would you tell a manager how toxic her floor is?

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2019

When criticizing, I think it is best to be as specific as possible and focus on behaviors rather than feelings. Toxic can mean a lot of things. What happened exactly? Give examples. For example, I asked a staff member to help me bathe a patient and she responded "I don't have time for that." Or, two staff members laughed when I dropped something and no one helped me pick it up. Or another nurse told my patient that I didn't do a procedure the correct way. If these types of things happen a lot, you can say so. These things contribute to culture.

Also give whatever honest positive feedback you have at the same time and communicate your respect for the manager.

Best wishes

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 13, 2019

If you can list specific things that can be changed, then list them. For example you can comment on the problem of last minute schedule changes, excess float staff, mandatory overtime, orientation cut short, etc.

If you respect the manager, stating the facts can help her do the job better.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2019

Do you really think management doesn't know it?

It is only a question of you being able to afford to burn bridges with this place. Realistically, there are pretty few circumstances which would allow you to do it safely. Local nursing circles can be much tighter than one can imagine. But if you, say, move for a good distance or leave for grad school and do not plan to come back to the same level job and feel like doing it, then feel free.

(foreseeing questions: I did just that in 2015 with the fire burning up to high heavens. A short two years later I was without any problems credentialed in the same place as an NP. Nursing administration people still try to dissolve into thin air when we bump into each other by an accident. And at least in two units the question of new grads abuse is not existing any more).

Oldmahubbard · Mar 16, 2019

At one point I worked at a place that was toxic beyond words. I was at an unfortunate place in my life where I believed I was the problem.

Going out of their way to be unpleasant. Yes, that's it.

I couldn't resign due to financial reasons, and at last it was no surprise to be fired.

I got a call from the union a few days later. Something is wrong. I was the sixth person in that position in less than 2 years.

They know. They aren't doing anything about it for some political reason.

And yes, you should complain and leave as fast as you can.

prmenrs, RN · Mar 17, 2019

I believe it's a mistake to burn bridges. You never know when, or how, it might bite you in the butt.

kp2016 · Mar 17, 2019

Honestly I wouldn’t bother. Nothing good will come of it so why risk it coming back to haunt you. An experienced new nurse quitting after a month says more than enough.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2019

10 hours ago, prmenrs said:
I believe it's a mistake to burn bridges. You never know when, or how, it might bite you in the butt.

I agree that it is never good to burn bridges.

Not giving proper notice, calling off after you've given notice, spiteful actions or communication, not doing your job properly after you've given notice are all examples of bridge burning.

If responding honestly and respectfully to a request for information is construed as bridge burning, then the problem is apparent right there. Secrecy is a fundamental tool of systematic abuse.

The hospital I left hired a staff retention specialist, to try to fix the turnover problem. I let that person know why I left. This is a legitimate field. Nurse turnover is very expensive for a hospital. Usually, the root of a toxic unit is a toxic manager. If that's not the case here, it would be really helpful for OP to speak up. If OP was a new grad with no other experience, maybe this would be more dangerous, but OP is a well established nurse.

HR folk can't know what the problem is because they're not there. When they show up to observe, folks are on their best behavior. They rely on reports from people to get a picture of what is going on. And when people leave, that's when some of the best info is available, because folks aren't trying to protect their social position or their jobs anymore, and they are freed up a bit to let the truth be known.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Mar 17, 2019

On 3/13/2019 at 6:13 AM, remotefuse said:
I started on a new floor 1 month ago. Yesterday I was given a survey to fill out about my job satisfaction, what theyre doing right/wrong etc. Before I got the form, yesterday was also the day I made the final decision to put my 2 weeks notice in. I've worked many floors, have quite a bit of experience, and I have no shortage of opportunities. However, this is by far the most toxic floor Ive ever worked on. People go out of their way to be unpleasant im over it.
However, I truly do respect the manager. And im debating really telling her all of this. If it were my floor, I would want to know.
Thoughts?

Hard core honest?

I'll tell you why I wouldn't...you are leaving and she is probably a nurse that won't take your suggestions to heart anyway. That's why her floor is toxic.

I got a new manager once when I worked the floor that was wondering why the turnover rate was so high...it was high before she took over, high after she took over.

She took the time to meet with every employee, one by one, confidentially. She found out that there were about four bullies and a couple of gossips. She took each one of them in, told them they were being unprofessional and to clean up their act...final warning.

Two got the message, the other four didn't. She got permission to fire all four of them. Once they were replaced...like magic, her turnover problem ended.

That's been several years ago, she's an amazing manager and her department is one of the most desired places to work in the hospital.

Yes, it is possible to fix the problem..but like anything else, you have to admit there is one.

So...move on and let it go.

Oldmahubbard · Mar 17, 2019

There is an old saying about how evil prevails when good men (or women) keep their mouths shut.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Mar 17, 2019

40 minutes ago, Oldmahubbard said:
There is an old saying about how evil prevails when good men (or women) keep their mouths shut.

I agree with you 100%...but what I learned in hospitals years ago or any job for that matter, when you are the one leaving, they could care less about that person's opinion on what is wrong.

If voicing my concerns ever improved anything, I was kept in the dark about it.

Oldmahubbard · Mar 17, 2019

We must vote with our feet