New grad getting in trouble for weird things.. HELP

[NewGradRN_CA, ADN]

First job as an RN and I’m so immensely grateful for the opportunity. It’s one of the best paying jobs in the county, I’m working shift hours I prefer, and everything about working in corrections seems to fit me perfectly. I love my job and feel up to accomplishing the expectations that have been set for me. My one problem is with management..

 Maybe I’ve been too lucky in the past. I’ve been in the medical field for 8 years and have always been a favorite of my employers and friends with coworkers. Here I feel that I am reprimanded for the weirdest things. I do my job well for someone who is brand new but then get absolutely destroyed for things like 

1. Asking if they have a fit testing class for their organizations chosen N-95 mask. (Was threatened to be sent home if I didn’t feel comfortable wearing an unfit mask on a COVID exposed dorm).

2. Not being “attached to the hip of my trainer” (I was only away for a minute to use the restroom).

3. Talking to a peer about his children after doing medication count during shift change (because his gf gets jealous and it was perceived as flirting). 

It’s been three weeks and I feel like I’m walking on egg shells. When I was hired my manager was overly nice and told me that they were like family on the unit. While my coworkers are totally chill I’m feeling a bit bait and switched from the higher ups. How do folks deal with hyper vigilant management styles? I’m at a lost. 

 

Signed, 

 

A new grad nurse just trying not to *** up.

[JKL33]

Be one of few words. You don't need to be in on every conversation, etc. Also don't give them much reaction to their complaints. Just do an "oh well" with body language, don't get all apologetic or anxious. Button up if it isn't going well at the moment.

Basically when you suspect you're being messed with a little, you need to  let them know that you aren't going to be messed with. It's unfortunate but that's what people need to see--that you aren't going to collapse or melt or start emotionally flailing around having a breakdown. It's good training for yourself, too. Learn how to be non-reactive. Keep a low profile for the time being. Be regimented in what you do, in your interactions (keep them strictly professional), stand up straight, carry yourself with purpose, make good eye contact with people, speak in a professional and straightforward manner. Use this baseline and over time you will come to know which of them (if any...maybe none) you can be a little more relaxed with.

Good luck.

[Tacocat, ASN, RN]

Any job describing themselves as "like family" should be a red flag. 

[travelnursefuture]

It may come off as antisocial but in scenarios such as this it is best to stay to yourself outside of training/education. When you're the "new kid on the block" you are often watched under a microscope out of envy or simply because they feel they can because you're new. Focus on mastering your craft and make it work for you until you don't have to or the scenario adjusts for the better.