Why is there so much drama in a field where we help people?

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2014

People covering up their own inadequacies/weaknesses by knocking someone else down?

pookyp, LPN · Jan 7, 2014

Stress? Being tired? That's what I think when I come across miserable nurses.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 7, 2014

Being human? You will run into this sort of drama no matter what profession or career field you examine.

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 7, 2014

We are not meaner than anyone else, we just have nowhere to hide. In other jobs you are separated into your own cubicles, offices, classrooms etc.

In nursing, we sit at the nursing station and have no space to call our own. It is all shared space and equipment. Sometimes I get excited when I go to the breakroom and get to be alone for lunch.

All that togetherness sets the stage for interpersonal drama for those who choose to participate.

Emergent, RN · Jan 7, 2014

We are not meaner than anyone else, we just have nowhere to hide. In other jobs you are separated into your own cubicles, offices, classrooms etc.
In nursing, we sit at the nursing station and have no space to call our own. It is all shared space and equipment. Sometimes I get excited when I go to the breakroom and get to be alone for lunch.
All that togetherness sets the stage for interpersonal drama for those who choose to participate.

Great point. One thing I like about my unit is that there are a few computers with more privacy. Plus I try to chart in the room. I do proactive things to protect myself from overexposure to my colleagues, as much as I may like them.

bridgedrn · Jan 8, 2014

I have often wondered that! We, as nurses should have each others backs and not stab each other in them. If we all stuck together we would be a force to be reckoned with!

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2014

Great point. One thing I like about my unit is that there are a few computers with more privacy. Plus I try to chart in the room. I do proactive things to protect myself from overexposure to my colleagues, as much as I may like them.

I've often had colleagues think I was stand-offish when I would go have lunch by myself. They couldn't get that I just wanted to be with by private thoughts rather than sit with colleagues who would most likely want to hash out stressful patient related stuff.

And like others have said, we are nurses, but first and foremost, we are HUMAN. We have flaws. We will lose patience with others, we will judge, etc. The marks of a good nurse IMO is being able to identify our limitations and try to work around them. I've had moments where I was a bit harsh with co-workers because I had a rough shift. However, I recognized that I was rude, then apologized and explained that it wasn't something they deserved, I was upset from xyz reason.

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2014

Title is enough said. Forget "eating their young". Why so mean to each other??

But seriously, I can't help but notice your name. As a student nurse, please try to refrain from criticizing us until you have walked a mile in our shoes. That kind of thing does tend to get people on the defensive, then you end up creating the circumstances you are claiming are so terrible...

RInursingstudent · Jan 8, 2014

But seriously, I can't help but notice your name. As a student nurse, please try to refrain from criticizing us until you have walked a mile in our shoes. That kind of thing does tend to get people on the defensive, then you end up creating the circumstances you are claiming are so terrible...

I have been an aide for 4 years. Ranging from TLC, ICU/Med-Surg, and home care. If you have nothing.to say about my post, then please don't. This was a vent about what I am tired of seeing.

RInursingstudent · Jan 8, 2014

We are not meaner than anyone else, we just have nowhere to hide. In other jobs you are separated into your own cubicles, offices, classrooms etc.
In nursing, we sit at the nursing station and have no space to call our own. It is all shared space and equipment. Sometimes I get excited when I go to the breakroom and get to be alone for lunch.
All that togetherness sets the stage for interpersonal drama for those who choose to participate.

Thank you for this. I never thought of that. Good point.

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2014

I have been an aide for 4 years. Ranging from TLC, ICU/Med-Surg, and home care. If you have nothing.to say about my post, then please don't. This was a vent about what I am tired of seeing.

Actually, had you bothered to read, you would see that I had commented on your post.

And being an aide, while giving you insight to healthcare, does not show you nursing. How many threads are there on here of aides who talk about those lazy nurses who sit at the nurse's station for hours (charting and doing chart reviews) or on the phone (getting orders for that patient who is circling the drain fast)? Until you actually live it, you can't know what we go through. Now please don't get me wrong. I know what aides go through too, and it's not pretty or fun.