vwbeetle

Here are a few tips to draw a line that you won't tolerate an abuse at work. If any of the preceptor makes any comments that are abusive, inappropriate, or rude while no one else is there; simply say `Would you repeat what you just said in front of everyone?` If someone rolls over her eyes right in front of you, you can say sth like, `Why are you rolling your eye balls like?` When you show them that you won't put up with intimidation, they normally back-off. I think it's far safer to set up your boundary in the very beginning rather than letting things escalate to the point it causes anxiety or it effects your work. You can TOTALLY do it. I really really wish you all the best.

Dear ChinupBSNRN, I am genuinely happy for that your manager contacted you, asking you to reconsider your resignation. I hope you will be able to return to this position and give yourself an opportunity to gain your experience; of course, given that she puts you with a different preceptor. I don't think there are too many managers who would have gone out of her(his) way to have a new employee who just quit, to come back to the team. That's a really really good sign that she genuinely cares about her team. In most cases, even if the managers are aware of the problems, they'd not done anything to avoid getting involved. As for that devil preceptor, if you do decide to go back, I strongly encourage you to not let this person intimidate you again. I know it's so much easier said than being done, however, you can TOTALLY do it. If I can handle bullies, you sure can. If you can get some advice from someone who's in social work, counselling,...or even books on dealing with these so-called difficult people, I'm sure you'll be able to handle these spiteful people at workplace. You made MY DAY, for sharing this latest news on your case; I really hope you'll be able to return to that job and work in a safer environment. Yes, please keep us posted.

Hi ChinupBSNRN, You are not a failure. I'm terribly sorry about what you had to put up with; that is a mega psychological harrassment. I had a very similar experience with the person who was supposed to train the new employee, not bully. I have to say, from reading your message, that your ex-preceptor and my ex-manager did the exact same thing. The only difference is that I was at a very small company where it was literally me and her all day. Personally, I think you did the best by removing yourself from that environment. Each time my ex-manager bullied me, I told her, "Look, I can't work efficiently when you talk to me like that. It's counter-productive." I remember her face changing and getting very defensive..."Oh, I'm not upset at you. It's nothing personal." However, each time I finish a project, she'd say "I know you double-checked, but I'm sure I'll be able to find mistakes here. Don't worry." Some women are naturally-born vindictive, like this one and your ex-preceptor. Eventually, she did me a huge favour; she let me go with the reason "not a good match." She was really evil; when I worked there, she was already 5 months pregnant and a chain-smoker. It was one of the most abusive 6 weeks I had to put up with, in my career life. I remember crying the entire weekend and I went to chat with my friend, a social worker. I had very similar symptoms from what you went through. Give yourself some time to completely heal from this; like someone already said, treat yourself with something you like. Good luck with your new job, and I hope you'll find the right niche for yourself. Take care, vwbeetle Remember, the problem was not you...it was that horrible ex-preceptor. What comes around goes around.

OK, I see. I misunderstood and thought the preceptorship program exists instead of probation period in the hospital settings. Thank you for clarifying this in such a short time.

Hello everyone, I saw a job posting for newly grads nursing recruitment at one of the large hospital near where I live. They seem to be hiring quite a few in several departments. All of them indicates "6 weeks of preceptorship program" They all appear to be what we call "floor nursing". Isn't 6 weeks a bit too short for someone fresh out of a school? Don't most jobs, outside of nursing, give you average 3 months of probation? I had a chance to speak to one of the nurse who happens to work there. "In the past, when I started, they'd put the newly grad nurse with an experienced nurse until he/she gets comfortable with the new job. Nowadays, due to short staffing, the hospital just make you start working immediately on your own." What are most typical length of a preceptorship program in your region?

Read this article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/when-the-nurse-is-a-bully/

I agree with 79tango. If you are ready to get the fxxx outta there anytime soon and at the same time you feel they are about to fire you, then I don't see why they'd want you to be there for another 2wks. Give them your resignation letter and I'm sure the HR will arrange so that you can leave anytime soon. Good luck at your new job.

