wendmill

I agree, there is a difference between people who are ***** and irritable (although-that is a miserable experience, as well) and those that have a bulls-eye on your back. Both groups warrant attention. Professionalism/ respect for co-workers and a team-oriented approach to patients does not appear to be a priority for either group. Poor behavior in the work place should not be allowed to become a culture that is accepted.

Thank you so much for your reply...I have recieved multiple e-mails(personally) from CNAs about this. Please encourage your friends to e-mail their experiences. Prior to working in the ED, and when I first graduated from Nursing School(I am 57 byears old) I worked in an LTC. I actually lost my job going to bat for the NAs and workload/treatment they received. The DON eventually got fired and I was offered her position...which I declined. I have always had such a soft spot for NA's...although we never utilized your talents within the EDs I have worked in. You do such back breaking work. I hope you are appreciated now

Thank you. Will do!

Thanks 9lives-looking forward to your observation, input/experiences. Happy Thanksgiving.

The practice of advancing or grooming a Nurse for managerial duties; knowing there is an inclination (or history) to undermine or bully co-workers continues to be pervasive.

Wheresilly: I could not agree with you more. On a most basic level, I have this dream that Nurses would obrserve and react with the disgust they would have, if someone just lit up a smoke inside the hospital. I know it goes beyond that. There needs to be an investment and people in management or leadership positions that find this to be an important issue and address it, each and every time.

Thank you so much for sharing. It isn't easy to spill our guts. I have thoughts/memories that can still bring me to tears. I hate the helplessness that one can experience, especially with poor management/leadership.Every episode or experience shared can ellucidate and define the problem a bit more clearly; and hopefully develop a resolve or plan. It tears at my heartstrings to think of a patient brought to tears because of some commentary or hurtful discussion between nurses. I hope through our discussion/blog/encouragement, we can help those Nurses that have felt the spears, to feel a little more empowered. Ultimately, the education needs to take place at management level. We need a buy in. One problem I have noted is that many people in management are or have been the type of Nurse we are discussing. Thoughts?

Dear fellow Nurses: I feel I neglected to mention how much I appreciate all of you opening up your hearts and(perhaps) old or new wounds and sharing them with all of us. Please know that I am reading each and every comment and am so grateful to be attached to an occupation that has an abundance of intelligent and passionate people. I find that I am laughing/shaking my head and remembering similar situations that have been mentioned. I do hope you will encourage your friends and co-workers to tell us their thoughts on this subject. I would also be interested in hearing from people-that perhaps have been one of those Nurses that have been brought to task(or accused) of harrassing or bullying a co-worker. DO you all think there are certain people that are targeted? Once again, thank you for your discussion. Happy Thanksgiving. wendmill

I want to thank all of you for your input and suggestions. I do want to make it clear that I am not referring to a worker that simply isn't very nice. I am referring to disrespect and unprofessional behaviors that create an environment that feels emotionally threatening, and difficult to focus on patient care. I have no doubt that hostile environments are created in other workplaces. Becoming rattled or having your focus pulled at Walmart is not(in my opinion) as intense or potentially dangerous as working with patients that need your attention.

Wheresilly: Thank you so much for your input. Unfortunately, I can say that without a doubt, I have observed hostile and bullying behavior between nurses for as long as I can remember. I think you have a strong point when you mentioned that some may not be willing to share their knowledge, as they feel threatened with regard to the job situation. I have also perceived this particular scenario multiple times.

I am considering a project which investigates/spotlights those behaviors of some Nurses, that create an antagonistic environment. I am hoping to hear what others have experienced and if/how it was resolved. Is anyone interested in sharing their history with me? I have found this to be the worst part of my (otherwise wonderful) 20 year nursing career. That being said, I feel compelled to write a dissertation, of sorts by gathering information, sharing experiences and hopefully discover an understanding or constructive means in which our fellow nurses can find resolution. Thank you.