I cried at work is it embarrassing? How do I get over this?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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yesterday,when i was changing the patient he suddenly become aggressive and hit me on my nose's bridge which caused my eyeglasses broken in half. i was shocked and frightened because i'm just worried that my nose is going to be broking or something. but i was able to hold in my tears while doing my round. later when i'm charting my adl the nurse supervisor passed by and asked me "why are your eyes red?" i said, "nothing". he then asked "if nothing why are you crying?". i still said, "nothing." at that moment my eyes just turned red but my tear didn't come out yet. he then told me "if you don't tell me then i'll write you up forthree days suspensions." i know he was just kidding because he was a nice nurse and supervisor. he also told me "i'm your supervisor i can help you solve the problem." i couldn't hold in my emotion no more so i broke down in tear. when this happened there are some nurses and other cnas around. i told them that when i was changing the patient he suddenly hit my nose's bridge and it make the eyeglasses broken. at this moment i cried more because i couldn't control it because i'm just too concerned about my nose that it might be broking. they told me my nose's bridge is turned bluish now and it slightly swollen. one cna gave me ice to put on it. and the supervisor and nurses told me to stay and not to go home yet so that they can do the incident report and so that the facility is going to replace me with new eyeglasses. i cried because i worried about my nose not the eyeglasses because i have an extra pair at home i can use. when my family came to pick me up and even until now i don't even tell them about this becaus i don't want them to know that i cried at work and also don't want my parents to worry about me. today i called in and asked if i can stay home for two days because my nose's bridge needs time for healing. and the next following two days are my days off so i'll have 4 days to rest. i'm not going to work today so my parents though they cancelled me and the rest of the day i just staying in my room. thanks god that my nose is not broking but i do feel so embarrassing now because many people saw me cried. i hope i can handle this better since i'm already 25 i feel like i ruined my reputation and i don't know what to do when i come back to work... how am i able to look at these people? i feel like i have no more face because i embarrassed myself at work especially in front of the supervisor,nurses and others cnas. can you please honestly tell me is it embarrassing to cry at work? how am i able to face these people again when i return back to work? i'm worry that these people going to look down at me after they saw me cried in front of them. i really need your advice, thanks!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Crying shows that you are human. I would seriously quit worrying about what others will think and stop dwelling on this situation. Good luck to you.

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You were hit in the face and you are worried about crying?? Everyone is likely to be sympathetic, do not be embarrassed. Make sure you are seen by a physician to be sure that your nose isn't broken!

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Relax, anyone who hasn't cried at work has most likely wanted to at one time or another. I'm sure that everyone else has already forgotten about it and I would really hope that your family wouldn't give you a hard time about it either. Maybe you should tell them what happened, at least you can let go of some of the worry. Your making yourself sick over this by making it into a much bigger deal than it is, I understand it's a big deal to you but I doubt anyone else sees it that way. Take a deep breath, relax, and move on...it could be so much worse. I hope you feel better :)

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I know it's too easy to say "don't be embarrassed" and you'll still feel badly, but seriously - don't be embarrassed. I assume you haven't been beaten often at work? Next time it won't be quite so shocking and you'll be able to control your emotions much better.

I'm the same way. I can hold back the tears, but as soon as anyone shows me any sincere concern and I open my mouth to tell them what's wrong the waterworks will probably come.

Glad your nose isn't broken, and walk back into work with your head held high! It's perfectly ok to be human.

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I cry all the time, in front of anyone! I wouldn't worry a bit. Because none of your co-workers are thinking about it!

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DO NOT worry about crying in front of anyone! You are human, you got hit by someone who had no right to hit you!

Please put this behind you and move on! You'll do just fine!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i'd cry too if i got hit in the face! and i'd really cry over my glasses being broken because glasses are expensive! seriously, everyone cries at work sooner or later -- even my six foot tall, martial arts instructor husband. he cried at work when someone expressed sympathy over the death of our dog. i work with a former navy seal, a big, burly, bald guy who looks exactly like someone you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, when he heard about my breast cancer diagnosis, he sat down and cried with me, right at the nurse's station.

and for irisheyesrsmilin: is there someone who does have the right to hit you? outside the martial arts dojo or boxing ring?

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Specializes in none.

You will never get over crying but since you mentioned that you supervisor is a male let me tell you something. when we male ask question we a seeking knowledge. We ask direct questions we want a direct answers. We aren't complicated creatures. The supervisor knew you were crying, and he wanted to know why. He didn't want to delve into your soul. He just wanted to know why you were crying. The worst answer in the world is "Nothing" Then he has to9 continue to ask the same question. It is so frustrating. My wife is the same way. Her answer to my question, "What time is it?" has always been "Why?"

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Thanks for your reply TheCommuter!

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You were hit in the face and you are worried about crying?? Everyone is likely to be sympathetic, do not be embarrassed. Make sure you are seen by a physician to be sure that your nose isn't broken!

I know I was hit in the face but at that moment what I don't want others to see me is crying in front of them. I though it is a shame to let them see me like that. But at last it happened because I couldn't hold back my emotion anymore. I'm very appreciate for your advice Merlee, I believe my nose is ok now just the discoloration is still there.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Don't feel bad!! When I was a CNA, I was on the verge of tears once after being assaulted by a patient as well (didn't get anything broken but it took me by surprise) & I was embarrassed too b/c I almost cried in front of a hospice nurse who was just performing her weekly visits. I bet everyone gets a little emotional at work, and I understand how painful it is to get hit in the nose...talk about pain:crying2: Feel better, and take these days off to just relax your mind. Go back to work refreshed & ready to go :)

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