Witchy Nurses *Rant*

[Ms Kylee]

I was in clinical yesterday, and since I'm rotating at a nursing home, there isn't much to do on weekends after the residents are up, bathed, dressed, and fed breakfast. To pass the time, the 4 of us working on Assisted Living were helping the CNA's pass linens and make beds. One of my classmates went on a break and went outside to smoke. Also out smoking were 2 of the nurses on the floor that I was assigned complaining long and loud that "the students missed 2 beds". EXCUSE ME..... We were helping the aides because the nurses couldn't be bothered to let us observe treatments, do vitals, etc. And then they have the cojones to complain that we missed two beds? Add to it I had a nurse that acted like she didn't care that we were there. Evidently, one of my classmates said something to my instructor because in post conference, he told us that wheh he took the last clinical group there, the place was like a great big happy family, and now the whole atmosphere has changed, the staff has an attitude problem, and they're blaming it on the fact that now they're doing acute care in addition to long term care. He also said the med passes prior were hardly anything and now they take practically a whole shift to do. Like any of this is our fault? Has anyone else experienced this? I used to love going to clinical, but after this, I don't care if I ever go again.

[The Bell Jar]

I sure have. Many,many instances similiar to yours. Maybe I am starting to lose my mind but I have even started laughing when a nurse said student x didnt do xyz and I am standing right there and they dont know who I am.

[JBudd, MSN]

Don't let it get to you.

There are lots more clinical rotations ahead, all are different, each have their own problems. I didn't get the feeling that your instructor was implying its your fault, only that he wan't expecting it either, previous experiences were better.

Just make up your mind that these are not nurses you want to be like, and let it go at that. We never stop doing "aide work", its part of nursing, they help US, not the other way around,

[Ms Kylee]

I don't mind doing the aide work (I get paid to do it at the hospital 40 hours a week). And I appreciate all of the hard work they do. Must be that we're not worthy because we're "only students" at this point.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

Our first semester clinicals were spent on a floor with a bunch of very unhappy people (med/oncology). I actually looked around about mid-semester and told my friend that if this is how unhappy nurses were, it was probably time to quit school and rethink my direction. This was the most miserable group of people I had ever been around and they could not have been more distant and rude to the students. I had just left one very unhappy field and was afraid that all the horror stories I had heard about nursing were true. But I stuck it out.

Last semester, we were in a different hospital on a med/surg floor, and I could NOT believe the difference in attitudes. With the usual exception of one or two nurses, everyone on this floor was helpful and encouraging.

I chose to apply for a summer internship with a sister facility based on that experience and I have not been sorry. I am in a different department, but I am floored at the difference in attitude between the first clinical location and these facilities. While I think you will always have the unhappy employee or two, this has been the nicest group of folks I have ever worked with -- from xray to the lab folks to the other floors.

Someone else pointed out that there can be a difference in clinical experiences based on how well your clinical instructor gets along with the staff. My first semester CI wasn't all that warm and fuzzy, but last semester's was loved by the staff where we were. I'm sure that helps. They have confidence in the CI and have trust in them and their students.

I would say based on my experience to stick it out and move on to hopefully better things. At least I have seen that not all experiences are the same!!

[puggymae]

Well nursing students are at the bottom of the pecking order and they get blamed for everything.

Once I had a charge nurse call me at my office on Friday and told me that a patients family complained about how the students gave their daddy a bath on Thursday. I started laughing. She said "this situation is NOT funny." I laughed even harder as I replyed "The students did not bath Mr. ____ yesterday - we are on Spring Break!"

[gitterbug]

Puggy,

Great story and a very insightful one too.

Like everyone else has mentioned, clinicals are a learning experience. You will learn that some places and their staff are toxic, others are great. Learn to go with the flow, it will come in handy when you are a nurse. Have a blessed day.

[walk6miles]

I offer this remedy: imagine you are a large cruise ship just gliding through warm, beautiful tropical waters; hear the steel drum band playing one of Jimmy Buffett's best songs. Birds are floating above the ship, the sun is shining and you, you are in the best shape of your life.... everything is going your way. Here's a bonus: every fattening thing you place in your mouth adds pounds, not to you, but to anyone you designate them to.

Okay, okay, I have a vivid imagination!!!

Now, suddenly floating around you are five or six huge icebergs (bitches). Avoid those icey traps.... navigate carefully around them; keep your wits about you - make a plan and stick to it and always, always, remain professional!

God Bless!

[SoulShine75]

Save a couple of great nurses, we've always gotten the "could care less" attitude from the other nurses on our rotations. At first I thought they were just busy, but then I realized the really could care less. A few of them were just plain nasty. You'd think they'd appriciate the help. I feel that if you hate your job so much that you become a negative complaining grouch, you should find another career because they're just dragging down those who actually do enjoy their job. Just my opinion.