Ever leave work crying?

TEXASWAG, MSN, RN · Dec 8, 2002

Yep, I've left work and cried at home, in the car, in the shower, even at work in the restroom, and in the supply room. It's normal for you to cry. But you know what? You did the best job that you could do for that patient. You are just one person. You have to realize that you can't do everything. Once I had a good cry and realized that I could not possibly do everything, I cried less and could leave work and the patients with a clearer mind.

You're new to nursing use others for support like your charge nurse and other experienced nurses. I worked 1 year in a busy CCU and at times felt like I was drowning under so much pressure and stress. If you need help don't be afraid to say so. I also have a mantra "There are 24 hours in a day". For me this is a reminder that what doesn't get done during my shift then the next shift can continue the continuity of care. Like I said I can't do everything.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You're still learning. Learn from that experience. Hope you feel better.

New CCU RN · Dec 9, 2002

Thanks for such a nice post Texaswag!!! It really did make me feel better about the whole night and about this patient's situation.

I do have to say I have been thinking about it and how much I have learned and grown since I started last June..... a world of difference.... and most of the time I feel pretty comfortable....but most of the time I've had a decent outcome. It just felt like it was all downhill with this guy.

And I just felt like if maybe a different nurse had him maybe things would have been better bc they would have been faster. Everyone I worked with last night told me I did an awesome job..... but I just felt awful about it all bc I know chances are slim that he will make it through this.

I am fortunate to have had an awesome preceptor who is now one of my close friends so I was able to vent to her as well about it and so it has helped me alot with adjusting and venting and all of that.

Thank you again for your response though, it really did make me feel so muc better.

casperbjs · Dec 9, 2002

I've cried at work! I use to work for a wonderful doctor. I had a patient call and bless me out because the dr. that he was referred to didn't have a copy of his labs and x-ray results. The hospital was suppose to send them to him too. Then this patient hung up on me! Told me he went to see this dr. for nothing and that it cost him $125.00. Talk about being pissed! I went to the doctor and told her I had never worked at a place where I got blessed out so much, that I was going to quit and find another job. Needless to say, all the other dr. had to do was call the hospital and get them to fax him the results. (think that was asking for too much?) My doctor ended up talking to him about how he treated me. It's just not worth getting yelled at by so many patients for various things that they're not happy about.

I did finally quit because of getting yelled at by so many patients. I was the triage nurse, plus setting up appointments, giving injections, helping put patient's in rooms. So much to do, but not enough hours in the day to do it.

Now I work in a LTC facility, where the resident's are independent, but 11pm to 7am. So much less stress! The girls that I work with are wonderful!

nursenina · Dec 9, 2002

I just started at a new hopsital, and have only ben working on the cardiac telemetry floor for 4 shifts and I was floated to a different floor. I was crying in the lounge within one hour of my shift. I did not know where to find things and was not even comfortable with the policies and procedures of this hospital yet. I was in tears! I felt like such an incompetent. Luckily the charge nurse helped me all day and the rst of the staff was great. This has never happened to me before. Not a new experience I want to have anytime soon. :rolleyes:

2banurse · Dec 9, 2002

Originally posted by New CCU RN

And I just felt like if maybe a different nurse had him maybe things would have been better bc they would have been faster. Everyone I worked with last night told me I did an awesome job..... but I just felt awful about it all bc I know chances are slim that he will make it through this.

You mention that if a different nurse were taken care of the patient it would have been better...I don't believe so. It sounds like you did everything you could and it was the INTERN which should have been different. I don't believe that a resident with only about 6 months on the floor should call in orders but be there once you call him/her. I personally would speak with his resident about this. That is inappropriate and if the intern came when you initially called, a lot of what followed may not have happened. DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP! You seem to be a real caring person.

New CCU RN · Dec 9, 2002

Thank you all for your words of support.

I am just a nervous wreck today for some reason about going into work tonight......blah

oldgirl, RN · Dec 9, 2002

SOunds like you done good hon, and I agree, the intern is the yo-yo on this one. My first year of nursing was on a tele unit in a small inner city hospital that was scary on a regular basis. Many days got in the car and cried with relief that no body died during our shift. Hugs to you, and just remember all nights will not be like that.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 10, 2002

Originally posted by nursenina
I just started at a new hopsital, and have only ben working on the cardiac telemetry floor for 4 shifts and I was floated to a different floor.

Wow! Floating new staff is a BIG no-no in my hospital!! Totally against policy. I can't believe they floated you! You need to say something to your nurse manager about this. That is a very unsafe staffing practice.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 10, 2002

Originally posted by 2banurse
You mention that if a different nurse were taken care of the patient it would have been better...I don't believe so. It sounds like you did everything you could and it was the INTERN which should have been different. I don't believe that a resident with only about 6 months on the floor should call in orders but be there once you call him/her. I personally would speak with his resident about this. That is inappropriate and if the intern came when you initially called, a lot of what followed may not have happened.

I totally agree with this. Where was the resident MD? Did the Intern even try to consult with him/her? You could write an incident report on this if you felt inclined to do so. I had to do this in a similar situation. Thank god a resident from another team was on the floor at the time. I did write an incident report r/t the pt's resident not answering beeper or overhead pages during the situation. I have never seen that resident again, so I don't know what happened to him.

rebelwaclause, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2002

While I was in nursing school years ago, a nurse told me to do the best you possible can, and take care of one person at a time and include yourself in that count.

I've often said school was great theory - Teaches us heres the problem, here's the solution. They don't spend nearly enough time on death and dying (psych/Soc aspect), and nurse burnout from having so many stressful shifts like what you've mentioned here, New CCU RN. Then again, maybe if it was focused on a little more, there wouldn't be a nursing shortage - There would be NO nurses!

Hang in there, sounds like you did the best you possible could do. Its normal to "worry" about your patients during that drive home. Just make sure you take care of yourself as much as you do your patients.

New CCU RN · Feb 14, 2003

sorry it is a little late but i jsut wanted to thank you all for your kind words