It's such a sad reality, I find. A friend of mine was an IT technician at a local children's hospital where she was terminated a few yrs ago. From her story, the HR sided with her manager who told them a falsified information; accused her of sth she never did. Luckily, she found a better job, but I can totally imagine how these hospital HR can side with the nurse managements if similar things happen.

Most administrative jobs don't look at where you got your degrees from. If EAP (employee assistance program) service providers is sth you like, you might wanna apply to those places. They always hire coordinators, administrators. That's all I can think of, for now. Good luck with your transition.

I don't think your shape and size matters so much. However, I hear a lot about back injuries after long years in nursing. I think it's more important in making sure we use a proper positioning when working; like bending your knees rather than bending your back. Of course, a regular workout would help a lot. When I had to see a physiotherapist, she emphasized a lot on never bending my back to lift sth. There was an article about an owner of a moving company who was interviewed. He mentioned that he has a young woman who's about 5 feet and average. She uses a proper positioning when lifting boxes. She's been there several years without any back injuries. Of course, patients probably weigh more than most moving boxes, however, I thought it's important that we all use the same strategy and use the correct body posture when lifting patients and beds. My 2cents.

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for your response and for your document. I downloaded it so that I can take time to read it. You as well as everyone who replied to me, truly made my day / my weekend. I'll keep my chin up and go for it! I'm sure so many of those who posted a message here for an advice appreciate your response. Thank you again, vwbeetle

SageSarah, Would you believe if I say your message touches me emotionally? Well, it sure did, and I thank you as well as all of you who replied to this thread for pointing out a lot of important things. SageSarah, yes, I don't know what it is, but something kept me go through all the hurdles of getting into the nursing program. Somehow, I went through them well. Hospital volunteer dpt provided me a very strong reference letter for me to get accepted to school. Nurses and CNAs appreciate me (except for 1 or 2 not-so-friendly ones) each time I go there to help. What kept me going? I wish I knew what it was, too. What I have been enjoying the most in hospital volunteering, is the contact I make with patients and make them feel comfortable. ** What began to scare/haunt me most is the medical errors caused by inexperienced newly grad nurses resulting from lack of training or from being pitched into the job right away...whatever reason it comes from...and then these newly grads are either forced to resign or get their license revoked. I'm not sure how long you've been in nursing but it seems like you are in a healthy working environment. I'm really happy for you. I'll try to find the answer to your question; what pulled me into nursing. :-) Thank you again.

I volunteer 3HRS per wk at a local hospital. As soon as I get home, I shower. Although I wear a gown, I don't like the smell of the hospital nor the smell of latex gloves that I put on. Although I don't do those complexed tasks like the CNAs and the RNs, I think showering as soon as I get home would be safer. Just like in my chemistry class, where we were told in the beginning, to make sure we wash our hands after we finish the lab, in order not to contaminate our belongings; I think it's a good idea to shower after nursing shift. My 2cents.

Thank you all of you, for such a quick response and most of all, for reminding me the positive side of the aspect in Nursing. Gosh, I feel like such a loser right now. I'm actually not worried about the years i'll be in nursing school, and in fact, I think it will be a lot of fun. It's the life after finishing the school that scares the crap out of me; especially when I read about newly grads quitting or getting canned from their 1st employment. Most of them appears to be the consequence of not enough time in training. To tell you the truth, I left a job in the past within 2months due to the same reason. They wanted a junior person and promised they will train me. (not nursing). The so-called "manager" was a classical office bully; at one point, I went to the washroom crying. Luckily, she helped me get my unemployment, but each time I read nurse bullying, I can totally relate to my previous experience. It's just that, in nursing, it seems like the entire hospital & HR are ready to gang up on you like some mafioso at anytime. As long as I find the correct niche, once I'm done with school, I am confident that I will do well; just the nurses who say they love their job. It would be my dream-come-true deal, since I naturally enjoy helping others and at times, going out of my way. I interact with patients at the hospital as a volunteer, and I can see how this can be the most rewarding job. On the otherside, I've seen some tough patients where nurses told me to stay away from them and call the nurse aids to look after instead. I'm definitely interested in the ER (I thrive in those environment), pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, and med-surgical units. If I end up in a wrong area in Nursing, I can see myself packing and running towards the hospital emergency exit not looking back. (a bit exaggerated but I'd not hesitate to leave that job, if I see that I don't fit in.) Anyhow, I wish there's a fortune-teller with a crystal ball who can very honestly tell me which direction to go from now on.

