I have a question reguarding what I will have to deal with tomorrow.

live4today, RN · Dec 3, 2002

First, let me give you a great big warm hug:

((((((((warm hug comin' at cha)))))))))) :kiss

Second, before you step foot out of your car to enter your place of employment, practice a few deep breathing exercises with your eyes closed and your mind in your favorite place (for me...that would be the ocean).

Third, as you begin your day with the residents, greet each one with a smile, do for them what needs to be done as you share nothing but positive conversation with them.

Keep in mind that you are but ONE wonderful person, and 'the residents' are MANY wonderful persons. You can only give as good as you have within you to give. Keep telling yourself that all through the day as you go about your job.

Remember too that the sun rose with the moon expected to follow in a few short hours at the end of every day, so as your shift started, so it will end. :)

DO be the best you that you can be...nothing else is worth stressing over. As long as you know that you are giving your absolute best to your residents and people you are working with/for...clock in with a smile in your heart and on your face, and clock out with a smile in your heart and on your face.

At the end of your shift, as you walk out that door to your car, leave the job behind you by taking a few more deep breaths and blowing them out ever so slowly as you focus on something fun and exciting to do after work. Sing your favorite tunes on your way home, play your favorite CD, think of what you want for Christmas, go to the mall and look at the beautiful holiday decorations, relax, relax, relax.

Ahhhhhhhhhh....feel better? Have a beautiful and peacefilled day! We can't do anything about what others do, but we can always elect to choose what is best for our state of mind and emotional well-being. Be good to yourself, and let go of that which you have no control over, and watch the undue stress and frustration disappear. :kiss :nurse:

Sleepyeyes · Dec 3, 2002

Is there no way these folks can put themselves on the bedpan?

One of the things I do is: if a patient gets on the light more than 3 times in a half-hour for stuff like "pour me some more water from the pitcher right there" (in their reach, already!), I set some limits. I come in the fourth time and I explain that I will be unavailable for the next half-hour, so they need to think of all the things they might need me to get them for the next half-hour.

Alternatively, handle it with humor. I think of bellringers as "Sisters of the Perpetual Light" and somehow, it gives me enough of a giggle to keep comin' back...

Jaaaman · Dec 3, 2002

Don't you have any aides to help you with all the call lights?

tattooednursie, LVN · Dec 3, 2002

hey, thank you all . . I feel better already! . . . LoL sisters of the perpetual light, I like that. I'll let you know how it goes tonight after I get home.

LasVegasRN · Dec 3, 2002

Mandi, what do you do there? Are you a CNA?

2banurse · Dec 3, 2002

Cheerfuldoer, that is some wonderful advice and though I am not yet within a clinical setting, I will try to remember your nice post to Mandi.

Cubby · Dec 3, 2002

Although I am not a religious person this one phrase from the Bible comes to me at times like those you described.

'...as you do unto the least of these yet you have done unto me'

It always puts my residents needs/wants into perspective.

tattooednursie, LVN · Dec 4, 2002

Hi, Yes I'm a CNA :) a crazy one lol

I got through yesterday!!! Thank you all for your help. Those who I were working with were very helpful with answering my call bells . . . hey I used the "sisters of the propetual call light" phrase. They kinda got the hint that I was tired of the ringing as soon as I walk out of their room they still wrank about every 10 minutes though (these 2 particular residents) and the others wrang about every 15 minutes, lol it was still busy but I managed to keep my cool most of the night. thanks again.

Tookie · Dec 4, 2002

Good post Renee

Coping with demands is a lot about metally preparing and letting go afterwards

Mandi - you will get stronger and manage better - all this is in a sense preparation for the next lot of responsibilites you will be facing as you go futher in your career.

As we get older we all develop coping mechansisms

Its great you are asking how to cope and reflecting on your own coping strategies.

Good Luck

Tookie

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 5, 2002

Originally posted by FutureRN_Mandi
Hi, Yes I'm a CNA :) a crazy one lol

I got through yesterday!!! Thank you all for your help. Those who I were working with were very helpful with answering my call bells . . . hey I used the "sisters of the propetual call light" phrase. They kinda got the hint that I was tired of the ringing as soon as I walk out of their room they still wrank about every 10 minutes though (these 2 particular residents) and the others wrang about every 15 minutes, lol it was still busy but I managed to keep my cool most of the night. thanks again.

Maybe the charge nurse can help you discover why these residents are really so needy...If you are getting their basic needs taken care of in a timely manner and checking to make sure that everything is in reach every time you leave the room then something else may be going on.....Depression,pain(these folks don't often recognize and claim their own discomfort) and fear can all play a part in their behaviors...If they are just demanding PITA's then you and the charge nurse can set limits (unless you work in the type of LTC in which the admin does not back you up) Good Luck-this can be a great learning experience for you.....

sandyth · Sep 13, 2003

The person who invented the call bell will burn in HE!!