New grad to mother/baby needs advice....

[navywifeRN]

Hello all! I am a new graduate and just obtained a position on a mother/baby floor. I am very much excited about the position and opportunity to work! I applied to a TON of jobs in the are and continued to receive the same answer...not enough experience. I am grateful that this hospital and that this particular director of nursing is taking her chances on a new grad! She (director of nursing) seems very sincere and has warned me that the "older" nurses on the floor may see me as a "taking away their overtime" and "try to get me fired". She told me to just do my job, be nice to everyone, and try to stay out of the "groups". I have been told throughout nursing school that "nurses eat their young" but trying to get someone fired just because their overtime may be cut?? I mean that is a little ridiculous. I am nervous enough about starting as a new grad on the floor but now I feel like I have to watch my back with the "older" nurses on the floor. I feel like I am going to be walking into a hostile environment. Any advice???

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Poor play on the directors part. Why "warn" a new nurse about the possible problems she may enccounter instead of dealing with the issue at hand. Horizontal hostility is a a problem, just like bullying is in today's schools, and it needs to be dealt with from an organizational level. Administration should not tolerate this behavior, and punishment should fit the crime. Just because "it has always been that way" doesn't make it right. We were all new once. We all have to learn. We all should STILL be learning. Eating our young is not acceptable and honestly, has no place in patient care. It is just plain dangerous.

I will echo the only reasonable part of what the director said. Be yourself, learn learn learn and try not to get caught up in the unit politics. It is very difficult. Estrogen in large groups can get out of hand and you are so easily lured into the dark side. Your goal is to learn how to care for you patients in the very best way you can.

Your director should be prepared to deal with the potential backlash. Funny, I am certain the nurses who are going to miss the overtime are the same nurses complaining that there is no help. I made a promise to my staff a few years ago to minimize if not abolish bullying on my unit. I was not going to have it and I have a unit comprised of very long term employees who are not keen on change. My director has a mantra.....if you don't want to play by the rules, then I can free up your future to find something else to do. After the first two went down (for stupid repeated infractions never enforced before...we have an anti-bully policy where I work) everyone perked up a bit and made their decision to let go of the power trip. Everyone must learn there are consequences to bad behavior. Now, if we can only do this with physcians....

I digress, and will get off my soap box. Good luck to you. Love what you do, do your best at what you do, and have fun.

[Fyreflie]

What a scary thing to hear! Don't worry--you'll do great :) there is definitely horizontal bullying In most areas of nursing, sadly, but I have had far more positive experiences than negative ones

[Jolie, BSN]

I don't look badly on the director for giving you this warning.

I once was hired for an entry-level management position on a unit where none of the current staff wanted the job. I was warned that I was stepping into a challenging position because the staff tended to treat "outiders" harshly. I appreciated the heads-up. I was experienced in the clinical area and had a strong enough personality to ignore their B.S. until I had enough seniority to effectively address it.

I suggest that the OP follow the director's suggestions and stick to learning the clinical care of patients, while avoiding personal issues and unit politics.

While many of us become close friends with our co-workers, I believe that one of the biggest pitfalls of new employees (in any field) is to share too much personal information too soon, or become too wrapped up in co-workers' personal lives. That rarely ends well.

[Britrn04, BSN, MSN, RN]

I agree with Jolie, do not become wrapped up in the drama. I recommend you begin with the enthusiasm you have and make your own opinions about people. Show how hard working you are and how you are ready to learn. It is very difficult starting out in any new job as a newbie...disregard people's negative attitudes and show how you are an integral team player. It is going to be difficult at the start, but walk in with a positive attitude ready to learn/grow. I have worked Mother/Baby for years and some of these older nurses get trapped in their safe place and do not want to, or are afraid to, move on (hence negative attitudes). It is a sorry truth...I wish you the best!!

[navywifeRN]

Thanks everyone for advice! It is much appreciated. I plan on going into this job with an open mind and open eyes. My main goal is to work and learn how to be the best RN that I can be (I know that sounds so corny). Even though it is a bit intimidating I am very excited to start working on the floor!!! Thank you all again for you advice!

[Labor RN]

babyktchr,

I have read a few of your replies. I really want to come work for you when I graduate lol!

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

babyktchr,

I have read a few of your replies. I really want to come work for you when I graduate lol!

What a sweet thing to say. That just made my day actually....THANKS!!!!!

[blissful.RN, BSN, RN]

Smile, do your best, bring cupcakes to huddle, and everything will be fine

[Smurfette752, BSN]

I've been on this board (mostly lurking) for almost 3 years now....and I also would love to work for you, Babycatcher! :)

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Well, now all we have to do is build us a rocking birthing center and you can all come work there!!!!!

Again...SMILING and thank you

[Smurfette752, BSN]

Well, now all we have to do is build us a rocking birthing center and you can all come work there!!!!!

Again...SMILING and thank you

THAT would be AWESOME!