Hazing in Nursing: The Cost of Breaking In
The hardest part of your first year often isn’t the work.
It’s how you’re treated while you’re doing it.
Some new nurses call it “paying your dues.”
Others call it “sink or swim.”
I call it what it is—a quiet hazing that leaves too many good nurses questioning if they belong.
In this week’s post, I’m sharing:
What hazing in nursing actually looks like today (it’s not always obvious)
Real stories from nurses who’ve been through it
How to recognize the signs early—and protect yourself without burning bridges
