We are in the realm of evidence based practice where nursing "traditions' have little value. This should translate over to the tradition of nurses who eat their young. We've all met them..usually middle aged with no significant other who pride themselves in being tough. Their attitudes are reflected in their slovenly appearances and of course they are great hands on nurses since they have little else in their worlds.
NP programs are no different. I've had clinical experiences with physicians and NP's alike and the physicians are professional, curteous and will correct me without the underlying insult. Most of the NP's have been rude or have ignored me and one went off on me. I threatened to sue the school if they didn't change my preceptor and they changed my assignment that day.
Those nurses (and NP's) are the reason that half the world doesn't view nurses as professionals. MBA's do not belittle students, interns or new employees. Neither do engineers or any other professionals. Many bright nurses have left the field because of these low lifes.
We should all make a concerted effort to stop this behavior in ourselves and other nurses. If they are rude or belittling, they should be told that if they want to be considered a professional...then act, dress and behave like one. If they don't listen, then administrators should be told and if necessary, they should be let go since they are making a mockery of the profession.
If you are young and starting out and your preceptor is a schmuck to you, then tell her to start looking and acting like a professional, report her to your supervisor or administration. Don't be intimidated and don't take it. It's time these "tough cookies" were kicked to the curb where they belong.
In today's world of evidence based practice...this has got to go.
Middle aged, no significant other, good hands on skills. You say that like there is something wrong with it. Do you view your patients through that same critical lens, or can you turn it off and on? Why not be an example? Practice with pride and have empathy for those that don't meet your standards. Be the change you want to see in the world.
There's something wrong with bullying and taking frustrations out on other people ...I've seen may a bright and enthusiastic young person enter the field only to leave because of nasty women.
It's not a critical lens. It's a matter of observation over the years.
One more thing: what is sometimes seen as "bullying" is in reality being held accountable. Know your stuff and know how to look people in the eye and respond calmly and firmly and you don't look the least bit tasty.
An excellent point.
There are jerks in the world, and statistically speaking, you're going to cross paths with them x percentage of the time. It's one of life's variables that can't really be controlled.
However ... what happens as those unfortunate encounters unfold is well within your control. Take control of the situation if it isn't to your liking.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Seems to me, you will come from a point of weakness. It would probably serve you better to take my earlier (and others' too) suggestions to become more assertive and positive and less "I am running to my lawyer'ish". In the long run, you would do better in nursing, and in life, if you learned how to deal with bullies yourself. They are everywhere. Not just in nursing school/nursing. Learn now or you will keep having trouble, everywhere you go.
Oh, to be sure, there are lots of jerks out there. But this is what really gets my goose about nursing: Somehow turning the other cheek is apparently part of the job description. It makes absolutely no sense at all.
Diahni
Where in this thread has anyone said that we need to turn the other cheek and put up with being treated badly? And where do you work?
I've never seen that behavior - being told to just live with bad behavior. I don't think it is part of today's nursing culture. At all.
What's with the attitude "If I don't get my way, I'll threaten to sue the school" expressed periodically by students here. I view that type of statement as highly confrontational along with kicking people to the curb.
What happens when they get a patient load that they do not like, or do not get along with? Do they sue then?
Then there is a herd of dinosaurs at the teaching hospital I used to work at. Those poor residents didn't know what was hitting them..talk about leading lambs to slaughter they not only got eaten as the young but practically molested before it happened. It was shameful the way those "nurses" acted around them.
POOR RESIDENTS?!?!
Give me a break. There have been residents/MDs that have asked ME out. And I am at least 10 years older than most, middle-aged, and while not slovenly, I certainly don't dress to impress on the floor. Nor do I indulge in pursuing them.
I have to figure that they just do not get out much.
There's something wrong with bullying and taking frustrations out on other people ...I've seen may a bright and enthusiastic young person enter the field only to leave because of nasty women.
It's not a critical lens. It's a matter of observation over the years.
Speaking of 'taking frustrations out on other people.....:trout:
I don't think it is part of today's nursing culture. At all. 
suziesunshine
13 Posts
There's something wrong with bullying and taking frustrations out on other people ...I've seen may a bright and enthusiastic young person enter the field only to leave because of nasty women.
It's not a critical lens. It's a matter of observation over the years.