Back Stabbing

1 I am not a nurse yet but will be in less than a year. I have been on this site for only about 3 months but I have noticed a big trend. When someone is venting about a co-worker alot of the responses seem to be "write down everything they do, keep a record then report it all to mgt." I understand that if someone is being unsafe they need to be aware, but why is this the first thing ppl say to do? I know that if I was doing something wrong and nobody ever told me and then just turned in this long sheet of no-no's to mgt I would be so hurt and I would feel betrayed. Now if someone has been told and keeps doing or not doing something, that's a different matter. Just wanted to hear your thoughts on this. I know not everyone does it, but does this happen where you work?? Thanks!
Because a lot of times ppl pull things out of their tush, and if they have to write it down it...and they're just making it up, then well..think about it. That way true complaints are taken care of.

because there is a lot of back stabing that unfortunately goes on.....

Because some people won't take critism or advice. There are people out there that do not think they are doing anything wrong, or won't admit to their mistakes. They get defensive - insist that they are doing it right, say you are picking on them, being mean to them, bullying them, etc. So after a while you stop telling them their mistakes and just make note of them.

Personally I think it's because nurses are told that we are 'mandated to report' violations of our practice act. If you don't report something (with appropriate documentation) your license could be on the line.

Fixit: I did not know that! That makes more sence now.

the only time that we recommend jotting down notes, is when their job is in jeopardy.i.e., a bully who is purposely trying to sabotage another nurse.sadly, this happens often enough in nursing.actually there are seriously potential situations that warrant writing down events.whenever you sense a dangerous or undesirable outcome on yourself or the pts, write it down...always.because there's an excellent chance that sometime down the road, it'll be brought to court.and you will need to explain detail by detail, exactly what happened...which you wouldn't be able to do, if events happenedlong time ago.notes are our friend.you'll get a better perspective once you're a nurse...unfortunately.you're best bet as a new nurse, is to keep to yourself/myob, don't offer anything personal about yourself, be team player (without being a doormat), and respect yourself enough not to let anyone bring harm to you.don't make yourself an easy target by presenting yourself with head up and chin out.are you writing this down??leslie

Some nurses prefer to back stab than to act like human beings and talk to their colleagues about a problem first. Sometimes the problem behavior is too serious to simply keep it between each other. A record is necessary to protect one's interests, there may be systemic problems, and the individual is easily turned into collateral damage when the mess implodes. And some people's diaries would be empty and devoid of meaning if they limited them to tales of their own deeds.

I'm taking notes! hah Thanks for the great advice!

sometimes people don't have the strength to talk to the person who is doing something that shouldn't be done....it's easier to tell the boss for them.

No where I work, everyone is too busy just trying to keep their head above water. The goal is to just survive and go home and sleep! (regarding, does everyone keep a record of nop-no's and turn it in to management)and guess what, what goes around comes around, pretty soon all you will have is a unit of people who attack eachother and word gets around no one wants to work or float to that floor.

Quote from FixitPersonally I think it's because nurses are told that we are 'mandated to report' violations of our practice act. If you don't report something (with appropriate documentation) your license could be on the line.

OK, people are people no matter what the profession is.....Remember, no one is guaranteed or intitled to a happy, stress free work place.Unless you are being UNDERMINED, or in Jeopardy of losing your job due to Untruths, or sabotage SUCK IT UP.... Stop the POOR LITTLE ME cry.Do you really want to be responsible for some one that has worked just as hard as you to become a nurse losing their job? There are many people that think thy are OWED something. Forget what THEY are doing and DO YOUR JOB to the best of your ability. That why we went to Nursing School RIGHT!!!!!!!