I am really confused by the stigma and negative attitude towards new nurses from experienced nurses as I am a new nurse and just plain do not understand? aren't we all new nurses at one time, so why are "some" nurses (as I do not think it is an all inclusive thing) forgetful that they were once the person whom they reject or whatever they do? I am unclear on the reality of what transpires in reality, I just know what I hear and what I have gone through myself.
I am really curious as what the stigma is all about from real nurses and not just rumors? I have heard that an experienced nurse will refuse to help a new nurse in a situation where the new nurse does not know what to do and the experienced nurse does??? I have been told this but really this actually happens in reality? plus, who is the one who suffers in the end of a situation like that? I have a really hard time believing that nurses would do that to their own, and for what purpose or reason does anyone justify doing something like that? it was clear to me that when I entered the field of nursing that I would always be a teacher once I possessed something to teach because it is a field that is based on a foundation of knowledge in addition to experience that cannot be acquired any other eay than to be taught on a situation basis.
are the experienced nurses tired of teaching new grads or they do not feel that teaching is part of what they signed up for? are there such an abundance of new grads with the shortage that experienced nurses are overwhelmed by the new grads and their needs? I am not a twenty something new young nurse. I am a early thirties starting my career after children new nurse. I can understand from the point of going to nursing school with younger people that it is easy to be rubbed the wrong way by younger people with less life experience, is that the issue?
I can see new nurses in relation to the above statement not acknowledging the proper respect in regard to an experienced nurse, and I can see that as a big problem is this the issue? I know in my clinical experience I had great experiences with nurses that other students had poor experiences with because of the attitude for which they approached their clinicals. I met my nurse at the beginning of clinicals introduced myself and followed them everywhere they went except the bathroom all day long. we were always assigned to just one of the nurses patients, but I never met a nurse that said no to a student observing and helping with all the patients and why would I sit around while I the oppurtunity to learn just because I was only assigned the one patient. I have seen students get totally ignored because they don't act or they just don't put forth any effort. my first goal was to find and learn to do things that would be helpful to the nurse I was working with. I understood that I rank low and I do what is needed to be done and thats that, whatever it may be. I had to be cognizant of the nurse I was working with and their comfort level with me handling whatever I would handle for them. I always did things no other student did, I was trusted with more after time worked with the nurse, and I had really positive experiences and was always the person the other students went to because they didn't know how to do much or work the computer software. I was eager to learn anything I was offered, as the nurses saw my eagerness to learn they began teaching all through the day. one day, I was paired with a nurse that had 30 years of experience. I would have liked to spend a year with her, she was like my own private encyclopedia of secret information. I love to learn new things, anything new and so that drives me too.
I did face complete rejection from a whole er of nurses. our clinical instructor did not know any of the er nurses, so she stood there trying to get "noticed" at the nurses station for more than 20 minutes. even the nurses ignored her. she addressed the nurses working and said she had nursing students, and only one nurse acknowledged her with a so what and turned and walked away. our clinical instructor told us follow some person who did not acknowledge that we even existed as a human being in the world. we stood at the nurses station and when the new nurses arrived we were paired up with another nurse. I tried to plant myself in, but I kept following her as she tried to find places to use her cell phone and she kept exiting the area of er. she was not happy about my stalking her when she was doing what she was. it was the longest day of my life, I cannot do nothing but was forced to. I finally exited the nurses station and learned from the residents, as they were willing to teach me. I felt unbelievably uncomfortable because all of these nurses where aware we were students and refused to even speak to us, to say a simple hello to us. I mean we basically treated lesser than a human being by people that I had such a high regard for before I decided to become one. I felt awful that day truthfully because if this is reality for me, I don't want to be a person that treats people poorly ever. one nurse said she takes the students and set us up with a nurse that found us invisible, so we took one set of vitals and returned to stand at the wall. finally, one nurse acknowledged us that we were assigned to but she just wanted to get rid of us. it was the best day when that day was over.
I also was treated poorly in relation to an interview I want to get some opinions but I am too detailed and my posts are too long. I really just want to understand this and try to make sure I do not do any of the things that have created this stigma most importantly.
my biggest question is, when if ever will I be treated like a deserving human being in the eyes of the nursing world? a nurse told me that she likes new grads (yeah) during an interview and stated that nurses eat their young but I from what I see in relation to how nurses treat one another they are not partial they eat each other too. why are nurses not supportive of our own, and unified as one large force?
this is a real serious question, I just don't get it?
I completely understand how you feel! I worked at a magnet status teaching hospital and even there I seen more experienced nurses treat the nursing students like that! It really made me sad!! The instructors didn't want to ask me to take students because I am a new nurse as well, but I found some students standing in the hall looking lost so I asked if they would assist in a procedure and they gladly accepted, needless to say from that day forward I was asked to take a student. I may not have had a lot of knowledge to share but I did have the respect and professionalism for them and they wanted and needed that. More experienced nurses need to remember they were not born with the knowledge of being a nurse, they too had to go to school and hone their nurturing skills just like the rest of us! I am going to be starting in the ER on September 15th and believe me if I get a chance to have a student I will jump on it! And the day I feel I'm too knowledgable or I don't have the time to mentor a nursing student I'm going to change professions!
