How to handle Toxic Workplace Environments

Are you feeling helpless in your nursing job due to toxic workplace environment? You are not alone! No that you never have to stay in a place that you dislike-life is too short for that. Read more to learn how I manage this.

One thing that has been a challenge in my career is dealing with toxic workplace environments. Now we all know that any work place environment can be toxic/negative, however nursing has a unique way of proving itself to be one of those professions in which micro aggressions, ego and bullying run rampant in the workplace. My main advice is: When you enter a workplace, no matter how genuine someone may seem, never disclose personal information about your family, hopes, dreams or aspirations- unless the person can help you. Why? - Well, I’ve seen this happen countless times- a new bright-eyed, bubbly nurse gets hired and shares his/her dreams of becoming an LPN, RN or NP and notifies staff members that they are enrolled in school. Of course, initially, co-workers seem to be excited as they congratulate the nurse on wanting to improve their lives. However, slowly but surely, the micro aggressions come kicking in: supervisors giving you the short end of the stick in regards to patient load assignments, consistently or micro-managing everything that you do, co-workers not coming to your aid in time of need as they once did, co-workers going out of their way to point out every little flaw that you have and using any opportunity to embarrass you in front of others/make you look incompetent, co-workers not willing to switch with you if you need a specific day off for a test/clinicals when they once did so freely. The list goes on and on. The truth is some of your co-workers- even your overhead: yes! I mean even managers or supervisors who make more money than you or have a higher title than you can still have feelings on animosity towards you because of reasons like wanting to assert their power over you (being on a power trip), jealousy (yes, people ahead of you have the ability to see your potential even if you don’t) – which can make them feel threatened. I recommend everyone read the book The 48 laws of power- even if at least the first few chapters- because despite what controversial opinions surround this book, it gives a great overview of what can occur in the hearts and minds of individuals. If the environment gets too toxic, I will always recommend that you document each incident and email it to your direct superior- WHY? -Two things: It creates a paper trail with exact details and times, 2- If your direct supervisor, for example doesn’t do anything about it, you can keep reporting upwards with proof- via electronic documentation (the email) that you actually reported it. Now I get it, not everyone wants to report for fear of retaliation or what have you- well in that case I say pick your own battles. Always measure and see is this something I am willing to go to war for. Also, if you don’t report, you run the risk of the aggressor lying on you via complaining about you to your superior if they see that their nefarious tactics aren’t working on you. Again, I’m not trying to implant thoughts of fear or anxiety, I am just merely stating the facts of what I have witnessed throughout my years of working in nursing. Lastly, if you have reported several times and you realize the culture of the facility promotes bullying by valuing seniority or having a body on the unit over decent work environments, then you may consider if it is worth your sanity to work in a place like that. You just need to get over the fear of change- more on that later.