Hi everyone, Can anyone feel free to comment on my thoughts below? Despite almost everyone around me discouraging me to go into Nursing, as we all know it is a very demanding profession, I still insisted and registered for pre-requisite courses a year ago. My grades were nearly 100; I also started volunteering at a local hospital to see how Nurses spend their days at their jobs. This spring, I got accepted to a local Nursing program, and I applied for loans & bursaries; registered for Fall courses. All there is left for me, is to start the semester. However, I discovered allnurses.com not too long ago, and I honestly wish I knew about this site last year. Now I clearly see how demanding this job is; Nurse bullying, getting physically & verbally attacked & abused by patients, MDs not appreciating you, colleagues back-stabbing, on top of long working hours and possible physical injuries (back problems, I hear), lack of support in the team, being set-up for a failure, risk of having your license revoked...etc. OMG, I have to admit that I truly admire current nurses out there. I'm almost on the point of just forgetting about this career, despite the fact that I've invested so much time & work to get into this program. Why? I'm 38 y.o. right now and if, after graduating from the school several years from now, I feel I cannot handle this job, I think I'd be really really depressed after all that investment I would have made. It seems like the nursing shortage is temporarily being resolved by the newly grads until they cannot handle their first new job anymore and then the hospitals go for another batch of newly grad nurses. Why else is there a nursing shortage?? Not only that, the hospital where I volunteer, I can clearly see that the nurses don't look happy at all. All of them look extremely stressed out. Some of them are very unfriendly that I prefer to avoid them. Can you imagine if I were to work with them? Thank god I'm only a volunteer. From what I've observed, the school life as a nursing student and actually nursing life once you get your license seems completely different, am I right? At school, you make friends and you build a good study group, etc. From what I've been reading here, forget about nursing friend or colleagues once you start working, since there seems to be an endless backstabbing and bullying in this field, given it's mostly women. Why did I choose nursing as my 2nd career? a. When I was in high school, MedSchool was my goal. Didn't make it. Long story. b. I've always been interested in health / science / doing researches. c. Each time I was well accomodated by healthcare professionals, I've always longed to be part of them, making difference in other people's lives. Now, I think I wasn't realizing how those healthcare professionals interact among themselves, versus how they interact wth patients. That's also different, right? d. Of course, I've been longing for a stable & mobile career; sth I can pursue for the rest of my life. This, also, may not the reality, since I've been hearing about how a lot of nurses get back injuries after long years in this field. Please feel free to honestly comment on my thoughts. Yes, I think I'm a really coward, at this point and a zero self-confidence....2 months before school starts.

I worked in a non-profit organization (non-hospital setting), and it was really pathetic. They seemed to have absolutely no money at all. The CEO wanted to host an event to give awareness of what her organization does. She wanted it to be done during happy hourse. I asked her, what about the food. Her answer was...she doesn't have the $$ for food so she wanted to find nearby restaurants, bakeries who were willing to "donate" us with some free food. My position was created temporarily with the help of government funding. I realized that the CEO was taking advantage of the government $$, since I didn't get to do any of what was written on my job description. Rather, she wanted me do all the grunt work that no one else in the team wanted to do. She was really absorbed in getting everything "for free" from here and there, but then she had the money to go on travelling to Europe. I left that place in 2 months, since it was really depressing place to work. I remember them not having the $$ to buy our office supplies, like basic pens. Computers were donated from a large corporationg that were falling apart after 10 yrs...omg, it was purely pathetic. Then, getting me on board with the government funding by fakely creating a job description of a position that never really existed. That was the last time I decided to join any non-profit organisation. I know not every non-profits are like that, however, this place got me so freaked out that I decided to stay away from them.