You know you are spot on stating that you will not continue the cycle. I too will do the same in regard to my actions with students, I have a long way to go to get to the point where I can help students though. The time will come though!! What a great idea and positive attitude and solution I loved it being the first response!!!
You know you are spot on stating that you will not continue the cycle. I too will do the same in regard to my actions with students, I have a long way to go to get to the point where I can help students though. The time will come though!! What a great idea and positive attitude and solution I loved it being the first response!!!
Pop back in here in 10 years and revisit this :)
You need to know what you don't know ...and right now, you don't know how you'll feel in 10 years. jmo
To answer some of your questions. Yes, some nurses do not like teaching, some of them do not believe it is part of their job description and some of them just suck at it and shouldn't be allowed to teach new nurses. The years of experience truly do not matter. You can be a bad teacher with 30 years of experience and still be a good nurse, but you should not ever be paired with a new grad/student. I truly feel that being able to precept and teach students and new grads/new hires is an honor and privilege and pride my self on having none of my preceptees quit That being said, nursing students and new grads need to know that there is a time and place that want teaching and a time/place to observe. A lot of the nurses I find disgruntled with new grads/students is due to them already being overwhelmed and having someone ask a million questions and trying to do procedures but taking 10x as long. This is where it is your instructors job to step in and do the educating/do the procedure with you. If you're getting the cold shoulder from your nurse try something like "I'd really like to be able to help you and do something useful for our patients, is there something I could do with my instructor?" You'd be amazed at how quickly you'll make friends. Or offer to take vitals, update whiteboards, bed baths, etc. While a lot of nursing school seems to be teaching you skills you will get plenty of this on orientation once you are hired, use nursing school to increase your confidence and ability to be comfortable with patients.
I do not have teachers anymore but I still wonder anyway. This is good info for students anyway I think.
I did not consider that these nurses are really being forced into teaching a student without a choice. That does change things and I can see that view as it is not really their job. I think that if they changed the law and allowed nurses to get paid to work and get paid to teach it would create a fair playing field. I did not even think of the aspect of nurses who are just not good at teaching good point.
I do not have teachers anymore but I still wonder anyway. This is good info for students anyway I think.
I did not consider that these nurses are really being forced into teaching a student without a choice. That does change things and I can see that view as it is not really their job. I think that if they changed the law and allowed nurses to get paid to work and get paid to teach it would create a fair playing field. I did not even think of the aspect of nurses who are just not good at teaching good point.
Nursing instructors get paid- but from what I hear, it's less than those who are working clinically (vs academic) .
Nurses who are working and get someone to precept or orient get a couple of bucks/hour more- but not as much as what the job entails.
Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
The attitudes of experienced nurses are so random. It depends on the individual, the unit, and unfortunately a good deal of the times the new nurses age and looks. I have worked in a variety of units and definetly experienced the "eating of the young", but not just from Nurses I used to be mortal enemies with the unit secretary and this Nursing assistant that was there for a long time who dodnt like how I made the beds, and the secretary hated me because of my handwriting. Currently I am in the ER and the staff here are a different breed, for the most part young (40's and under) and we are very accomadating to new staff. I myself go out of my way to make new staff feel wanted and comfortable. I think the whole "eating the young thing" should be a thing of the past. Nursing is very different now and there is no place for that or taking abuse from doctors which doesnt really happen anymore because they get in trouble. I think being male I generally get along with most staff. I have seen women hate other new women just because they are young or attractive which is irritating, but does happen. So in short you can experience this from not just nurses but any disipline who feels they are more experienced than you and it is unfair and annoying but probably happens in all lines of work. You just need to be lucky enough to work with a group of good people. good luck
Age and looks? Oh Geez!!..really???
For the record, OP, our floor loves students. However, what we don't like are ones that pull out their phone when they receive a text and will look at it, when we are trying to explain something. We also don't like ones that are glued to the wall. I refuse to pry them off. When I walk down the hall, I tell them to keep up. I walk quickly because I want to get done by the end of my shift with little to no OT. I also explain things while I walk.
I love students and am excited to see them, so please don't lump us all together.
For the quoted poster, just for the record, we have the prettiest new grad working with us. A very beautiful girl. No jealousy from us old hags.
If that long post is based, from my skimming it, on what you have heard, not what you have actually experienced, I have only one thing to say. Stop propagating generalizations and wait until you have enough experience to speak with authority on the subject yourself. Your questions are redundant and insulting to experienced nurses everywhere.
just, wow.
veracious, as i'm sure you've already noted, there are pleasant and not-so-pleasant people in life...
whether they're nurses or from some other profession.
nurses are not always the 'compassionate, angelic' wonders that come along and make it all better.
i encourage you to reread ruby vee's post again...it was spot on, very realistic and objective.
all you can do is lead by example.
only with experience, can students and newbies appreciate a nurse's routine day.
Nurses who are working and get someone to precept or orient get a couple of bucks/hour more- but not as much as what the job entails.
