What would you do?

Nurses New Nurse

Published

I know this depends on who you are, what you want out of nursing....BUT....This has really affected my life.

I'm working as a Transplant RN in a hospital with a big reputation. On a floor that has a reputation....for being BAD to their nurses, especially the new ones. And I'm one of the new ones.

I have never worked in an environment that was so viscious in my entire life. These other nurses with more experience are ruthless. Yet, they will sit there after tearing you apart in front of everyone, 'well, you're new, no one expects you to know everything.'

My own preceptor has gone behind my back and said some mean things about me. The team leaders (2 of them) are horrible. One of them is so bad that she causes many people to leave and what does the upper level of management have to say about this? Their answer "oh, we know about her. She's been like this for years. No one wants to do anything. After you leave, others will come and say the same thing and again, no one will do anything."

And I'm working where?

The work is so hard. The patients are so sick. 98% of the transplant (liver/kidney/pancreas) patients come back to our floor directly from the OR, so we have to play the part of the unit nurse as well. Our nurse to pt ratio is low, which makes it nice, but we are just as busy. Liver patients are BUSY! Usually in their room every 30 minutes!

Last bit: The team leaders and more experienced nurses will pick fights, back stab, ridicule, and reprimand you in front of *G* and everyone.

I simply walk away from everyone and I keep to myself. Tragic. BUt if I get involved, it effects my patient care. I've forgotten an important med before when I got involved in the politics because I was so flustered. I said, 'no more,' but now I hate going into work.

I have a job offer at another hospital doing something I think I would enjoy but I'll be making less money....and may not have to deal with as much politics (from what I hear, but who knows)....would you do it? What would you do in this situation? Is ALL of nursing like this? My skin is getting thicker...

:eek:

I have spoken with the manager and many of the comments were actually from the manager. I have also spoke with the employee relations individual and she felt that unless I wanted a "full blown meeting" there was nothing that she would do. I opted against the meeting because I have already seen signs of retaliation because I have voiced my concerns. When I started voicing my concerns- I became a larger target and now I have noticed that every little move and every little word is being heavily scrutinized. I do know that I need to leave and move to a healthier environment. I feel as though if I were to move right now to a different hospital, I would not be able to give my true efforts and that I would be bringing in some of the hurt feelings that I have at this time. I would like to start at a new place with the fresh, new eyes that I had earlier this year.

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Nursing is hard and some units are unbearable. Fortunately demand is high and good units are out there. Move on!

I agree. Too many good units out there. I'd leave that toxic environment.

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Dear HappyJax- Money is not everything. It sounds like a toxic environment. We take care of others; we need to take care of ourselves. Money is not everything. Move on. Toxic environments are not healthy.

teach1

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Please don't forget to say thank you to your manager. Have a great day. You make a difference in the lives that you touch.

teach1

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Specializes in Transplant, homecare, hospice.
Dear HappyJax- Money is not everything. It sounds like a toxic environment. We take care of others; we need to take care of ourselves. Money is not everything. Move on. Toxic environments are not healthy.

teach1

I agree. I did end up getting a job on another floor. My situation has just gone from BAD to worse. I'm dreading my final days on my floor. I just can't get over how bad these people can be. I'm shocked.

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Specializes in Transplant, homecare, hospice.

Hello. I dug this e-mail out of the thread garbage and thought maybe I would continue to say that, I'm miserable. I had two great oppertunities to move on and I turned on of them down because I was told I had the better one. I'm trapped in a job that is killing me. I know a lot of it has to do with how I handle stress. But a lot of it is just wrong. I'm lost for words. The tears come easier. I called to follow up on the job I accepted and I was told that the nurse manager is thinking about it. That's not what I was told in the interview. I was told that I was able to transfer up to them. Now it's uncertain. My team leader yelled at me over the weekend in front of everyone and told me I had a bad attitude. She has been extremely rude to me since I've stepped on the floor and I've been very gracious to her knowing she was not emotionally stable, and dealt with her personality. The last time I worked, her behavior wasn't warranted for what she did and the mean things she said. I truly didn't do anything. I have to say this and will look back on this cringe later, but I'm dying.

I am so hurt. I can barely type this out. I'm so sorry. I don't want anyone's pity and I'm sorry if it appears I'm feeling sorry for myself.

To make matters worse, I have a disability that I keep to myself because I don't want others to judge me. I'm beginning to wonder if all of this is because of the disability. I'm so hurt. I just don't know what to do.

I guess my mother was right after all. This career might be too hard for me to handle. Thanks for your support.

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Do you have EAP (employee assistance program) available. I would encourage that you seek some assistance ASAP.

teach1

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Specializes in Psych.

Don't beat yourself up. If it's possible, let this team leader know how you feel in an assertive way e.g.-I felt______when you _____. I would prefer, in the future if we could handle this situation differently by ____. If you can't do it this way, that's OK. It is not your responsibilty to monitor and correct this person's behavior. Talk to HER/HIS supervisor in a calm, conciliatory manner and let your concerns be known. We ALL have to answer to somebody and from what I am reading, your team leader's behavior was unprofessional and uncalled-for. Don't let them get you down! You are a highly skilled and highly educated professional. The healthcare industry needs you and so do your pts. But there are pts everywhere, you don't have to stay where you are. Your valuable skills and abilities could be put to good use in a much more supportive environment. Learn what you can from this experience and move on. If it means you have to change and adjust, that's ok, life is for learning and improving. But NO ONE should have to tolerate unwarranted abuse. There is just no excuse...

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Specializes in Transplant, homecare, hospice.
If it means you have to change and adjust, that's ok, life is for learning and improving. But NO ONE should have to tolerate unwarranted abuse. There is just no excuse...

Thank you for your advice. It's very helpful. :)

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