After 8 yrs in a "secured dementia unit", was the "king of the castle" (do it my way or the highway), was summarily, and without justification,terminated. As much as I hate to say it, former employer DID have the highest standards in the metro area. Apparently, State found the absurd accusation unfounded - shouldn't that mean my termination was unfounded? I think so. Anyway, have my license intact, have a new job. From day #1, saw crappy nursing activity, and struggled to "play nice" (hell, I need a job, bite my tongue). Now a month into a new job. I fully understand that I'm the newbie / low person on the totem-pole - have to pay my dues; but I ain't dumb either. Am proud to say, after just 9 shifts, am already earning my stripes. Dump on the new person, but in my case - once is all I'll let you have, but in the process I'll work the grape-vine passively. As you dump on me, I'll mumble/grumble about the substandard care that I'm quickly finding. Oddly, my passive aggressive attitude is working. Already, 1 RN and 1 LPN on the line - pickup the pace or you're replaced with you know who. What pissed me off most was their attitude - 1)make the new guy do it; and even worse 2)the resident is whiny, so ignore it. Oh, that really pisses me off, the battle was on. Went out of my way to introduce myself to so-said whiny residents. The reality is: if the resident didn't need my help, I wouldn't have a job. So I do it with a smile, respectful conversation, and compassion/caring. LOL, the alert and oriented residents are already comparing notes about my care. Already have the reputation as the one with the "secret recipe" to fix excoriated crotches. Now the lazy nurses have my attention, don't fuck with me, don't dump on me as the newbie. After 9 shifts, the word is spreading. Nurses beware, do your job, or I will. LOL, the "secret recipe" already has the attention of many. Just what is the secret recipe? 1 part caring, 1 part compassion, 1 part gift of gab (that's the hard part), 1 part common sense, 1 part human touch, 75 parts generic moisture barrier, 5 parts generic skin lotion, 5 parts Zinc oxide, 1 part Nystatin powder, 1 part proper peri-care, 1.5 parts passive aggressive leadership, 1.5 parts showmanship! The "secret recipe" has already begun its fantastical journey along the rumor mill (what job doesn't have a working rumor-mill!), point being to the lazy nurses - step up your game or I will; I play the game for the benefit of those residents under my charge. I find it humorous that in just 9 shifts, I've already begun to make my mark. Don't fuck with this newbie, cause I'll quickly fuck with you. Tho experience has taught me temperance, dump on me and see what you get. Pleased to say, after just 9 shifts, have already begun to raise the bar of acceptable standards of care. Meet my standards, or your job is mine for the taking, if I so want it.