Actually, I get absolutely nothing for precepting either students or orientees. Wait...I take that back, I once got a "Nurse Mentor" pin. It was cool. Oh, and sometimes I get a headache. Does that count?
Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
Actually, I get absolutely nothing for precepting either students or orientees. Wait...I take that back, I once got a "Nurse Mentor" pin. It was cool. Oh, and sometimes I get a headache. Does that count?
A pin? I want a pin!! So not fair. We could wear them like the military does on their chest.
Actually, I get absolutely nothing for precepting either students or orientees. Wait...I take that back, I once got a "Nurse Mentor" pin. It was cool. Oh, and sometimes I get a headache. Does that count?
How embarrassing for you - LOL.... :anbd: I'm so sorry !
I do not have teachers anymore but I still wonder anyway.
Oh, but you do my friend. Your co-workers, your patients, your family and friends, even your enemies they are all your teachers. If you want to grow as a person you need to recognize that until the day you die you are a student of life. Embrace it and your life will never be dull.
My preceptor knew she was getting a preceptee -- the shift I showed up. No one had told her, she was the most experienced nurse working that night (the other nurses had only graduated the previous year) and so she took the hardest patients -- and then here I came. Not a good way to start.
Nerd's Rules for the New Nurse:
1) This is not school. This is not school. THIS IS NOT SCHOOL.
2) Don't act like you know it all and are all world weary with the whole preceptor thing. All that tells me is you're stupid AND dangerous until you prove to me you're not.
3) Pay attention if someone asks you a clinical question. If I ask you why you're pulling up insulin in a 3cc syringe, it's because you're about to kill your patient, and I'm giving you a chance to catch it yourself before I have to tell you you're about to kill your patient. If I ask you "have you checked your AM Potassium?" I'm gently telling you, "Check your patient's potassium, it's 2.4." Don't make me ask twice. You mess up, you don't get a bad grade -- you kill your patient.
4) Nursing is 10% book learning, 90% experience. PERIOD. I don't care if you got 100s in every class you took, reading and doing are two different things. Don't think you're going to jump up and run a code when you've never been in one (seen someone try that, and it wasn't pretty). I was valedictorian of my class, and I was smart enough to know I was the dumbest nurse in the unit for a long time until I got experience.
5) Everyone's good at one thing more than someone else, and as a new nurse, you don't have the experience to be "good" at anything yet. I'm ok at IV sticks, but I'm good at rhythms, troublesome foleys and I could pop an NGT in an elephant. I got that way by experience. We're not giving you "grunt" work when we're having you do IV sticks, foleys, NGTs, etc., we're giving you experience and seeing if you're safe enough to do that with our backs turned. You'll get there, just not your first day, week, month.
6) Any new nurse who says she's good at something -- isn't. Any new nurse who thinks she's great at something -- is really dangerous. Unless you've been an EMT or medic who's done the specific thing 100's of times, you don't have the experience. In school, patients are picked for you to succeed with. Now you get the real ones. And some of them bite.
7) Finally...we want you to succeed -- we really do. We've all been the new nurse. And a lot of the things that set our teeth on edge are things that truly should have been covered in school, and aren't. You don't realize how much you don't know. You bounce out of school, sure you're ready to be a nurse, and then reality b*** slaps you in the face. Our schools aren't turning out floor ready nurses, but are telling students that they are floor ready, the BSNs are getting all management classes to be managers, when no one's going to put a brand new BSN nurse who's never worked as a nurse into a management job. So the students are getting taught "A," reality is "B," and I know I felt like I'd learned next to nothing in school after a month on the floor, as it settled in how little I did know and could safely do. There's a tremendous miss-match between school and reality, and I know I didn't feel comfortable when I first started until almost 2 years had gone by. And I still ask questions of the more experienced.
If something's going on, offer to help -- it may be just keeping an eye on the other patients because someone's got to take a patient to radiology for a CT, giving someone's meds while they do an admission, or making sure that when I'm starting an IV that you can't get, you're not "too busy" reading your email when I've got an erupting GI bleeder and need extra hands. If you want people to do for you, you need to do what you can for them.
That being said, nursing students and new grads need to know that there is a time and place that want teaching and a time/place to observe. A lot of the nurses I find disgruntled with new grads/students is due to them already being overwhelmed and having someone ask a million questions and trying to do procedures but taking 10x as long. This is where it is your instructors job to step in and do the educating/do the procedure with you. If you're getting the cold shoulder from your nurse try something like "I'd really like to be able to help you and do something useful for our patients, is there something I could do with my instructor?" You'd be amazed at how quickly you'll make friends. Or offer to take vitals, update whiteboards, bed baths, etc. While a lot of nursing school seems to be teaching you skills you will get plenty of this on orientation once you are hired, use nursing school to increase your confidence and ability to be comfortable with patients.
VeraciousRN
20 Posts
You know you are spot on stating that you will not continue the cycle. I too will do the same in regard to my actions with students, I have a long way to go to get to the point where I can help students though. The time will come though!! What a great idea and positive attitude and solution I loved it being the first response!!!