Other Nurses

Libby1987 · Feb 10, 2015

I have both and yes my coworkers very much affect my work expereince. Having coworkers who share, or don't share, my work ethic and expectations make a huge difference. And while we may be all in the same boat, there are some big differences into how people apporach their work.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2015

Most of the nurses I work with text each other hourly, and follow each other on FB. They call each other at work, and socialize outside of work.

I'm old school. Work is work and that's where it stays. Including the people I work with. I know about their families, and the names of their kids and dogs. We discuss everything imaginable AT WORK. I like them, but they're my "work friends". They don't come home with me.

Just to clarify, that's the way I've conducted myself at every job I've ever worked. Not just nursing.

On the down side, I'm odd man/woman out. I'm out of the herd. I'm not included, and frequently isolated. That's understood and acceptable to me.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2015

OP, I think you'll find that no matter where you work, nursing or any other profession, there will be people who "click" and others who do not. Some seem to be joined at the hip, others only casually acknowledge each other.

I'm along the lines of imintrouble, in that I am always quite friendly with people at work, know if they're married, have kids, where they are going on vacation this summer. But they stay AT WORK; I don't socialize with 'work buddies' outside of work. I also don't follow anyone on Twitter, Facebook, or anything else for that matter. If it's important that I know something about someone, by gosh someone is going to tell me at work!

You will find friends where you find them, at work or not....and that's up to you and what your preferences are :)

Libby1987 · Feb 10, 2015

I should clarify, none of my outside of work friends are nurses. We have no bearing on each other's jobs other than being remotely related.

Libby1987 · Feb 10, 2015

Most of the nurses I work with text each other hourly, and follow each other on FB. They call each other at work, and socialize outside of work.
I'm old school. Work is work and that's where it stays. Including the people I work with. I know about their families, and the names of their kids and dogs. We discuss everything imaginable AT WORK. I like them, but they're my "work friends". They don't come home with me.
Just to clarify, that's the way I've conducted myself at every job I've ever worked. Not just nursing.
On the down side, I'm odd man/woman out. I'm out of the herd. I'm not included, and frequently isolated. That's understood and acceptable to me.

This is in sharp contrast to all of the claims of no time to even pee in 12 hrs.

Farawyn · Feb 10, 2015

Some of my best friends in life are nurses I've met from my first med/surg floor. My best "work" friend and I had our babies 2 weeks apart, had our showers together and our kids actually dated for 4 months when they were 16.

For the most part I have kept work friends as work friends, although in 22 years there has obviously been some crossover- the aforementioned nurse, another nurse or 2, an MA and a secretary.

I also must say, now that I am The Nurse in a high school, I miss other nurses desperately! Probably why I check in here so much.

Jules A, MSN · Feb 10, 2015

I have been fortunate to have worked with some amazing teams and to me that it what its all about. The patients are what they are but even a really difficult patient load is manageable if your team is working together and supportive. Not that there haven't been a few knuckle heads over the years but for the most part I have thoroughly enjoyed my co-workers. I try to be very friendly and approachable at work and have become what I would consider actual friends with a few.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2015

I work with a friend that I went through school with. We were thrilled to get hired onto the same unit just a month apart. A shift with her is always a good thing.

Last night another nurse and I tag teamed several difficult patients/tasks and knowing her and I have each other's backs makes a difference too. I really love most of my coworkers and a few of us socialize outside work but not all of us.

There really is only one nurse on my unit that I avoid.