle! Good for you! I happen to be one of those people whom usually says what's on her mind. My "filter has wholes in it" I've been told.

However, even I have learned sometimes it's better to just keep my big mouth shut. It does help to be surrounded by other professionals who set a good example (not always the case). I have had to learn to just walk away from certain situations or conversations,.just don't go there. I try very hard not to participate in some of the crude or inappropriate discussions at work,.....that's what allnurses is for! I can vent away from work all I want,.but at work I have to keep it professional.

Try to remember to think before you speak and you'll be fine,..wanting to change is a great start. Best of luck to you!

[KarmaWiseRaven]

You know you and i are alike in ways I'm very out spoken. And really i don't care if i get you mad or hurt your feelings i will speak my peace. The trick is learning to chose our battles. We wear our hearts on our sleeve and we don't like to feel were being taken advantage of and when we think so we speak out or we have a dry sense of humor well remember not everyone will get your humor and might think your being rude. Best thing i can tell you is think before you speak and think how it will come out and sound and attitude is everything you can call someone an a** but be nice and be in control when you do it. Don't question things when your asked to do something. Do it first and then go back and ask questions Why. Bite your tongue is the best way to be even if it hurts. These are my thoughts use them as you wish.. Anthony

[meandragonbrett]

Listen to others more and talk less.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Kudos to you for trying to be more professional! I had to learn this as well when I first started. Being more professional makes you more credible and better respected by those that you work with. I would LOVE to be able to say the things that I am thinking all the time, but to do so would only reflect poorly on ME. To change that behavior in myself, I would stop with the "knee jerk" comments and "pretend" that my CEO was within earshot. That kept me aware of what was coming out of my mouth! You know how we are supposed to chart like we are in court testifying? Same idea, only verbal.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Hopefully you will learn before you lose a great job, like I did. I learned that no matter how popular you think you are, or how valuable you think you are your big mouth can cost you dearly.

I lost my job because I was making fun of the nurse manager screwing around with the ER direcctor, both married. It got back to them and after 10 years I was let go at the first chance to get rid of me. NOT TO mention the fact that my life became hell after they heard and before they got rid of me. So think about how much you like this area and keep your mouth closed.

[gtoko]

Bite your tongue til it bleeds. Pause before you speak, even if you are right. Maintain a quiet presence when you feel yourself wanting to reply with a smart reply.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

You're already improving. You're taking ownership. Good job...follow the others' advice here. Count to 10 before you opine and DO YOUR WORK.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I've had to hold my tongue often... but here is what I try to remind myself to do. I go ahead and say OMG what a $%$*!!!! It's just that I say it, in my head. I will say everything I want to say at that moment to that person... in my head.

Thing is, you have to practice this a bit so you can do it without eyerolling, glaring, etc.