Why do nurses treat each other badly?

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As a newer LPN with experience of less than 1 year and PRN at that, I applied and was hired to work in a OB/GYN office. I had Dr office experience but not in that specialty. I worked my 3 month probation with a trainer that had no patience for my questions and was already burnt out from training the last LPN that didnt stay. Instead of firing me for not picking up things as quickly as they thought I should, they moved me to train with another nurse. I felt I was picking it up faster and everything was going fine until she started nitpicking me about everything. From the way I used the computer to the way I prepped the room for another patient. I was there almost 1 year and never felt accepted. In fact, if anything, I felt like the office dumb ass. it destroyed my confidence in myself and in my abilities to the point that I became severely depressed and I no longer want to pursue nursing. I started the journey to my dream job of nursing at the age of 53 and feel that all the money and time I put into getting to that point is completely wasted. I am doing well now and would like to stay in the medical field. Any suggestions as to what I can do with an LPN certification and no med-surg experience?

Thanks for any suggestions.

hi there

I have been going through the same sort of stuff. I landed myself a really nice job with a hospice. It works totally different then LTC. The people in my company are wonderful and helpful.

that is an option

Thank you. I tried working as a Hospice nurse thru an agency but could never plan on having work. Is it different working for Hospice itself?

Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I worked as a charge nurse in a LTC as a new grad LPN. You get the opportunity to work independently but alongside others. I was a great confidence booster for a new grad. I think clinic work is hard with different personalities (from what my friends have told me). Now I work private duty home health also an area independent of other coworkers. Both would probably be a good fit for you and allow you to get your confidence back. Do not be discouraged because some of your coworkers treated you badly!

Specializes in LTC.

I'm an LVN and I'm currently in a clinic. I plan to move back to LTC until I have my RN. I can't stand office work at this point. I'm not built for it. I feel stifled as a nurse, the drama is not for me, I've got zero autonomy, and little to no professional respect. Maybe it's the healthcare system I'm at, maybe it's the setting of an office, I can't be sure, but I'm not down to find another office job to find out.

Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Just my opinion, but I think there are "nasty" nurses at many places of employment, and it's something a person has to get use to. The only thing that seems like it might be less stressful in that regard is working more autonomously...like in home care or hospice. You would still have some of it, but not as much.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Why do nurses treat each other badly? My response to this question might stir up some disagreement...

My theory follows. The nursing profession attracts some people with unresolved issues. Some nurses attain validation at work because they don't get it at home.

Some people (nurses and non-nurses) utilize their jobs to achieve validation of their very existence. Others use the workplace to address emotional needs that aren't being fulfilled in their personal lives. This is exhibited when a person insults certain workers: ripping a coworker's confidence provides a temporary ego boost to those with certain psychosocial problems.

Specializes in Psych, case-management, geriatrics, peds.

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