I notice some students or others seem to think that because they've heard about a nursing shortage, that means that they will get a day position in their dream unit, and be welcomed with open arms as if they are the reserve troops come to save the day.
I don't think that's really the case. You still have to take the less desirable shifts, prove yourself, be accepted by your co-workers, and earn respect. Yes, there are toxic units, and those ones are probably more in need of extra help, so you might be more likely to get a job there.
If you are a newbie, you still have to 'pay your dues' in some way, that's usually the way life works in many arenas.
Finally, if long time nurses are shocked to get attitude from your newbies, look to your preceptorships. If you want excellence, portray excellence and welcome your new nurses. Lay the groundwork for expectations.
This is an excellent post. Having been in many lines of work, I have found almost everywhere that those who came before set the tone. My department atm is fantastic. I love it so much. Not everyone is perfect or nice or even friendly ALL the time, but the tone is set, so when I see new people join us, there is an expectation of courtesy and friendliness. It may not be how everyone truly feels, but we don't need to cuddle up and watch movies together and giggle like school kids... we just need to work together, and civility and the pretense of respect, with or without a true sentiment behind it, I have seen goes a very VERY long way towards making it a good environment.
I dont "pay my dues". I just do my job. I don't "leapfrog those who deserve more than me" I just request what I want, and either I get it or I dont. I don't whine as the OP suggested some do, or expect a dream job. Reality hit me quite a long time ago, so I'm not that nieve. Although honestly I would take no job over a job I did not want, but I understand that not everyone has that option. I respect my coworkers, and I love my boss to death (in a professional way of course ) but that doesn't mean I would stand down and not speak up when I have a thought/question/whatever. Maybe its just because I'm not a young'un anymore, and I am sure I would have fallen into the "subservient to the elders" or the "uppity" category back in the day, but I don't have time for that these days, and I DEFINITELY don't have time for all that drama...
FWIW though it seems to be working. In my birthday card, my Director said "thank you for always being so upbeat and positive"
Please remember that not all students think they are going to be "golden" when they graduate. One thing I'd like to say is let us try to change the atmosphere of "nurses eat their young." Be patient with the new grads, we are nervous and know that our "real" education begins in the new grad programs. We need all the wisdom and support of the expereienced nurses.
i don't believe that anyone here is under the impression that EVERY new nurse is coming out with the sense of entitlement, and expecting the "golden" job or schedule. It is just there are those who do. My guess is that they also have traveled through the earlier part of their life that way as well. (had a nurse who worked on one unit, who didn't get her vacation approved, and told her manager, if she didn't get it she would resign. She said there is a shortage, i can get a job in a heartbeat when i come back. unfortunately she was right, the hospital hired her back to a different unit. )
this is also why some nurses "eat their young", how would you like to be a nurse on the unit that had to scramble to cover the hole she left when she "got" her vacation? and then come in to see her back working on a different floor?
Well I'm a nursing student, in my senior year and while I do agree that I will have to "pay my dues" and "earn my stripes" if you will, I dont think its necessary for all the older nurses with experience to constantly say things like that to discourage new grads. No we might not be able to get the job of our dreams on day shift right out of college..but I know plenty of people who have. Sometimes I feel nurses that have been working a long time confuse telling new grads "the real deal" and being just plain discouraging. And while alot of aspects in nursing remain the same..alot of things have changed now days. New grads are doing alot of things that nurses who graduated 10, 20 yrs ago werent doing. Even on this forum I have heard about new grads rolling right into OB and other specialities on day shift and loving it. So I choose to stay positive and pray that im blessed enough to get where my heart wants me to be as a new nurse (OB).
Sometimes I feel nurses that have been working a long time confuse telling new grads "the real deal" and being just plain discouraging. And while alot of aspects in nursing remain the same..alot of things have changed now days. New grads are doing alot of things that nurses who graduated 10, 20 yrs ago werent doing.
i'm sure there are those out there who do the "sour grapes" thing, and are just not happy with their life, however as a shift supervisor for close to 18 years, i can honestly say that if i'm telling a new hire "The real deal" it is because they should be aware that this is NOT the text book, and i'm trying to get them thru their first couple of events until they can navigate on their own without getting creamed. In the same breath, i will admit if that same person hands me back something fit for around a rose bush, i will let them discover "the real deal" on their own.
missjennmb
932 Posts
This is an excellent post. Having been in many lines of work, I have found almost everywhere that those who came before set the tone. My department atm is fantastic. I love it so much. Not everyone is perfect or nice or even friendly ALL the time, but the tone is set, so when I see new people join us, there is an expectation of courtesy and friendliness. It may not be how everyone truly feels, but we don't need to cuddle up and watch movies together and giggle like school kids... we just need to work together, and civility and the pretense of respect, with or without a true sentiment behind it, I have seen goes a very VERY long way towards making it a good environment.
I dont "pay my dues". I just do my job. I don't "leapfrog those who deserve more than me" I just request what I want, and either I get it or I dont. I don't whine as the OP suggested some do, or expect a dream job. Reality hit me quite a long time ago, so I'm not that nieve. Although honestly I would take no job over a job I did not want, but I understand that not everyone has that option. I respect my coworkers, and I love my boss to death (in a professional way of course
) but that doesn't mean I would stand down and not speak up when I have a thought/question/whatever. Maybe its just because I'm not a young'un anymore, and I am sure I would have fallen into the "subservient to the elders" or the "uppity" category back in the day, but I don't have time for that these days, and I DEFINITELY don't have time for all that drama...
FWIW though it seems to be working. In my birthday card, my Director said "thank you for always being so upbeat and positive"