I knew from the get-go I would have a hard time setting boundaries because I am a big softie. But seriously, these other "seasoned" psych nurses just seem so...MEAN! I can understand the need for boundaries but I guess I'm more of a "pick your battles" kind of person. I would rather give some small concession than end up having someone blow up and have them explode and hurt someone.
I've been teased a bit by staff for giving in on things and of course I worry that the snark behind my back is less benign, but I really don't want to be a nurse who just tells people to "knock off their BS" instead of helping with medication or spending 1:1 with the patient trying to help them to relax. I have never yet had to e-medicate a patient. I just don't see what the big deal is in being kind, accommodating, and medicating upon request or offering meds if it looks to me like someone is struggling. Most of the nurses here seem to have a really tight rein on handing out PRNs for some reason and they also tend to be very snippish and unprofessional toward the patients. I doubt they would speak to someone in a med-surg bed that way, or if a family member were present to complain and hold them accountable for their tone.
I guess I'm just feeling a little frustrated because I am doing things differently than everyone else here, including most of the long-term staff (though there are a couple nurses, mostly on nights, like me who are much more laid-back). It's almost like some of these nurses are on a power trip. I just worry if I'm the one in the wrong and I need to be a little more strict or something, and I also worry that I will turn into one of these Nurse Rachets if I stay in this field...