I am back in school for my MSN. One day in class, the topic began about lateral violence and bad work environments. I read about it a lot on here. (A lot of good things on this site too, do not get me wrong.) Also, I have heard other nurses and health care workers discuss about bad experiences making their jobs more stressful.
I am curious how many of you have worked in a "toxic" environment? A lot of gossiping, backstabbing, or tattletaling? Are there cliques and just mean people? Does your manager or upper management handle situations? Is there favoritism on your unit or place of employment? Have you been treated poorly by a coworker or coworkers? I am wondering how many nurses have had to endure negative situations or work environments. How did you handle it, or do you deal with it at all? I have heard "it doesn't do any good" or "it is not worth it". I know we have to "pick our battles wisely" too. It just seems like high school or middle school situations at times with some of the stories I have heard from fellow nurses. And, it is older and younger nurses who act negatively, so this is not an older nurse vs younger nurse thing. And, again, I know there are many positives to being a nurse and great work environments, so not trying to be all negative. Just an informative post... I know this topic can be very broad. I am reading previous posts as well, so please do not post to do a search. I am doing that too, but some are really old posts.
When I tried to discuss differences with coworkers, I was written up for unprofessional behavior.
When I pointed out an unsafe use of prn meds, I was scheduled to take call 3 nights a week, basically every night after my evening shift, for 6 months.
When I blew the whistle on a serious infection control violation (I was assured that it would be anonymous) I was accused of sexual harassment. Thanks to the union, that one was rescinded.
I stayed on more year to show them they couldn't run me off.
Pretty well all the male nurses I've worked with are laid-back characters who just get on with the job and studiously avoid "gossip groups." Guys, it is a pleasure working with you.
Our unit manager is unfortunately not assertive enough to put paid to toxic attitudes, although I must say I rarely hear gossip about personal or domestic issues; one nurse who did pass comments about peoples' private lives has, thankfully, left for greener pastures, and I hope she has found out that the grass is always greener around the septic tank .
Generally, I am very fortunate where I work, there is more of a family atmosphere, largely because we've been working together for so long. A case of knowing each other "warts and all." We do have one or two snitches, however, and that is where assertive management comes in. Previous unit managers I have worked with would never tolerate talebearers, unless the issues raised were about professional matters which impacted negatively on the patients.
Downright destructive gossip itself can impact on patient care, and should be dealt with at the highest level of management.
I am doing that too, but some are really old posts.
nursej22, MSN, RN
4,853 Posts
I thought I had a dream job...
When I tried to discuss differences with coworkers, I was written up for unprofessional behavior.
When I pointed out an unsafe use of prn meds, I was scheduled to take call 3 nights a week, basically every night after my evening shift, for 6 months.
When I blew the whistle on a serious infection control violation (I was assured that it would be anonymous) I was accused of sexual harassment. Thanks to the union, that one was rescinded.
I stayed on more year to show them they couldn't run me off.