"Nurse's Pet???" (and more questions...)

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

Hey... this may sound like a stupid problem.

OK I am a new grad and look "young". Most of my charge nurses are older than my mom, and very sweet.

The problem is, it seems that they treat me differently than the other new grads. They are easier on me, and talk about me with me standing there like that I am so good or whatever, with other nurses there. Which is embarrassing and I don't know what to say, though the other new nurses don't seem to mind and we get along really well mostly, I don't think they've heard most of it yet. I think the other staff nurses who have been there a long time are going to be irritated though. They are such better nurses than me, and don't need coddled etc. I don't want them to think I do either. Maybe some of you may know that (I HATE!!! this) but I have broken down a couple of times without meaning to at all, at work when things were rough, and I think they may think they have to be nice to me or I will quit, or that I can't take the pressure or something. I dunno. One even said "we have to do something nice for her.." when another of the new nurses has had 3-4 ICU or near-ICU patients in the past month, and I've never heard them say anything like this around or about her. She does always seem together and professional and just good though, so they probably don't think she needs reassurance. Could it be some kind of image I'm projecting? I just need some help here. I was also a doggone "teacher's pet" all through school and it was kind of aggravating, cause I couldn't ever figure it out. Please help. I want to be professional, seen as a nurse not some kid who has to be helped through everything and checked up on to make sure she is "okay" all the time.

Does this make any sense? I'm not sure how to explain it. I'd like to say something but I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings either because they are trying to make me feel better. But I need feedback and I'm willing to clarify if it doesn't make sense. I want to be stronger, and I truly hate when I cry because it makes me look very immature. I know you can't answer all my questions in this post but if you have a minute for any part of it, it would help. I think I just need some perspective from other nurses. Thanks!!

[Town & Country]

Enjoy it because it won't last long. Six months, tops. LOL.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Yep,, i have to agree. You are doing fine,, they are being reassuring as they should be, but eventually you will be just like the rest of them and they will expect just as much from you as they do the rest.

Enjoy it while you can.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

Never mind. Thanks anyway guess it's not that big a deal, you're both right.

[fergus51]

I would just try to act competent and together, but I wouldn't say anything about it to my coworkers. They may just be a caring bunch of people and most newer nurses should be with caring coworkers. To say something about it could be hurtful to them. I suspect time will sort this out. As you feel more comfortable, that will show and IF they are doing these things because they worry about you, that will stop.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

I would just try to act competent and together, but I wouldn't say anything about it to my coworkers. They may just be a caring bunch of people and most newer nurses should be with caring coworkers. To say something about it could be hurtful to them. I suspect time will sort this out. As you feel more comfortable, that will show and IF they are doing these things because they worry about you, that will stop.

you're right, I don't want to be hurtful, that's what I was thinking as well that's why I didn't want to say anything. I am lucky to have such caring co-workers. I tend to be less optimistic, not a good thing, but you're right, thanks a lot Fergus. :)