Negative Work Environment, HELP!

catlover314 · Feb 9, 2005

Nurseamena: Sounds like you have "hit the wall". Somewhere between 6-12 months out of school or in a new work environment lots of people suffer a crisis of confidence. I hit the wall as a new NICU nurse (not good enough, not smart enought, not learning enough fast enough) but found a veteran nurse to mentor me through that time. Years later I changed to Case Management and lo and behold, ran into the wall with that too. Again, there was a mentor there to help me identify what was my own stuff versus what external negative things might be affecting my opinion of my skills. If you can find someone like that it will really help (at any stage of nursing really, not just as a newbie!).

sparkyRN · Feb 10, 2005

Glad you are going to give the place a chance. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I was surprised a couple of months ago when I began to work some day shifts after doing strictly nights for eons. There was a small group on days who spent alot of time complaining about anything and everything-serious burnout signs. Individually, they were all nurses that knew their stuff and were nice people. But they could really get *****y in a group. I've learned to walk away when the conversation turns from family and kids to sniping about the NM, schedules, etc. I've also learned with this group that they are more than willing to help you, but you have to ask first. I was even told by one of them that she nevers asks anyone if they need help, she expects that person to be "an adult" and ask her. I don't agree with that frame of mind, but I'm also not going to let it change the way I feel about her as a good nurse. I do things my way, she does things hers. Our unit is pretty big so their is almost always a few nurses working that I can relate too. Good luck!

kitty29 · Feb 11, 2005

Glad you are going to give the place a chance. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I was surprised a couple of months ago when I began to work some day shifts after doing strictly nights for eons. There was a small group on days who spent alot of time complaining about anything and everything-serious burnout signs. Individually, they were all nurses that knew their stuff and were nice people. But they could really get *****y in a group. I've learned to walk away when the conversation turns from family and kids to sniping about the NM, schedules, etc. I've also learned with this group that they are more than willing to help you, but you have to ask first. I was even told by one of them that she nevers asks anyone if they need help, she expects that person to be "an adult" and ask her. I don't agree with that frame of mind, but I'm also not going to let it change the way I feel about her as a good nurse. I do things my way, she does things hers. Our unit is pretty big so their is almost always a few nurses working that I can relate too. Good luck!

You are so right....speaking as one of the ones who have worked in the NICU for forever, I exspect and want to be asked. I've always thought I was approachable, but forget that some of this young gals may be scared to approach even me. Gosh there is no better compliment than to be asked about what you think as a professional. I've learned a good deal from the new gals too, and enjoy their level of involvement...I've done all that and need a break from the meetings ect...so it's nice to see someone else getting in the biz.

lefthander1975 · May 1, 2005

I am still in my orientation and have noticed the huge difference between day and night shift. Where I am at, the newbies have to do rotating shifts for a year and then we go to straight nights. I hear they want us to do day shift so we can get more experience. I do agree that you do see more stuff on days BUT as a new grad I am over whelmed and feel sick to my stomach everytime i am driving in to work on my day shifts. The stress is huge and I don't feel like I get enough help from others like I do on nights. On days people are doing their own things and don't help each other much. I have even noticed it w/the charge nurses. I am dreading the day when I am off orientation and have to be on my own on the day rotations. I have even begged the manager if I can just go to straight nights and she has said no every time. I am now thinking about going to another hospital. My health comes first and I don't want to feel sick w/GI upset everytime I have to work day shift. I need to love my job. The sad part is that I do love the NICU as a job-I just can't stand the attitude on the day shift. On nights I feel like even though I am a new grad, that I can do my job but when I am on days I find myself feeling like a stupid idiot who should not be a nurse. I also get that vibe from some of the older staff. When I was in nursing school I use to think that the older nurses would love nothing more than to give the torch off to the newbies and share their years of wisdom. For me at least this hs NOT been the case. I also think some of the hostility for use newbies has to do w/the pay we are comming in with. We are making as much if not more than some of the nurses that have been there for a couple of years. I agree this is wrong BUT it is NOT my fault!!!!!!

rainbows4me · May 2, 2005

Our unit also has a huge difference in staff attitude between days and nights. I also wasn't looking forward to my day/night rotations and talked with lots of people about it. They all said that, like anything else, it takes a while to get used to the atmosphere, but you'll be fine. I was told that after about a week, I'd be familiar with the differences in the routines and staff and I would get through it. I'm sure you can do the same. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water! You can do anything for a limited amount of time if the end result (working straight nights in NICU) is worth it...

As far as the older staff goes, I was talking to one of our senior nurses, and she figured out that she makes less than 40 cents more per hour for each year of service she has over what a new grad makes per hour. Talk about insulting! These are the nurses that are the backbone of our unit! They are the mentors who teach me more on a daily basis than I could ever learn from a book. I don't blame these nurses for being bitter - I would be too! There is one nurse on our unit who has been a nurse for 50 (!!) years. She only makes $9/hour more than me... a new grad. How wrong is that?? I do find, however, that if you treat these nurses (most of them, anyway) with the respect they deserve, they are willing to answer questions and help you when you need help. I always make sure to come from a place of humility and gratefulness and that seems to be key.

You're not alone in your fears - NICU is a challenge for this new grad as well. I listen to what others say on this board and other places - I'm giving myself a year of experience off orientation before I assess whether this is a good fit for me. Remember, growth is uncomfortable sometimes, it doesn't mean it isn't good for you...

Peace

Rainbows

natasha700 · May 8, 2005

Hi there, I am sorry you are having a hard time. I truly understand what you are going through. I applied at one hospital and their nicu was very nice, state of art equipment but the staff was very anal and cold. In three months I resigned. I refuse to work in a unhealthy cold unit. You are a RN you can find other jobs. You must do what makes you happy. We have stresses in our lives the last thing you need is to work in a place where misery is king. GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!