Archetypes in Nursing

4 It seems like everywhere you go in nursing there is a similar cast of characters.

The Slacker
This nurse always operates at less than 100% and is a master delegator whose genius is being able to think quickly on a way to get others to take up the slack.

The Hotshot
Loves to run codes and start IVs in non existent veins

The Angel of Mercy
Mother Teresa move over, the Angel of Mercy is here to save humanity from suffering. She never complains and never doubts a patient's 10/10 pain.

The Showoff
This nurse never misses a chance to loudly toot his/her own horn. Also known as The Know-it-all.

The Critic
Always has some negative critique of the previous shift, or the work habits of co-workers. Often makes derisive comments when you give her report.

The Chart Guru
This nurse loves to chart. No form remains unfilled no matter what.

The Talker
Never shuts up at the nurses station, appears to be socially starved.

The Brown-noser
Fawns over management, kisses butt, is enthusiastic over any new policy.

The Moving Target
Either works in the float pool, job hops or works agency.

The Grizzled Veteren
She's been around and seen everything. A real journeyman nurse.

The Elitist
In a class of her own, a legend in her own mind, has a aura of snobbery.


Can you guys think of any?
Clipboard nurseAlways bustling along importantly,always seems to be busy but never actually doing anything.Road-runnerHeart of gold but no organisation.Will start one job then see something else to be done and start that as well,never quite finishes what she starts.Bed SitterUsually found sitting on patients bed chatting when there is work to be done.

Supernurse(Combination of the Showoff and the Elitist) Has 2 or 3 lifetimes of exciting nursing experiences where she saved the day, knew better than the doctors, never made a mistake (yeah, right) etc etc, but hasn't been nursing for all that long. (Unfortunately I work with someone who has been nursing over 20 years and hasn't outgrown this attitude)

So to add a twist, can you identify yourself? which one most resembles you. according to your list I guess I am the hot shot I love codes and am good at starting iv's in most any patient. (not all of course)

I'm "The Moving Target".. for a couple of weeks yet. Then I'll be in a FT position... yikes, then I'll have to deal with the politics.. sigh! hehe

I am The Chart Guru! Rarely do I end a shift without having to add an extra sheet to the nurse's note for night shift--and Heaven forbid something go wrong with a patient!I have been accused of "reinventing the wheel" on some patients. But, I just like for the next shift, or the doctor, or whoever to look at my notes and know exactly what it going on with my patient.

Quote from jmgrn65So to add a twist, can you identify yourself? which one most resembles you.

The Invisble Nurse:Misses at least one shift a week due to babysitter problems/car won't start/gerbil died/kid's sick/husband's sick/dog's sick/period just started.When at work, can be found in break room on cell phone with babysitter/mechanic/vet/pediatrician/best friend/PMS support group.

The ****** Off Nurse-AKA the Reclusive: Sick and tired of all of the archtypes thus, tries to avoid meetings, and the gathering of 'minds' to avoid personal insanity (that's me).

The MartyrShe feels that she is always a victim of injustice.Constantly sighing, moaning, and whining. Her patients are too sick/heavy/obnoxious, no one else is working as hard as her, and her face has forgotten how to form a smile. Woe is her!

Here are a few things that I managed to come up with. All of these are based on people that I have encountered over the years.THE OFFENDED-Offended by everything. Will accuse you of being: mean, hateful, judgmental, painting with a broad brush, making generalizations, etc. because your opinion differs from theirs. Stating, "I'm offended" is usually a passive woe-is-me attempt to control discussions. Always expects those with a different opinion to apologize for it.(Chances are I have offended The Offended by writing this).THE OUTTA HERE- Threatens to quit on a daily basis. Always fed up, disgusted, ready to walk out, putting in their two week notice....yet, they have been with the facility for 10+ years.THE GRINCH-This door-to-door salesperson wannabe and is always peddling goods on their shift. Candles, cookies, candy bars, raffle tickets, make-up, kitchen gadgets, etc. Yet, you will never see this person buying one thing from anyone else.THE BOOT STRAP-A closet sadist. Will always give the bare minimum when it comes to pain relief. Believes it is the patient's responsibility to ask for meds, but then becomes irritated because: a) The patient actually asks for pain relief OR b) The patient actually waited for the scheduled dose and now the pain is out of control. Will announce to fellow staff members that, as always, their patient is the addict/liar/drug-seeker.THE THAT'S NOTHING-Always has it better/worse. Mention something about your experience? You will always be met with...."Well, that's nothing. When I __________it was so much (better/worse)__________."THE HUFFER/PUFFER-Always returns to the Nurses station out of breath and sweating. The chart will be slammed onto the counter, pen thrown to the side and they will flop into the chair. Usually followed by a huge sigh while staring at the ceiling or face being cupped in hands, elbows propped on the desk. The odd thing is, they usually have the lightest patient load. Warning: DARE TO ASK THEM WHAT IS WRONG AT YOUR OWN RISK!THE STOP WATCH-Knows your schedule better than you do! Knows what days you work, what days you have requested off, when you trade shifts and exactly what time you clock in and out. Remember that Tuesday that you were late 3 1/2 years ago? Well, they do.THE HOLIDAY HOUND-(Often a cousin of the Stopwatch) Already has the 2014 calendar out, strategically planning days off for long weekends, holidays, etc. Will be asking you about days that you can work when you haven't even had the time to think about this year. The second Management announces that requests can be submitted, the Holiday Hound's 5 page itinerary is presented within seconds.THE THREAD THWART-Usually found posting things like, "cute siggie" or "luv ur avatar how'd ya do it?" in the middle of a thread that has nothing to do with 'siggies' or avatars. Writes useless one-line answers like, "I don't know", "Good Luck" or "You spelled _____ incorrectly", when the OP was asking for help or advice.

The Holiday Hounds are out in full force in our facility.

Hmmm this is fun, I love the Grinch we have one of those who is always trying to sell Avon and Tupperware.how about:The Naughty Nurse-the sex goddess, always chatting up the good looking doctors, touching up their make-up during breaks, never a hair out of place, their ultimate ambition is to marry a doctor and retire on his money (yep worked with a few like this in ICU)The Burned Out Nurse-I'm sure we've all fit this one at some time or another. The Smoker Nurse-Smells like an old ashtray, feels they are entitled for more breaks than anyone else simply because they need to smoke. Actually it's better they do have their breaks otherwise they get cranky.