Cursing on the job

Specialties Emergency

Published

Alright so maybe this is a sign of burnout but most of us (not all of us) in my ED curse (sometimes loudly) while on the job. Usually its related to frustration. We were so incredibly busy yesterday and all of us were getting our butts handed to us. The call light was binging and the usually missing clerk was not there to answer it so I stormed over, snatched up the phone, and cheerfully (fake cheerfulness of course) yelled "Hi! Can I help you!!!?!?!?!" It was a "problem" patient who had their tv on full blast so I of course couldn't hear anything they were saying so I yelled "I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE TELEVISION..." and slammed the phone down. Then I proceeded to curse. Is this normal? I feel like I have anger management problems. I'm never rude to the patient's face, but I do this passive aggressive stuff and I'm not sure that it's healthy. It's also dangerous because it only takes once to do it in front of the wrong person and you're outta there. Anyone else have issues like this???

I think this needs to be a new thread. Favorite non-offensive curse word suitable for the work environment. Btw I'm totally using crap-monkey. I say "balls" a lot. I guess that's still pretty offensive, huh? haha[/quote']

Please do feel free to use crap monkeys. Say it with conviction and you'll not only get your point across, but people usually laugh (in a good way).

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I did used to swear like a sailor and did in fromt of my kids. This was a horrible thing because now they do the same thing in front of their kids. Twenty years ago the first time I saw my oldest grandchild get punished for it I quit immediately and "Egads" became the word of choice. I use it at work for the most part except when a pt codes then the "Oh s#$t" will come out. I have to admit when I would have to work in ER I would occassionally fall in to the darkside language.

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Specializes in RN.

I just had 5 days off. I cannot wait until I am back in the ED tonight, cursing like it's my final opportunity to do so...LOL!!! I will avoid those who are offended by such talk, but those who aren't are gonna get an earful of my rage until their heads catch fire...LOL!!!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
I just had 5 days off. I cannot wait until I am back in the ED tonight, cursing like it's my final opportunity to do so...LOL!!! I will avoid those who are offended by such talk, but those who aren't are gonna get an earful of my rage until their heads catch fire...LOL!!!

Hey now ... didn't you just start in the ED ... like in the last week or so? So filled with rage already?

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Specializes in RN.

Nooo...just messin' around. I just re-read it now, guess it looks kinda scary doesn't it. I just got caught up in the moment and was having some fun with the topic, that's all :-)

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So filled with rage already?
Personally, I don't think it's ever too early to get a head start. :yes:
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