ClassNotes Profiles
Lyn McBain
I have recently completed my Nursing Degree, I had been working in the field for over 30 years as a Division 2 Nurse. I chose to study as a undergraduate mental health and drug/alcohol, my intention was to enter a drug/alcohol grad year. Completing the application process I was over the moon, I was accepted as the hospital's first ever grad. I was aware that this would not be a easy year as I had also the opportunity to complete postgrad study as a part of the grad programme. What followed next I was not prepared for, day 1; I felt as if I was treated as a child, day 2 it was very clear to me that what I was experiencing was a clear case of workplace harassment, I was devastated to say the least all my hard work, for what, for this! I sat down and thought this through and very quickly, and knew that I had always been a good employee and I had good morals and above all was honest to myself and my profession, and as difficult as nursing was in the 1960s and 1970s when I did my initial training in a hospital never could I say that I was spoken to with such contempt. My decision was made very quickly as I left at the completion of my shift as I walked out the door I knew that I would not be returning.
This experience blew my world into shreds, I knew I had done nothing wrong, with alarm bells like this I knew I was not prepared to spend the next 2 years working in a workplace where they harass their staff. I immediately arranged a exit interview. I then spent the next 2 months applying for other grad positions I was eventually successful with a lot of support from my partner and old colleagues. To my disappointment the union do not offer any kind of free counselling I would like to this changed. The ending is I know work in a environment that is nothing but supportive and challenging I love my new role and my workplace, my new colleagues are great teachers, I have completed the 3 months probation time and I have know been appointed a permanent staff member and I am undergoing training to be in charge of some shifts.
I currently have applied to a uni to complete a post grad next year and my goal is to to become a nurse practitioner in drugs/alcohol. That is my story of being a new grad I hope that others do not have to endure this experience or if they are they do not remain working for the organization as no one should think it is ok to be bullied in their workplace.
