[NICUandLearning]

What do you do when you feel like no one around you gets what you are doing day to day at work? I sometimes have days at work that really take me time to get over physically and/or emotionally and sometimes family or friends not from work just do not understand. I find myself wishing that they could come with me to work and be a fly on the wall.

[prmenrs]

There is no way they will "get it", in all likelihood. Don't expect them to. Keep factual info to a minimum. Depending on who is asking, you could say my pt got sicker, we had to do labs, x-rays, start an IV and antibiotics; my pt had to go to surgery. If it's not someone you know well, just say you were busy.

If you've had a shift from he[ck], just say "bad day @ black rock" to them, or something similar, and that you need some down time. Then go take it.

I know it's hard, but it's not their fault you had a tough day, and it's not their fault they don't know what you're talking about most of the time.

Hang in there.

[littlepeach]

Man, there have been soooo many times I wanted to go home and kick the dog (cats, husband, kids! Ha!) I just go in and say "Mommy needs a bath....ALONE" That is the time I need to let go. The tub has been filled with more tears than water on several occasions.

[WeeBabyRN]

We have a joke on our unit when the husbands call that we were just kicking back, rocking a baby, and eating bon bons.

I had my hubby come for a visit on the unit when I 'forgot' my lunch at home. Ever since then he has been understanding of my bad days. He had the lady at the grocery store near tears with the story of the baby who's hand was smaller than his thumbnail.

[preemieRNkate]

We just play with babies all night, right? My dad came up to my unit one night when he had made a lasagna for us, and I was caring for a 24 weeker at the time. He said, "I know you take care of really small babies, but I didn't realize just how small they really are". My boyfriend still has no idea though. Whenever he calls me at work and I tell him I have to get off the phone, he says, "Why? Is your baby desatting or something?" He hasn't been up to the unit ever though.

The thing is, anyone who doesn't work in NICU won't get it. That's why we come here! And sometimes after a bad night, a bunch of us will go get breakfast together.