Why so many negative nurses in the field?

Sour Lemon · Oct 10, 2017

I'm by no means a new nurse, been around the block for awhile now...but why are there so many negative nurses? Don't get me wrong I'm not saying ALL, I've met some who are just sweet as pie and so helpful. I recently started a new job though and yet againnnnn I immediately notice the rapport and overall attitude of the people I work with. Is it the burnout or what? I understand first hand that nursing can be very stressful at times but seriously what is the problem?

Do you have specific examples?

Nursey916 · Oct 10, 2017

Being unwelcoming to new hires, gossiping, constantly complaining, and just an overall negative aura that puts everyone else in a bad mood!

elkpark · Oct 10, 2017

Being unwelcoming to new hires, gossiping, constantly complaining, and just an overall negative aura that puts everyone else in a bad mood!

No one can "put" anyone else "in a bad mood." It's up to each individual whether or not s/he chooses to let someone else's negative "aura" affect her/him. I've encountered a few colleagues over the decades who exhibit the kind of behaviors you describe, but not enough to consider "so many." And I'm sure there are individuals like that in other occupations, as well.

Just my own experience -- not saying your experience hasn't been different. Maybe I've just been lucky over the years.

Everline · Oct 10, 2017

Nursing is my second career. There are "negative" people everywhere. I'll admit, nursing can emotionally and physically drain a person. That being said, I used to do everything I could to cheer people up and make them not look so glum or angry. Now I just let them be how they want to be. I don't mean that in a bad way. But I think I was more worried about my own discomfort than theirs. You know, I was actually wondering if I was doing something wrong or if they might not like me. I wanted them to be happier because it would be more comfortable for me. (Not saying this is your situation. Just explaining my own experience.) Now I'm much more confident and know that it isn't about me. People have lots of reasons for how they are and very rarely is it me. As long as they are not making my job impossible or being verbally abusive or refusing to care for/endangering patients, I just accept how they are and concentrate on my own work and goals. It's really ok not to be rainbows and sunshine around me. Sometimes life is hard.

caliotter3 · Oct 10, 2017

It is natural for people to talk about problems rather than what is going well. Problems cause worry, and are on a person's mind, therefore readily available for discussion.

Nursey916 · Oct 10, 2017

Everyday though? I don't think so..

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2017

The problem is... nursing is STRESSFUL. We have life and death on our plate. Administration, corporate healthcare, and Medicare are pushing us beyond human boundaries.

Sweetie pies have chosen to play the game.

For me, I am going to be angry. Sick of working like a mule for the man.

All4NursingRN · Oct 11, 2017

The problem is... nursing is STRESSFUL. We have life and death on our plate. Administration, corporate healthcare, and Medicare are pushing us beyond human boundaries.
Sweetie pies have chosen to play the game.
For me, I am going to be angry. Sick of working like a mule for the man.

Darn so much for me being a sweetie pie :--(

elkpark · Oct 11, 2017

The problem is... nursing is STRESSFUL. We have life and death on our plate. Administration, corporate healthcare, and Medicare are pushing us beyond human boundaries.
Sweetie pies have chosen to play the game.
For me, I am going to be angry. Sick of working like a mule for the man.

If you're going to be "angry" and "sick of working like a mule for the man," why keep doing it? Why not find something you will be happier with? It's a free country. Working in nursing is a choice.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2017

If you're going to be "angry" and "sick of working like a mule for the man," why keep doing it? Why not find something you will be happier with? It's a free country. Working in nursing is a choice.

I am going back in time with that. I no longer work in the hospital. I am concerned for my fellow nurses. I believe hospital nurses are being used and abused.

WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS · Oct 11, 2017

Nursing is my second career. There are "negative" people everywhere. I'll admit, nursing can emotionally and physically drain a person. That being said, I used to do everything I could to cheer people up and make them not look so glum or angry. Now I just let them be how they want to be. I don't mean that in a bad way. But I think I was more worried about my own discomfort than theirs. You know, I was actually wondering if I was doing something wrong or if they might not like me. I wanted them to be happier because it would be more comfortable for me. (Not saying this is your situation. Just explaining my own experience.) Now I'm much more confident and know that it isn't about me. People have lots of reasons for how they are and very rarely is it me. As long as they are not making my job impossible or being verbally abusive or refusing to care for/endangering patients, I just accept how they are and concentrate on my own work and goals. It's really ok not to be rainbows and sunshine around me. Sometimes life is hard.

This. So well said. I'm one of those people who REALLY like peace and harmony. I had a lot of early years in my life where I did not experience those things, so I think when I started adult-ing I wanted life to be joy and laughter, rainbows and unicorns and all that. And now that I have a bit of 'patina', I see that life and this world we live in really IS quite complicated. So I don't fault others for their messiness. I have plenty of my own mess. That said, I'm a pretty upbeat person. I still don't *like* conflict and negativity -- but I don't sweat it too much. If it gets in the way of me doing my job? Yeah, then we have a problem and one I'm not afraid to confront. I also have zero tolerance for bullying. Fortunately I have only VERY rarely seen bullying in my career. So truly mean and nasty, unsafe and unhinged behavior I will not abide. But negativity? Most often that is hurting the negative individual more than anyone else. Nursing is hard (as are many occupations). It helps to have a satisfying life outside of work, but that's only something I can own for myself, not others.