PREVENTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES FROM EATING THEIR YOUNG

The nursing profession has struggled for decades with a troubling phenomenon known as "nurses eating their young." This culture of incivility and bullying is not limited to the United States but is a global problem affecting nursing workplaces worldwide. As someone who experienced this issue firsthand before even graduating from nursing school, I'm passionate about addressing it and preventing it from continuing with future generations of nurses.

Understanding the Problem

To tackle this issue, we must first understand its root causes. Several factors contribute to this negative culture:

1. Workplace stress
2. Lack of support
3. Inadequate leadership
4. Hierarchical structures that leave nurses feeling powerless
5. Cultural norms within the profession

Today's new nurses face additional challenges. Their nursing school curriculum often doesn't provide the same level of clinical experience as in the past, leaving them feeling pressured and unprepared when entering the workforce. This can lead to frustration among more experienced nurses who may feel burdened by the need to provide extra support and training.

Breaking the Cycle

To prevent the next generation of nurses from perpetuating this harmful culture, we need to take several steps:

1. Acknowledge the problem: We must recognize that "nurses eating their young" is a real issue that must be addressed.
2. Address workplace culture: Raise the standard for professional behavior at work. Immediately address disrespectful and less than professional behavior.
3. Prepare the foundation: Just as a garden needs proper soil preparation, we need to create a nurturing environment where new nurses can thrive.
4. Conduct targeted surveys: We should gather data on how workplace culture and incivility impact nurses' decisions to leave their positions and what helps them stay.
5. Educate teams: Provide training on emotional intelligence and professional behavior, emphasizing the nursing code of ethics' requirement to contribute to an environment conducive to excellence in nursing practice.
6. Implement mentorship programs: These can be very helpful in supporting new nurses and fostering a positive culture.
7. Establish clear policies: Create and enforce policies against bullying and incivility.
8. Invest in leadership: Provide leadership training and support for nursing leaders, ensuring they have the time and resources to lead effectively.
9. Promote a culture of respect: Make respect the norm in nursing work environments.

We must dare to do nursing differently and transform nursing culture. This is why we've started the "Nurses Feed Their Young" movement, providing a place for nurses and nursing leaders to connect, grow, develop, and support each other as we work toward our common goal of transforming nursing culture.

I invite you to join our community and be part of this vital change. We're offering 30 days free membership to get to know us. You'll have access to monthly networking and educational events, along with other valuable resources to support your growth and development in the nursing profession.

https://go.nursesfeedtheiryoung.com/nfty-membership

Together, we can create a positive, supportive environment where all nurses can thrive, ultimately improving patient care and stabilizing nurse staffing. It's time to break the cycle and nurture the future of our profession.