Thank you everyone, for reminding me the bright side of going into Nursing. Is Nursing really what I want to do? Yes and no. Yes, because I've always wanted to become a healthcare professional. I enjoy helping others and a lot of time, going out of my way to help whenever I can. Volunteering in hospital has been giving me chance to see the Nursing is a very demanding career but also very rewarding. I enjoyed all the pre-requisite courses that I took, and the course material in the Nursing program looks really challenging. I look forward to starting the program itself. I'm just really scared, now that I'm about 6 wks prior to the first wk of school and part of myself is concerned about the hospital HR people possibly "picking on" my candidacy if they find out that my 1st degree and my 1st career was in the creative world. No, each time I read stories about "horizontal violence in Nursing", it really scares the crap out of me. Been there already in my previous job where the HR created documents based on the version of my boss. Workplace bullying exists everywhere, and it's something I never want to go through. I'm so relieved after reading replies from all of you. Thank you again for such a quick response. GrnTea, thank you for confirming me that Nursing requires creativity. That's what I always thought, since I can imagine so many situations where you really have to come up with a creative idea in this field. Yes, I won't give too much credit to my previous employment. In any case, I do have two people in the upper management that are willing to provide me a positive reference (not my boss), if the hospital HR requests this. However, I plan on having my volunteer supervisor at the hospital and a few RNs who appreciates my service, to be my reference when I apply for hospital jobs. So I'll go relax in peace now. :)

Hi linearthinker, I was mostly in web + graphic design (promotional brochures, packaging, etc). Not related to Health. That's another thing; wouldn't the HR people from Hospital say "You're an artist? Do you think you'll handle Nursing job? There's zero creativity." I've gotten this reaction from people around me.

hi tmartin83, Congratz on your new job and yes, i think Hawaii sounds like an awesome place to live and work. Although I've not been in your shoe, I can totally understand how you feel. If job market is tight for newly grads in Hawaii, can you handle being separate from your husband for, say 8-10 months? It's in btw 6 months & 1 yr. Time goes by really fast. A friend of mine had to be separated from her husband for 1 year due to his work situation. She really wanted to keep her job and he got a contract elsewhere. They're still together happily as usual. If you leave your current job and move to Hawaii, and if you don't find a job in Nursing, it may impact on your relationship as a result. That's my concern. If you manage to hold on to your job where you are now, at least for 6 months, then when you join your husband later on, at least you are no longer a "newly grad" Nurse. Know what I'm saying? At the same time, I've learned to follow my own intuition, regardless of what others say. Good luck on your decision. I'm sure, later on, you'll realize that things happen for a good reason. That's always been in my case.

Hello everyone at allnurses, I'd like to get your feedback on my situation. I got accepted to a Nursing school for Fall 2011, but I'm concerned about eventually finding a job as an RN after school. Here's my situation: I worked at my job for 5yrs 'til Aug 2009. I gave my resignation, as my working environment became unbearable. My supervisor got the HR involved to sabotage me and I decided to leave before they really mess my reputation within the organization. Yes, I was bullied by her and the HR management. I didn't want to have "dismissed" on my record, so I voluntarily left, lucking because I found another job elsewhere. Unfortunately, that new job didn't work out either, and I arranged with the employer that they let me go by stating "not suited for the position". From fall 2009 until april 2011, I hopped 5 different jobs. All of them were "revolving door" positions where no one last more than 6 months. I was so desperate to find a work and perhaps they saw I needed work asap. I plan on not mentioning any of these jobs that I hopped since 2009. On the other hand, I have been volunteering at a local teaching hospital for a little over 1 year, and that one has been going very well. I got a very strong reference letter from the hospital volunteer dept, for my Nursing admission as well as a lot of RNs and CNAs are happy with my volunteer work. Now, when I go back to school full-time in fall and 3 YRS later, when I try to apply for a Nursing job, don't you guys think that the hospital HRs will see my CV as a red flag? Wouldn't they think "Does this candidate see Nursing as some kind of an emergency exit or what??" july 2004- aug 2009 A employer 2010- present: hospital volunteer 2011 april - present: B employer, pt office clerk I plan on continuing volunteer to amend my CV while I go to school and also to network with people there. I thought of sending my CVs to hospital HR to see if they have any student PT positions in clerical jobs like reception, cafeteria cashier...etc...but I'm a little concerned that they will turn down my CV and eventually not even consider my candidacy 3 yrs later when I apply for Nursing positions. BTW, I luckily found a part-time office clerk job at a corporate company since april this year, and I expect to work there 'til end of august at least. They are really happy with me and in fact, they are trying to talk me out of Nursing, if I'm intereted in their field. I know that they are a very stable company and everyone seem to have been there for many yrs. I'm concerned that after 3 yrs of investing in my education with student loans, that the hospital HRs will blacklist my CV due to the gap in my working history. Please feel free to share your opinions about this. From what I've been reading on allnurses.com, it seems like the hospital HRs work like some mafias for the best interest of the employer; especially the new nurses who got bullied from their new job. If the HR decides to screw your license and your career path, it seems like they do whatever they can to ruin your Nursing career, based on what's been posted here. Worried vwbeetle...

