Politics and Drama

mianders, RN · Jul 15, 2008

There is no way to avoid it completely, but don't get involved in the gossip. I have found if you do your job to the best of your ability and treat everyone with respect you can at least avoid a lot of the drama.

RN1989 · Jul 15, 2008

Don't give people at work much info about your personal life. Don't hang out and be friends outside of work with the people that you work with. This helps keep personal attacks and leaking of info down. Other than that - there isn't much you can do except to confront the bullies when you find them. Also, working as a float or registry nurse can help prevent you from getting too involved in the drama. It's everywhere and there aren't any hard and fast rules that will help.

imanedrn · Jul 15, 2008

Don't get involved!

As an example, I always eat lunch late. I found that I like doing this because there's usually no one else in the break room with me, and I don't have to listen to gossip, drama, BS, politics, etc.

One day, however, although I was eating late, there happened to be two CNAs in there. They got to talking about politics, religion, TV, etc. I quickly learned that they shared the same beliefs, most of which I shared none of! I was flabbergasted by some of what they were saying, as I disagreed with them entirely! I wanted to flame them for being hypocrites and lob Bible passages at them to put them in their place! Instead, I sat quietly eating my lunch, snickering in my head, waiting for them to either shut up or leave...

Another example popped up last night while I was giving report to the night nurse. When I told her about a certain pt's attending, she said, "Oh, no!" about the possibility of having to call him for orders. This particular doctor is MEAN, so I just assumed that was her reason for the comment. I told her I'd call him, if it bothered her that bad. She then revealed it wasn't that, it was that she'd been seeing him for a while... but wasn't anymore. This particular nurse happens to be in her 30's and very attractive What juicy gossip this would make for. Lucky for her, I don't get into that junk :stone