[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by santhony44

All I can say is, well, Thank God it isn't just me!!

When I worked in the hospital I always wondered why I never seemed to get anything like that. I think Steph's invisibility explanation is as good as any.

All of us aren't particularly social animals.

For myself, some of it may be facial expression. I was told recently that I am "stone faced." Well, tough on the rest of the world, stuck on the other side of the face, but I only have one.

I have the same problem . . . . my face, when not smiling, is genetically designed to look mad/sad . . .I've gotten "Smile!" my whole life.

I can't help the face I was born with.

steph

[CHATSDALE]

could have written both of your posts,really agree with others advice
you eally need to get off my yourself for some r&r
do your share at home if no one totes their own share of the load let it be, children may be little but can be turned in the right direction
husband has no excuse, probably be tough but this situation will not change if you don't take affirmative action
best wishes

[santhony44]

Originally Posted by Spidey's mom

I have the same problem . . . . my face, when not smiling, is genetically designed to look mad/sad . . .I've gotten "Smile!" my whole life.

I can't help the face I was born with.

steph

Don'tcha just want to say: "What am I supposed to do, Botox???"


Sheesh.

At least, when we smile, it's real!!!

You know what I've done on a couple of "Smile on command" occasions? Turned my back, pulled a great big fake smile with my fingers, then was able to turn around and give a real smile, just thinking about it!!!!

(Actually, my kids know when I do this somebody better duck).

[dianah]

On the other hand, I have a face that, based on ppl's response, screams, "Tell me AAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL your thoughts and troubles!!"




Sometimes I ask the smilers, "Is that a smile or are you just showing your teeth??"


ETA: My apologies to Real, I'm WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY off topic! Back on track now, folks!

[Chaya]

I think there's a "tipping point" with these "nurse of the month/ appreciation awards. It's special when the first few people get them... After that you kinda gotta think "What's wrong with the rest of us that DON'T get them and just what do I have to do to get one?"

[kitty29]

Originally Posted by nursemary9

I completely agree with the other poster. You need some time to yourself each week; you also, maybe need some time with just you & DH.

I don't know if you work nite shift, as you're posting at nite, but having worked over 30 yrs on nites, I find you seldom get any compliments from pt's or families or even your co-workers.
I just do my job--& I do it to the best of my ability and then feel good about the fact that I did my best for my patients & other staff.
I know it's sometimes hard to feel appreciated, but, you need to pat yourself on your back, too.

I do hope things get better for you.

Boy you are right about that - And some places are so clickie!
We are going through that now with all the newbies and their "groups" - we had such a great team for so many years and the generation gap is really difficult to deal with here.

[kitty29]

Originally Posted by dianah

FWIW, in the facility I worked for 21 yr, I never got one of those cards either.
Not a one.
I still think I'm a good nurse, and focused on the patient's needs and on doing a good job.

Agree w/the others, to re-group, re-charge so you can re-focus on what's important (YOU first, then the pt. ) at work.

Hugs.

Hey I have worked to coordinate bereavement services in our unit from basically nothing - having done so for 20+ years now - I Never get a thankyou...not an official thankyou such as the Karis Award!? Just burns me sometimes and I know that's not why you do stuff - still....more of a thankyou would be so nice for ones moral!

Maybe nurses just aren't good at thanking each other enough!?

[kitty29]

Originally Posted by Spidey's mom

Me too! A group of us finally started a club of nurses who had never gotten an employee of the month certificate.

I think some of us just go to work, do our job and don't mingle well with others. So, we are invisible.

It isn't that we are bad employees. It is just that no one notices us.



steph

OH Steph --- You Rock! Wished you worked here I could join your club!

[cheerfuldoer]

Originally Posted by VivaLasViejas

You've gotten some excellent advice here. I can't add much of anything except this: You can't take care of others until you take care of yourself. That weekend by yourself sounds WONDERFUL. Now just DO IT!!!!!

((((((RealNurseWitch))))))

DITTO!!! It took me YEARS to embrace the fact that taking care of myself isn't selfish...it's a REQUIREMENT because if I'm all worn out, depressed, zapped of energy to do anything, I am no good to anyone else. It's OKAY to love yourself.

[barefootlady]

cheerful,
You need to do something just for you that will make you smile just a little. You need to take the next day off and stay in bed late, skip the housework, go get a manicure, a facial, see a movie, eat out, buy a new outfit or shoes. Do something just for yourself because you are worth it. Most of us never hear enough kind words, thank yous, or get that little pat on the back. We really do have to give them to ourselves. I know it took me years and years to decide I was as important as the kids, the hubby, the house and even the dog. Give yourself an ABC card, for doing a hard job, often under stress, perhaps not feeling well, in a competent and safe manner. I will pray for you and send you positive thoughts for a better tomorrow.