Taking things personally

Nurses Relations

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Hi all,

Does anyone have a problem separting what may be another nurse's plain bad mood to them being mad at you? I know we all have our "off" days, but when other nurses do I always think it's because something I have done. For instance a nurse seemed really annoyed at me today for something I did that wound up being no big deal. Well I've turned it into a HUGE ordeal in my head that she hates me, thinks I'm incompetent, etc!! Does anyone else get like this? How do you deal without going over everything in your head over and over again? It's starting to interfere with my own mood outside of work.

TIA!!

Thanks so much everyone. I know it's not "all about me", I'm just very sensitive and tend to assume that people are mad, annoyed or do not like me for whatever reason. My own issue I know. Mariebailey: I did just order that book yesterday!!! Glad to here it's good
What if they are mad at you or don't like you? If they are in power or bff with management then some worrying might be justified , otherwise probably not.There are many people with issues of their own that can spot someone with self esteem issues and too much eagerness to be liked.Certain people would be quick to use this to their advantage.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Sensitivity is a strength not a weakness. We all seek validation,me too ! As you gain confidence as a nurse you will not be so affected by others opinion. It takes time. Try to develop your own practice and value that you have something very unique to bring to your pt...You!:D

I did a lot of comparing myself to others and ruminating about minor mistakes. This is something that in no way made me a better nurse and I wished I had learned sooner that I have the right to define my own practice. When I finally let go of others judgement s of meas paramount to my own only then did I then I feel happier.

Having sensitivity is a great gift to your pts. Celebrate it. Remember even if you have made a mistake, a mistake is the universe's way of telling you that you are still teachable. Gently, try to be patient with yourself.

Lastly as a sensitive soul recognize that people who act out are saying they are frightened in some way. If you see that root you can meet them with kindness and it won't feel so personal

Sensitivity may be a strength, but oversensitivity is a weakness.

Specializes in ER.

If you find this is a common problem, it might be worth talking over with a professional therapist. Sometimes, we manifest our deepest fears by believing things that aren't true. :-)

Specializes in cardiac CVRU/ICU/cardiac rehab/case management.

I seen a great article in Oprah Nov. issue on HSP highly sensitive people. What I liked about it is it highlighted where it can be used as a strength like being a great emotional leader who sees injustices and creates a voice for others.It was tempered with how to care for yourself as a sensitive person who may absorb your environment. It may merit a read.

The only one who can define if this is a problem is you. There is room for everyone in nursing. How quick we are to say change that. Why? because it doesn't fit with the norm. The only normal in life is found on the setting of a washing machine. It's time to make room for all personalities. I bet the pt of a HSP never has to ask for a pain med twice because her nurse already gets it.

I am very hyper-sensitive. I can smell tension from a mile away. From someone having a bad day to hair standing up on the back of my neck tension. As I have matured, I have realized that although I sense it, I can and do have the power to stay out of it. I channel it into my patient care, and find the ER to be right up my alley, and I react methodically under pressure, and critical thinking is a strong point. Remember, sometimes when someone seems angry or upset to you, it could be they are in the zone and are just channeling their own energies elsewhere. Don't sweat it, don't pet it, and carry on.

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