How do you deal with veteran nurses and doctors who look down, and degrade new grad nurses? Some of them are a little older so it’s hard for me to defend myself.
Be as politically correct as possible - do not allow them to degrade you simply stating that this is not professional behavior and if necessary escalate through your chain of command. If the chain of command does not support you, you should not be working there
Sorry you are experiencing this. Unfortunately, i have seen how in places nurses eat our own. If this is happening it is probably a culture that has been allowed. I agree with the previous answer. You can not change someone else’s actions only your own. You do not need to defend yourself. Do your job, do it right, do it well, and let your actions speak for you. You do not have to stand/sit and allow someone to treat you unprofessionally. Simply call it out, state that it is unprofessional and that you are a professional. If it continues, report it. If it does not change, then you have have a choice. Just remember, you can only control your own actions and how you react to others.
First, I am deeply sorry that you are having to deal with this. This is one trait that I dislike about my colleagues. There is some unspoken rite of passage that new grads must be broken down and made to feel inferior to those who had to suffer through paper charting, counting drips for IVs, and sawing off soldier's limbs with a rusty tool (you know for those old enough to remember to the American Civil War). You just survived Nursing School now you must bow at the feet of nurse and doctor gods. (Insert eyerolling emoji here).
Here are some new grad tips to hopefully spare you the wrath of the Nurse Ratchets and Doctor gods of the world:
1) DO NOT BRAG! We are glad you got a 4.0 in school and passed the NCLEX on your first try. Hooray! This is something to be proud of and to celebrate at your graduation party. However, WE DO NOT CARE! Being top of your class does not equal a great nurse.
2) DO NOT MAKE SUGGESTION ABOUT OUR PATIENTS CARE! When we graduate from school and pass our licensing, we all have stars in our eyes ready to take on the world. Following in the footsteps of Jesus healing the blind, making the lame walk, and bringing the dead back to life. But you will only have the Veteran nurses erecting a cross to nail you on in the front of your unit if you offer unsolicited advice. Best Policy: Do not offer suggestions unless you are asked.
3) Assume you know NOTHING and be willing to be educated. Yes, you had countless clinical hours, but even on a tough clinical day you were under the best of circumstances. Nothing is more annoying than hearing "When I was in clinical......" or "What we learned in school".
4) Respect is earned. This goes both ways. You are going to have to earn the respect of veteran nurses and doctors but that does not mean you have to take being disrespected.
Humble yourself to know that you are new to healthcare and these veteran nurses and doctors will be your best teachers. Be patient with these Veterans because years of healthcare sometimes makes us jaded. Admit when you're wrong or need more practice. Stand up for yourself if you have truly been disrespected. Remember no job is worth your mental health. There are plenty of good jobs out there than suffering a toxic workplace. But don't burn bridges, give the required notice and be honest in your exit interview.
Finally, remember how this feels and stop the cycle. Someday you will get a new grad. Be a mentor, not a martyr.
(These is intended to be helpful and lighthearted)
No need to defend yourself. You are a new grad and your are there to learn how to do your job. Simply put! When I have had this problem in the past I befriend these people and ask them to show me the best way to accomplish my task. Asking someone to help you brings them down a little closer to our level.
Just be honest and tell them you would appreciate their help. If however this doesn't work stand your ground your new you have to learn. Bullying should not be tolerated in any environment.
There is a "hazing" period for every new nurse whether you are a new grad or new staff. Nobody knows how you will react to emergency, combative situations or how supportive you are as a team member. This is how they test you. The best way to expediate this period is do your job well, prepare to prove you are part of the team, but most of all you are dependable to arise to all occasions. Trust is earned, It is up to you to come up to the plate. Staff nurses are not the only ones subjected to this period. I was subjected to this as Chief Nursing Officer. Make this a learning experience as a basis of what makes all the people around you tick and you will have a better attitude towards all.
Document your experiences and submit them to your chief nurse for evaluation and feedback. If you haven't misinterpreted their behavior, then ask your chief nurse for recommendations.
