Am I cut out for this?

[hannah53]

I just don't know if I am cut out to be a nurse anymore. I've been a CNA for almost a year now. While I enjoy the work and truly love my residents, I cannot handle rude coworkers or family members. I break down into a panic/crying fit after a bad shift where I've dealt with people just being ugly with me. I've been degraded over and over and still continue to bust my ass for my residents. I can't even remember the last time I've actually taken my dinner break. As a nurse, I know situations like this will come up a lot. I can't just break down crying on the job. Has anyone else had similar experiences but learned to "toughen up?"???? I love and admire all that nurses do and would love to be apart of that, but if I don't have the emotional stability for it, will I be disappointed in my career choice? Really needing some words of wisdom.

[JohnG77, BSN, MSN, RN]

Nursing is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding professions in the country. I have been in nursing for 20 years and all I can say is that, you can not take this too personally. I teach my team, Q-TIP - Quit taking it personally. Many times we are on the receiving end of patients, residents, family, and co-workers with a lot in their bucket. Co-workers must learn to leave it at the door and learn how to communicate as a functional team. Identifying why the residents or family members are upset is far more valuable that letting it get to you and dwelling on it. After all, this is not about you, it is about what is bothering the patient. If you think you can do that then continue on, if you are going to react to every bit of anger and frustration you receive, you may want to find another career.

[ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN]

I really liked JohnG77's QTIP advice. It can be hard to get used to the nasty, rude and controlling patient's and their families. One thing that I try to bear in mind is that they are going through something awful that they have absolutely no control over. Sometimes they think that the only things that they can control is how often Mom gets her pain medication or how often she gets turned, and then chew you up and spit you out if you are unable to meet each and every demand the second that they hit the button. That is their way of attempting to regain control. That is their way to show love to their ill loved one. Our job is to do the best that we can, put a smile on our face and quit taking it personally :) You can do it!

One thing though, you HAVE to take time for yourself. Eat. Even if something is going to have to be late. Just take a few minutes and eat. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep as well. I was an emotional basketcase that frequently hyperventilated and cried in the bathroom when I worked on the slower/somewhat easier night shift. I switched to days and slept like a normal human and it's amazing the crap that I'm capable of dealing with now that my mind is rested! You know what they say... take care of yourself or you will not be prepared to take care of others. Best wishes!

[compassionresearcher]

It can definitely be difficult and stressful at times. But sleep deprivation makes things seem 100% worse. Going to school and working can be exhausting. I try to remind myself to never make important decisions or trust my judgement when I'm exhausted.