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As I read the many responses I am wondering where we are for supporting each other (especially in the challenging field of nursing)? Most certainly in any field people work, (outside of nursing) there are great communicators and challenging communicators. Those who need growth it their communication skills generally are not let go for communication unless abusive or previously discussed and.or being coached on. We owe each other the opportunity to improve, and without this feed back and rather response to go home is discouraging. From some of the other responses with messages voicing I think I am missing some critical information- maybe you are however we are all here to offer support one another, avoid judgement, and discuss ways to go forward positively . My personal opinion, would be to look for another job. I have worked in units where staff have left due to abusive language and behavior from their preceptor. This to me is unacceptable. The response was to nod as a preceptee and not to ask too many questions, even if they ask for help- seen others say no and wanted the preceptee to grow in their skills. If we as a profession would unite and agree to support each other. Crucial conversations, professional behavior and a want for a strong team should be a goal. As a preceptee, there have been many times when I have to take a fair amount of verbal abusive or do it yourself behavior which I have done.... to later leave at the end of my shift and go home in tears and looking at home how to complete that skill with increased knowledge (thank you google!!) Remember, we can all rise above unhealthy behaviors and not become part of the problem. If you move on, you will find a great place to work. Remember, like everyone, we all appreciate the please and thank you's and if you are not sure politely ask if they wouldn't mind walking this through with you. Don't ever be afraid to ask a question or seek clarification as that will make your path a little easier to walk and be a great nurse. You will find amazing teachers and coworkers, and then those you will smile at and be grateful they are not your next door neighbor... A functional team, both in skills and communication provide outstanding care to patients and that is why we have chosen this profession. We all want to be part of that team, the best of the best and providing nothing short of outstanding heartfelt care. Sounds like the department you are currently may have some areas to grow in to become one of those outstanding care teams???

I often felt like telesolicitor. Time and contacts were measured, a check list of needed info covered, however not necessarily a care plan. Love patients, I did not feel like a nurse here. Positives: great people who work there- just don't get to really know them. Also, everything and I mean everything is recorded, timed, including bathroom breaks, lunch etc however no compensation for working late which was daily and really no time for either lunch or a break. If you like nursing, this is a difficult job and I certainly didn't feel like I was a nurse.

I am anxious to hear your replies.... I think it may also be limited to what might be available in your area where you live. Maybe former RN's don't read these posts? You will land on your feet and hopefully running in your new career soon!

As all of you, I too have been in that drama of mean girl or should I really call it survivor?? The truth is, you hate coming to work just because you don't quite know what's ahead of you for the day and also it takes away from your work. The time it takes to defend yourself takes away from patient time and then when you go home- working through it time. Why do we tolerate this behavior, and let it continue? If all of us would just stand up and say this is not right! STOP IT! the group would be broken. Have we made our own worse enemies? Maybe it is not the physicians however coworkers. Now that is completely disheartening. If I am unable to stop this behavior (I understand it will take time and it will reappear from time to time)- then really I consider myself a poor supervisor. I dislike writing people up as this seems like an authority trip - of course I do when there is a patient issue. Do I have them sign a contract on nice behavior in the work place, and then when violated do the talking, then the writing the next time it occurs. My gosh, I do feel like a junior high teacher. Enough is enough. I want to handle this professionally, and that all of us walk away feeling much better once this stops. I don't have any control over behavior outside of work and I really don't care about that either. Maybe a simple word such as "OUCH" when you hear a mean comment might help each other realize what we say day to day and how it hurts each others feelings. I will probably move on from this job as I don't want to become part of the team, and it seems as if the behavior is tolerated or just ignored. So basically, the nice ones often move on- and those who are able to tolerate or contribute to the behavior seem to stay on. I know there is no perfect place to work- however, in the role I am currently working, I do have some ownership in the behaviors that are tolerated in the work place- right? Thanks again for all your support and ideas- they are great and extremely helpful.

The problem is that I am a supervisor and trying to establish the "nice workplace" guidelines. I have thick skin, and older so already traveled this road in my career. I would like to figure a way to create a kind environment, with respect to each other and team work. I can hold my own and have been tested a few times a week- but the new staff and being insecure really is a challenge. I want to put an end to the mean girls role and start the "nice girl" team. Ideas? Thanks for your suggestions!

Help- I am new to a clinic where many of the staff are tight and not accepting of new staff. They often act like teenage girls. A new hire even walked out after hearing people talk about her often. How do I resolve this??

Definitely go somewhere with a union- meaning no non contract jobs. I worked for Allina- specifically United for many years, when I left the contract for a non contract job through Allina I had some major problems. HR had no interest what was going on and unjust actions. My coworkers knew of the problem but I had no backing being non contract. We all can learn from lessons learned (the hard way). United itself (RN contract) was fine though. Great learning environment!

If it is the same one that has been new (approximately 3-4 years ago he has become the new president of United), he may have many meetings with the employees- but I don't thiknow if it has produced many varied outcomes. ( I have heard that from other employees and a physician concerns). But remember, these are only individual opinions- not always truth based. I can only speak about the engangement surveys done yearly- (this is the second year), really negative outcome in a few depts (mine)- and no follow up, no improvement, no action taken. I guess I would like to see a meeting or survey with follow through. Just my two cents.

I can only speak for United- it was a awesome place to work as a nurse 16 years ago. It has gone rather top heavy now and not as supportive of their nursing staff. It continues to have excellent and talented nurses- but management does not seem to appreciate their good fortune. Unfortunately, I dont see a lot of change soon in that attitude, and can only see that as a concern now. Perhaps Abbott has a different perspective?? That's just my opinion though.

Wow, where in Boston did you work? I have been a RN for 20 years and when I wnet to Boston was surpised by the new RN's, pool nurses and the expected knowledge of the floor. I don't think all hospitals are the same. I also would not recommend nursing for my children or for friends-- certainly stressful!! All jobs are stressful to some extent, I just would like a lunch, break or bathroom break once in a while.

[ Wow there is hope! =control]ITA. When I switched from the floor to an office setting it was culture shock! The people in my office whine if the A/C is out or if they only get half an hour for lunch. I used to think they were spoiled. Now I just think I was used to being mistreated!

where in Boston did you do your nursing? I know when I was there as a patient, it certainly is not nursing like it is here in Minnesota!! It could just be the hospital where you are at. I also know that I would not let any firends or fmaily go into nursing-- it is stressful!! These two hospitals may not be the top place to go. I was dumbfounded when I read the hospital that I was at in Boston was one of the top in United States. I heard through the nursing staff the large amount of the nurses were pool nurses, or first jobs. It was a stressful unit that was not staffed well.

I have worked as a RN for 20 years, but recently took a new job where I need to purchase scrubs. I was looking on the comments regarding a a company that sells scrubs and the reviews are terrible-- thank goodness I looked b/4 ordering. Where is a great place to order scrubs on line, at a great place and ialso has a great reputation? I am looking to you tried and true experts!!