murphy......it happens EVERYWHERE no matter if you're a nurse or not.....before I became a nurse I worked in PLENTY of different office jobs (full of women) and everywhere I went it was the same sorry story.....alot of backstabbing !! Women are katty/catty (whatever) plain and simple and you're lucky if you can work with women who aren't. I've always been one to stay outta that mess which makes me along the "not so popular" list...but I'm cool with that. The job I have now isn't as bad which suprises me and I like it that way. I think some women have some sort of need to tear down other women for entertainment or to make themselves feel better.....I dunno. As far as treating the new nurse like doo-doo.....well, we dont do that on our floor but I can tell you it happens in the ICUs where I work.....even had one nurse say with a laugh....."well, you know we eat our young"........yeah, always something to be proud of

There's the MILLION DOLLAR question!!!
And here, my dear, is the 2-Bit answer:
Because we, as a group, have not accepted our own evolution into professionalism. Nurses, as a group, are still caught up in the quest to be the doctor's favorite, the family member's most friendly, the administrator/manager's most prized.
What I call "The Baracuda B*tch Syndrome" (back-biting, tearing each other down, and really setting out to get each other) will only end when nurses stand up and take responsibility for their profession as independent practitioners instead of competing for the spot of "this week's fair-haired child".

On a bigger scale, it's probably a female issue. Most women don't know their own value, except that they see it through someone else's eyes. Sad statement but oh so true.

can't we all just get along?
Recently I attempted a job at 'the best hospital' in the area. I never seen such lazy nurses, they wouldn't get off their butt if the chair was on fire. I find it's hard to tend to patients and watch my back at the same time. I believe that the lack of professionalism could be part of it. Nurses are educated, adult, and have an awesome responsibility. The back stabbing is a sign of insecurity. Being former Army, I see my fellow nurses as I would see any Military Officer, and I expect them to act as such. But I must be dreaming.

best way to get around that is to lead by example. I find that if I am cheerful and always willing to help others out they in turn eventually come around and are willing to help you out. It becomes contagious. I am a traveler and have used this for the past 5 years of traveling. it really works. I am always happy to help out . I get to work early and am even willing to help out the day shift if needed. I almost never have trouble finding help when I need it because I have helped other nurses out.