Dealing with emotions at work

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care.

Just curious - what are some of the ways y'all have learned to deal with emotions at work when you have unrelated issues (eg, going through a breakup, family issues, etc)?

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Currenly going through some serious health issues with husband, while raising a special needs daughter and seven kids, plus work FT.

I really try to check it all at the door. I have to for the sake of needing health insurance and a paycheck. I can't afford to be fired.

I also talk a lot with the hospital chaplin, and a few select people. I truly try to turn off my thoughts and focus only on work.

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Specializes in CNA: LTC & DD.

When it gets too much, I cry in the bathroom or take some deep breaths in the laundry room. I've got a friend that I can almost always expect an immediate response from when I text him, so sometimes I ask for some support while I'm taking a minute.

For the most part, I have enough on my plate that I'm all about work while I'm there and that's a blessing.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Cardiology, Geriatrics.

I second tokmom's suggestion of speaking with the chaplain. Even if you're not religious in any way, they are really good at listening and often have great ideas for dealing with personal issues. I've found that the chaplain will usually be very understanding of your beliefs or lack thereof, and is always happy to assist staff. They know how hard our jobs are, and they know that we need to feel our best to do our best for the patients. Also, does your employer have a hotline you can call? Many employers now have a confidential service you can call regarding personal issues and offer resources for you. Check with HR if you don't know. I hope everything works out for you. You have to take care of yourself if you're going to be any good to your patients and family. You also have to take care of yourself for your own sake.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Check you're baggage at the door. Keep your work at work and your home issues at home. End of story. Does that sound harsh yea. Know why ? Cuz I work with people who have trouble understanding that work is not the time to air out your dirty laundry at home or whatever. I really hate it to say the least. And if I keep going on I'm liable to offend someone cuz it absolutely grindssssss my gears.

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The chaplain is a great idea. Or a close friend. I personally would be leary telling anyone at work, even if you only share the news with one or two people-more people always find out because people like to talk. I have heard horror stories of people going through divorces, miscarriages, etc and telling a few people at work. But in a few cases, it set the ground work for termination from employers.

Does your health insurance offer EPA counseling?

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I'd agree with chaplain or check it at the door. If you are so stressed you are breaking down, you need to let your direct supervisor know obviously. But stay really really busy. Sharing at work is dangerous. Ppl love to listen, will let you cry on their shoulder -- only to talk you behind your back - some might be real concern, but others will be gossipy & tacky. Can't tell you how many times I've heard a sentence begin with "oh poor Sue... don't tell anyone but, she was talking about .... " and off they go spilling EVERYTHING. And I mean every detail. Down to the cream being appled to your s.o.'s rash. If you don't want everyone at work to know everything, don't talk. Most units are little Peyton Place's. Sad but true.

Better off to keep your personal business to yourself.

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Specializes in CNA: LTC & DD.
Check you're baggage at the door. Keep your work at work and your home issues at home. End of story. Does that sound harsh yea. Know why ? Cuz I work with people who have trouble understanding that work is not the time to air out your dirty laundry at home or whatever. I really hate it to say the least. And if I keep going on I'm liable to offend someone cuz it absolutely grindssssss my gears.

As somebody who's got a lot of baggage at the moment...I totally agree! Nothing adds stress to my shift like listening to a coworker's trials and tribulations when we should be getting on with our jobs. I'm not saying I'm not up for friendly chats or hearing how they're doing, but in previous jobs I've seen people get cornered by an emotional coworker when they're trying to get things done - usually right at the end of shift, or when something is urgent.

When things are rough outside of work and coworkers ask me how I am, I tell them honestly, "I'm happy to be here."

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I leave it at the door. This is my time to give my attention to my pts. Bringing in the baggage just adds to an already stressed environment. Gives me a break and it's there when I punch out.

I can't stand to see my coworkers texting, talking about whatever is going on with them the entire shift, or disappearing into the bathroom/breakroom to make 10 or more calls. Knowing someone is having a rough night, I'll help out and let them get extra time but I'm there to work and I appreciate when my coworkers are doing the same. I'll take extra pts to help if they're obviously not in the game, but if its really bad I'd rather them not be there. I don't mean to sound cold, but bringing in baggage could cost a life or a license. I like both.

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I can't stand to see my coworkers texting, talking about whatever is going on with them the entire shift, or disappearing into the bathroom/breakroom to make 10 or more calls. Knowing someone is having a rough night, I'll help out and let them get extra time but I'm there to work and I appreciate when my coworkers are doing the same. I'll take extra pts to help if they're obviously not in the game, but if its really bad I'd rather them not be there. I don't mean to sound cold, but bringing in baggage could cost a life or a license. I like both.

Yes, and we've all worked with ppl who are always whining about their personal problems, texting (sometimes NOT in the bathroom or breakroom), and expect everyone else to cover for them. I worked with one woman with personal problems that literally lasted YEARS! It was like a soap opera. One crisis would end, three more would start. Some ppl thrive on it. Create it even. Personally, feels like a bit of a cop-out/attention getting device if it is a continuous issue.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I have written a journal for years, which unfortunately and sadly, was destroyed by a family member not long ago.

I found that it gets out all your feelings, but I don't take personal issues to work, and just immerse myself in the patient's problems - that way I can forget my own for a while.

A journal is a great way to get those feelings out. I also do yoga and pilates (though living with someone else at the mo means I can't do this - no room -and I REALLY miss it!)

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I remember on an episode of Grey's Anatomy (I know, I know, it's terrible as far as portrayal of nurses and doctors and it's far from reality, but it's a guilty pleasure), and Dr. Bailey said something like this, loosely paraphrased, "you're feeling your feelings all out in the open. Do me a favor and stuff them back in!"

That's pretty much what I do. Stuff them.

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