Feeling Unappreciated

[DarciaMoonz, LPN]

Hey all, I will try to keep this short. Yesterday when I was at work, I thought everything was going fine. I was able to do all of my treatments (one which takes almost an hour by itself) and do my med pass. I had completed most of my paperwork during lunch, so I felt great. Well I was sitting down with the APRN and we were talking about me asking to become the regular 7-3 nurse on the floor I was on. I had my doubts about the availability of it, but felt like it wouldn't hurt to inquire about it anyways. Well apparently there has been some "talk" about how I don't leave on time, and how I am not able to do everything (whatever that entails), and I felt hurt after that. I am not I.V. certified yet, so I have to call someone who is to manage them, I am not CAPD certified yet, and once again I have to call someone who is. I have 30+ residents to pass meds on and most the med pass is brutal. I come to work on time, always happy and confident that I will get better at this, but yesterday cast doubt on my abilities. I haven't been a nurse long, not even for sixth months yet and this happens. I wanted to go into the office and scream because the first week I worked, I had just begun my orientation I was talked into working a double on my day off!!!! because they couldn't get anyone else to do it. Many times when they didn't have anybody, since I have been there, I have worked when no one else wanted to. I have even stayed because my relief didn't show up or call to say she wasn't coming. I don't do a "knock there socks off job" because I am still learning, but I think I do a damned good one... well I thought I did. Patients and families compliment me on my bedside manner, and I have been told by many that they like me better than their regular nurse. Anyways, after hearing that, and being given a warning for "call outs" (I had got very sick, and even though I told the doc. I will return to work the next day, it was adviced that I didn't d/t the fever and vertigo) I told the supervisor that I don't think I will be there much longer. Now they are trying to be ultra nice to me and I hate it:angryfire. Even called me today to see how I was doing!!!!!!!! I really don't want to go back there, but I have bills to pay and can't afford to be out of work. The shift is what I was looking for, and it's full time. I just feel intimidated now, and am not sure how to react. They are already losing a damned good infection control nurse, a DNS who actually did the facility some good since I've been there, and a super nights nurse. Can they afford to lose anyone else. The facility already has a bad rep., and it seems that the people they need to get rid of are the ones that stay. I am hurt, scared, and confused:(

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

How have your evaluations been? Are you off of probation? If you are, and the evals are at least decent, I would (try) not to take things so personally, because in nursing, everyone has a complaint. I do understand how you feel, and am not brushing off your emotions. I have seen the best of them have things said about them. If your license is not in jeopardy, no patients were harmed, continue to do the best you can until you find circumstances that suit you a bit better. And, from what you are saying, you ARE doing a great job for a new nurse. Maybe, that is why they are suddenly being nice to you...it could be that their conscience is now bothering them!

[steelcityrn, RN]

If you will be open for advice, please take this. You cannot PLEASE everyone!.You mentioned that patients stated they liked you more than the other nurse. Never take that to heart, there will be times when that will be said about you. I feel you should step back a little, remember you will have many many more episodes like this in nursing and not to take it so hard. If you feel this way in a year from now, thats a good sign to start looking for a new job.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Interestingly enough, you have titled this thread, "Feeling Unappreciated."

Sorry, but I must be blunt with you when I state that a nursing job is the wrong place to seek any type of validation or appreciation. This especially rings true in LTC, where nurses are viewed by management as replaceable warm bodies who fill shifts.

I have been working in LTC for nearly 2 years, and here's my code of conduct. I am not loyal to any facility, workplace, or manager. My only loyalties are to my patients and my bank account. I do not arrive at work with the expectation that I'll be shown some appreciation. And most importantly, I do not permit anyone to bring me down or dampen my spirits. Whether you realize it or not, nobody else has the power to hurt your feelings or make you feel undervalued, unless you give them consent.

[missdeevah, NP]

interestingly enough, you have titled this thread, "feeling unappreciated."

sorry, but i must be blunt with you when i state that a nursing job is the wrong place to seek any type of validation or appreciation. this especially rings true in ltc, where nurses are viewed by management as replaceable warm bodies who fill shifts.

i have been working in ltc for nearly 2 years, and here's my code of conduct. i am not loyal to any facility, workplace, or manager. my only loyalties are to my patients and my bank account. i do not arrive at work with the expectation that i'll be shown some appreciation. and most importantly, i do not permit anyone to bring me down or dampen my spirits. whether you realize it or not, nobody else has the power to hurt your feelings or make you feel undervalued, unless you give them consent.

well said!

[DarciaMoonz, LPN]

I don't feel as "bruised" now as I did when I posted this. I just go in there now, and do what I am supposed to do, what I was trained to do. I have been working a bit harder now, don't know if it is because I am trying to prove something to them or to myself. I was asked whether or not I was staying or going because now they are down another nurse who basically said "screw them", of course using words more colorful than I can post up here. I go back because of the people I care for during my 8-10 hours that I am there. I go back for their families who need some support (emotionally, or just an ear to listen to their concerns), I go back because I don't think it matters where I go, the same problems with persist. The only difference between some place else and where I am now, is my being familiar with most of the faces and attitudes. Unfortunately healthcare has too many disparities for me to fix alone, and change is slow, but it is coming. All of the supervisors are wonderful, but like stated above, I and my other co-workers all have to deal with the "warm body syndrome" that seems to be plaguing the healthcare community. And that being said, I plan to continue on my path of nursing and be the best that I can be. Stay informed about new policies and procedures to make the best my best. I have just learned to go by what I believe, "becareful who you trust". I am learning to say no and not feel so guilty about later too, so kudos to me. It may seem like a meaningless step to some, but for me its a giant leap.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

well said, commuter!