What's up with veteran nurses hating on new grads?

Nurses General Nursing

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Several times in the past few weeks, I have heard rather disparaging remarks about new grads all over the hospital. Maybe some of you veteran nurses can shed a little light as to what the issue is? I work as hard as the next nurse, and my actions and gestures are discounted because I'm a new grad? The sad thing is I worked with these nurses as a tech and they were all so excited when I passed NCLEX and got my job. Do they not remember that they once were new nurses too?

I left the hospital scene after enduring "bullying" behavior from the veteran nurses. I now have to drive all over Houston to care for hospice patients, but it's worth not having to watch your back from disingenuous co-workers.

Meliss, which hospital did you work at?

In 30 years, I have never had an issue till this past 6 weeks. The new grad nurse is a smarty pants like someone I have never experienced. She is the first nurse I am worried could damage someone because she does as she wants despite otherwise.

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Is OP talking about veteran nurses working at VA hospital? So the working condition at VA is not good for new grads?

The OP is talking about his/her perception of his/her own work environment, which may or may not be a VA hospital.

The OP can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe s/he is using the term "veteran" as a synonym for "experienced".

As a new grad I am going through the same thing. Of course I'm not letting the nurses that make me feel like I'm worthless to them see how there actions really make me feel. And it is not all the nurses in the unit. I have seen this since I was a student. its not only hard to be the "new person" but add the new grad and well you feel out of place. I am a really hard worker, im not ine if those know it alls that doesn't listen and things I'm better than anyone. I enjoy people and I love learning. Also I know I have a lot to learn. But I cant help but ask, why would the veteran nurses not want to show the new grad the correct way, instead of trying to make it harder on them? wouldnt it also make it easier on the experienced nurse? And really who us getting the short end, the new grad or the patient?

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Dont be a ****head, know it all, the world revolves around me and there will be no issues.

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

If this was in conversations you overheard - I wouldn't put as much meaning to it as I would if I'd been the recipient of the remarks. People sometimes say things to blow off steam in the heat of the moment they don't really mean 100% of the time. Playground dynamics apparently don't end when you grow up physically with some people, lol. You get the evil leader of the pack and a bunch of "yes people" nodding in agreement at times.

The length and structure of orientations has changed quite a bit since I started, though. A "preceptor" was something a 1st year medical resident had. Nursing has borrowed the word but not the concept. You can't just point and tell someone "you are now a preceptor". It's a disservice to both nurses.

You can't just point and tell someone "you are now a preceptor". It's a disservice to both nurses.

teaching someone, really does add to the stress of one's assignment.

preceptors should be paid extra, or be offered as something they are willing to fulfill.

it really is burdensome and time-consuming.

assigning an unwilling nurse to this role, only creates further stress and resentment.

new nurses deserve a positive learning environment...

it is the only way they will learn and grow into their professional role.

as it stands, both lose out, frustrations escalate, resulting in a hostile workplace.

so op, vet nurses are not attacking the new nurses.

it is a bunch of misplaced anger, and anyone in the pathway, is a target.

the only thing we can do, is lead by example.

help out a coworker without being asked.

treat others with respect.

always keep the pt's well-being in mind.

do not stoop to others level.

keep reminding yourself that it's not about you.

when all else fails, it's time to move elsewhere.

but no matter where you go, always maintain the highest standards of care.

again, this isn't about 'them' or you...

it should always be the pt....

lest we forget.

also, may i suggest that even the wording of this title, about "hating on", is psychologically influential.

the power of suggestion is also contributory towards the negativity we experience.

perhaps if w e rephrased our words from something less personal to something more generic, then resolution may be easier attained?

just wondering aloud.

leslie

I think there's also something to be said for the "back in my day we did everything right" and the "kids these days..." kinds of attitudes. As we age and things change, it becomes natural for us to prefer our method of doing something and to find newer generations, well, obnoxious. Happens all the time. Just know your stuff and keep your head held up high. Who cares what they think? As long as you're doing your job well, really, that's all that matters. Remember, one day you'll be a veteran nurse and when you feel like the new nurse you're working with is dumb/wasting your time/bothering you... just remember how it used to feel and show some kindness. :)

The new nurses have the right to get the best orientation and learn in a positive environment.

No, they do not have a RIGHT to any such thing. They have a right to vote. A right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Actually questionable with all the people asking if they can be a nurse with their criminal record.) Depending on the employment laws of the state, perhaps a right to bathroom breaks.

It's a job. You have a right to a paycheck if you do your job. You're not God's gift to the unit. We aren't going to carefully unwrap you before we squeal at delight at how wonderful you are. You'll be taught to do the job. Probably by someone that's overworked on a good day and on top of it has to drag you around with her. If you want to be coddled, go down to the local preschool and pay tuition to join the toddler class.

And cue in 1....2....3..... the whines of, "You're eating your young, you don't know how haaaard it is to be a new grad, you're so mean, I thought nurses were supposed to be compassionate!"

WOW!!!!!!!! hate for you to take care of one of my family members!

"preceptors" usually have it made!!!! the hospital i work at = everyone jumps at the chance to have a new nurse do all the work, or they genuinely want to share their knowledge.

and yes, nurses ARE DEFINATELY WITHOUT A DOUBT SUPPOSE TO BE COMPASSIONATE.:D

Specializes in SICU.

hehehehe.... we have "coaches" and they go through a special class to learn how to precept. + oh and did i mention they get A LOT of $$$ added to their check because of the "burden"??? it works out well i think....

Specializes in LTC, M/S, CCU, ER.

I'm happy to say that I never, ever ran into this issue. I worked hard, studied up, asked questions, was friendly to everyone, stayed humble, was always willing to pitch in, and had great experiences at both the LTC where I started and the hospital that I moved to after 6 months.

The people that I've seen have problems are those who are either ultra-timid, full of themselves, or just out of their depth. One incident of eye-rolling from a new grad will not be forgotten, let me tell you. That said, the culture of the workplace also dictates whether bullying behavior is allowed or not.

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