Hi ANH RN, I'm so sorry to hear about your toxic working environment due to colleagues. I'm a nursing student going for a career transition, and I have to admit that these type of people exist in every profession. What I'd do, if I were you, is to not anticipate in any of the complaining your colleague does in front of you. Just have the "no comment" attitude, and stay out of it. I think you are absolutely entitled to express your frustration of your workplace. Don't we all do that? :-) People that complain about anything that moves in front of them, are just built that way. Not much you can do to change them. I bet, even if they win a lottery, they'd still be complaining as to how and when they're going to spend all that money. Some people are just bitter like, they were naturally born like that. They thrive for these complaints and gossips. Don't get surprised or upset, when you find out through the grapevine that these colleagues gossip about you; it's a matter of time. The best way to handle your work situation, is to give this person the least info you can about yourself. I'd really stay away from her as much as I can. I know it's easier said than being done. If it really starts to effect you, then you have nothing to lose. See if you can transfer to another floor. My 2cents. P.S. - I have to admit that I was quite shocked as to how much nurse bullying seems to be happening in every part of the world.

Hello ohhyeahh, Here's the link to the site where you can find detailed information in English version: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/index.html Basically, it is an education equivalency evaluation of your education done outside of Quebec. Good luck with this!

OMG, then how come there are waiting list to get into BScN in Camosun College in Victoria?

Hi janfrn, Thank you for such a prompt response. That is a huge wage gap. The starting salary is somewhere in 21$ an hour, once you pass the OIIQ Nursing exam. So, that makes sense, that due to lowest salary within Canada + the French language requirement, that every single hospitals and Quebec Health Services are always looking for nurses. (because the rest of Canada isn't hiring right now so Quebec will do!... Then let me ask you this, how come there are waiting lists in some Nursing programs in BC? I know Camosun College in Victoria, VCC in Vancouver have waiting lists. There are no hiring, especially for the newly grads, but the Nursing programs have waiting lists of people wanting to get into their programs?? I emailed the Vancouver Health Services and UCB in Okanagan last year, as to what are the job placement like? None of them replied me back. Is it because they were reluctant to tell me the sad truth about the job market OR is it because they are trying to keep away out-of-province candidates?

Hello everyone, I just registered to allnurses, and I'll be starting my nursing school this fall. I've been reading this forum for several months, and although I'm not yet an RN, I decided to join the community. Anyhow, I'm in Quebec province, and there seems to be a huge nursing shortage; at least that's what I've been hearing from the ones who just graduated. In their last yr of school, they called hospitals and the HR would ask them "Which dpt would you like to work, part-time/full-time?" Each schools I've called, they are proud to tell me that it's really 100% guaranteed upon graduating. So when I asked one of the newly grad, "Each year, they hire so many newly grad...I mean, it's not like hospitals are balloons...do they all go elsewhere or do they quit or do they get replaced by newly grad?? According to a number of people, the Quebec RNs get paid the lowest out of Canada. Therefore, a lot of them gain their experience here and they move out to Ontario or elsewhere; oh, also, a lot of Quebec nurses go work in the Northern Canada or even to the States. So, I'm actually a little confused, because in Quebec, they appear to be sooo desperately short of nurses, and a lot of hospitals are recruiting nurses throughout the year; then I read messages in this forum and there seems to be no nursing shortage in Canada nor in US. I, myself, am a little concerned, too, since I'm also going back to school to pursue Nursing, as a 2nd career. I really hope that I won't be unemployed upon finishing my Nursing program.