Breakroom Pet Peeves

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

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What are your breakroom or break time pet peeves? I bet stealing people's food is on top, but there is way more. I'll give mine to start:

1. There are a few chairs, to begin with, in the tiny breakroom. Your Target backpack DOES NOT require a chair. Put it on the floor or leave it in the car.

2. Headphones were invented I think in the 80s. I don't want to listen to your phone calls, music, or Youtube videos. Read or buy some headphones for 99 cents.

3. If you see me with my headphones or my face in a book that is a clear clue.

Now we are getting warnings for having too many RNs and CNAs on break at the same time.

1 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
1 hour ago, DesiDani said:

Now we are getting warnings for having too many RNs and CNAs on break at the same time.

really? is this the case or are they just being difficult? That sucks.

1 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
13 hours ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

really? is this the case or are they just being difficult? That sucks.

At my facility the break room in our building is small and with social distancing requirements only one person can be in there at a time.

 

Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.
On 5/14/2021 at 6:47 PM, Tweety said:

 

Constant interruptions.  We recently have had to start clocking out for our lunches and I'm now very adamant that "I'm off the clock..DO NOT DISTURB..so and so is covering me".  

 

I agree about the constant interruptions.  In my job, it's a little harder for me to tell someone that I'm on break or that they will have to wait.  However, it is still appreciated when people recognize that I'm taking a quick break and hold off any questions until I get back.  Many days, I actually eat at my desk, but whenever I do get to step a way for a few minutes, I've actually found the breakroom isn't necessarily conducive to avoiding interruptions and constant questions so have found other hiding places to eat. 

1 Votes

Basically they want you to tease you break on CNN a few hours ahead, and then make a Public Service Announcement about a few minutes before you take a break.

Most charge don't care, but then there are always that one. 

Specializes in CMA, CNA.
On 5/7/2021 at 6:47 PM, amoLucia said:

It's very distasteful when someone uses the bathroom to do 'stinky business using the nearby empl bathroom. It's one thing to just pee, but the if there's gassiness. Then if there's more 'solid business' to be managed .....

Hey, I know 'when you gotta go, you gotta go'. But some attempt at avoiding the BR at such a prime time is greatly appreciated.

This. I purposely tell new or agency people there are a few restrooms to use: one in the breakroom, the very small break room; a second private one across from the nurses station; and a third, deep in the spa room with the showers, so you can do what you need to away from the rest of us.

I also carry Wal-Mart's Mainstays odor neutralizer in French vanilla. Pocket sized, cuts through anything, and under 3 bucks. It's with the incense and candles. The vanilla and the rain are great but the floral ones and cotton will suffocate everyone within a 50 foot radius. This is my secret weapon I tell very few about for fear of them cleaning out Wal-Mart when I need my spray and chux.

1 Votes

At my old job, we would spend all morning talking to our patients, physicians, and nursing staff. By the time lunch came around, we were tired of talking, so many of us would read a book or scroll on our phones. There were complaints that we weren’t talking or interacting with each other in the break room.......

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
On 7/1/2021 at 6:18 PM, advsmuch08 said:

At my old job, we would spend all morning talking to our patients, physicians, and nursing staff. By the time lunch came around, we were tired of talking, so many of us would read a book or scroll on our phones. There were complaints that we weren’t talking or interacting with each other in the break room.......

some people will complain about just anything. I like my breaks quiet myself. I am all talked to death as a nurse.

 

3 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
On 5/22/2021 at 8:53 AM, hppygr8ful said:

At my facility the break room in our building is small and with social distancing requirements only one person can be in there at a time.

 

that can be good though. I like taking my breaks alone. We too have to socially distance and our room is small. And one at a time. I take mine last and make sure everyone has eaten then in I go for a bit of peaceful time.

2 Votes
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