Are you happy?

prn nurse · May 10, 2002

low, and thought , "I can identify with that." I've certainly gone to work with an inexplicably low mood. And does that transfer to patients? I think it is an interesting concept to consider: "What does give our jobs meaning?" How can we overcome "the blues" and make our chores meaningful?

nightingale, RN · May 10, 2002

Sometimes "I" need to get "over it". I have my times when I just do not want to listen to someone complain over blah blah blah... When I identify that then it is time for some RR.

A few weeks ago I went to a Beauty College School and had a manicure and a pedicure. Every so often I get a massage or an herbal wrap (hmmm it has been a while).

I try to make sure I assess my needs and where I am at so I can give 110% to all my patients.

B.

PJRNC2 · May 10, 2002

Yes I am Happy :) as a Nurse, a Mother and a daughter! unhappy as an overweight person and less than perfect housekeeper (always said I went to school for nursing not keeping house-which my mother would reply- that is why you were at home 18 years-to learn- and keeping house was one of the things to learn). Ha. Ha. (Also happy as the caretaker of 3 dogs and 3 cats)

Sleepyeyes · May 10, 2002

Sometimes I feel tired, and I am just doing my work. Then a patient or family member will say "Thank you" and mean it, and suddenly I feel much better. :)

It's a good reminder of the interaction between nurse and patient and the unique relationship we have. I like that part the best.

l.rae · May 10, 2002

Honestly, I don't think of myself as a "religious " person, but going to church on Sunday changes my whole out-look for the week. I actually feel lighter on the inside when I leave the service and really notice a difference when I don't get to go. Don't forget to nurture your spiritual side!

goldawgz · May 10, 2002

i'm happy, but getting restless-

i'm 44 and an rn for 19 years, currently working in an internal med office (very small!) , and am wishing to start a new career! but, the money would never be this good, so i pursue my hobbies-

i have on daughter in college, and another that will be a senior in high school next year- i think the pending empty nest syndrome is hanging over me, and that has taken away my usual spunk and zest! but, i am happy, and am looking forward to new beginnings!

MQ Edna · May 10, 2002

I recently went to Vegas for a quick getaway with my spouse (poor guy, he gets written in on my dayplanner!). One of my colleagues said something about "if you hit the jackpot, you'll probably be out of here." That's when I realized that if I "hit the jackpot", I'd probably sock the money away in the bank and be here the next day. I couldn't imagine life without nursing.

Kimt · May 10, 2002

I'm not sure if this answers the question of 'are you happy' or not, although I must say it certainly helps me to keep things in perspective. When my mind and time is getting caught up in all the tasks I have to do, and I find myself frustrated with what seem to be petty complaints from pts in the big scheme of things...I remind myself to look deep into their eyes. There is a person and a story there, that we as nurses are most often

just getting a glimpse of. It tends to be my reality check in how I am treating, understanding and listening to another person. That quick moment seems to renew those feelings and thoughts about why I became a nurse. HAPPY NURSES WEEK TO EVERYONE!!!

BOUQUETS TO ALL THOSE NURSES WHO CONTINUE TO NURSE FOR ALL THE SAMES REASONS THAT YOU GOT STARTED.

IT IS NOT ALWAYS AN EASY PATH TO HAVE CHOSEN, BUT...IT IS OURS!!!!

ClariceS · May 10, 2002

I am very happy with being a nurse. Of course I have my good and not so good days but if I had to do it all over again, I would still be a nurse. :nurse:

Overall, I try to be a happy person. I have struggled at times with different things going on in my life but in general I consider myself happy. I do find that circumstances in my personal life do affect my overall outlook but I try not to let it bring me down where others would notice lingering unhappiness. Prayer and church help a lot!

shannonRN, BSN, RN · May 10, 2002

i love what i do!!! yes, nursing is a very stressful profession, but i couldn't imagine doing anything else. when i become frustrated, i imagine myself as a patient and how i would like to be treated. and to see the gratitude my patient has for something as simple as fresh ice water makes all the difference.

JeannieM~ my coworkers were recently talking about if they won the lottery they would be out the door running... i told them that i don't think i could leave. i would have to at least work a couple of shifts. they then replied, "you are too young, you will learn." my response was, "the minute i don't love what i do, i will leave regardless of my financial situation. but until then...you guys are stuck with me!"

ClariceS · May 10, 2002

Oh, I'd have to stay working at least a few shifts a month too! I enjoy nursing way too much to completely leave it. My co-workers have often overheard me saying that they'll probably have to make me quit before I'd ever retire.

susanmary · May 11, 2002

I am very happy in my life. I choose to be happy. My happiness comes from within -- I believe we are all much "more" than our profession, possessions, and what others think of us. Sometimes life is very challenging -- but I always try to look at the "big picture" and face each challenge as it comes. I take time for myself, without guilt -- I'm kind to myself and THIS makes me a better wife, mother, daughter, nurse, friend. It's difficult, but I've learned to let go and try to leave work at work. Our lives are so much more than work. I'm not thrilled with the current nursing situation -- but I choose to remain in nursing. I try to maintain a positive attitude -- I've learned to let go of the trivial stuff and focus on the "big picture."

All in all, I feel very blessed in my life -- I'm a happy camper.

Good thoughts to all of you!

Sue :nurse: