I floated tonight to what is considered almost a "sister" floor, and it's one of my favorite floors in the entire hospital. The staff were very nice, but I had another one of THOSE nights where you don't get a break whatsever (not even the 5 minute eat & run) and an additional 1 hour O.T.
Without going into details, I feel like the amount of care that some of my patients required was almost close to 1:1. And I had some pt's family micromanaging everything, and needing me Q 10 minutes!Other patients felt I hadn't "seen them all night" (was in with that patient at least 6 times, but not for long periods).
I did some venting in private to coworkers to let off steam. It helped a bit. But, I take it very personally when I am giving 110% and all I hear is complaints. It really wears me down!
I have always been a "sensitive" person (which can be a strength at times, mind you). But, I can't help but take this unfair staffing personally! I mean, I ran my as* off tonight! I gave good, professional care. You would have been glad to "follow" behind my group. I knew basically what was going on, and I addressed all the important concerns as best I could. But it was hectic! I gave 7 prns to one patient alone. I kept getting multiple messages from CNAs and unit secretaries that patient in room XYZ called 3 times asking for "PDQ." I was running the whole &^*@$#! night.
After finishing my 1 hour OT to wrap up the charting I never got to do (and coasting on fumes from my last meal 10 hours prior), I saw another RN finsihing up her charting. I guess I was not alone.
She said something about how "this unit needs its matrix changed." Well, gosh darn, I haven't been to a floor yet that had a decent matrix!
I feel, bottom line, that I gave GOOD care tonight. But I feel angry that I had to sacrifice my breaks and stay OT to do it. I am sick of seeing this in nursing!!!!!!! I have no idea how some of our veteran RNs can put up with it. I know some of you even have worse staffing than I do.... but the fact is that patients complained that I wasn't "quick enough" and the call lights were ablazing everytime I turned around! I gave 110% and I feel like DIRT!!!!!!!!! Days like this I feel like big huge doormat!
I know I am just taking it personal, but I would love to hear how anyone else deals with these feelings. I wish my patients had one clue about how HARD I worked for their safety and how MUCH I take their concerns to heart! I would LOVE to have something positive to show for all that hard work!!!
Thanks for listening. Tomorrow is another day.