Cry baby, or emotionally challanged?

justme1972 · Jul 23, 2008

I am an extern in OB.

They say you do get over it. When something particularly tragic happens, like a baby being born with a deformity or dying, it's ok to cry, just not in front of the patient and don't fall apart.

Even that, I have been told, eventually passes.

Natingale, EdD, RN · Jul 23, 2008

I work as a coordinator in a ER. You do become numb, but there are moments even the seasoned nurses weep through. Like pediatric codes, sometimes its hard for me to witness a family grieving to the point where theyre bawling and ready to pass out (for an adult code). You want to say the right thing to make it better, but its a part of life. Just remember, theres a better place for us. No more taxes!

Its life, its not ours to keep. Someone lent it to us, someone is going to ask for it back. There are no guarantees , so live everyday like its your last. I can keep going but you get the point.

Butterfliesnroses · Jul 23, 2008

I'm an aide at a LTC facility...When I first started I'd get stressed and cry. Or someone would look at me wrong and I'd cry. A nurse would critique my work and I'd cry. A resident would say something mean and I'd cry. A resident would die and I'd cry...Eventually my backbone has gotten stronger...There are nights where I will cry but it's not on a daily basis like it was 3 years ago!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2008

as i've gotten older i've gotten more emotional and the tears flow a lot easier. i think its just a sign that you (and i) are just very compassionate people. there's nothing wrong with crying as long as it doesn't reduce you to a blubbering mass who can't function and perform your duties. i can't tell you how many emergency situations i was involved in (i was a supervisor and manager and had to attend all code blues) where i saw nurses doing their jobs while a few tears were rolling down their cheeks--no one criticizes or laughs at them about it, at least not that i ever knew of. at work, the situations were usually so stressful and intense that my mind was so engaged with "what do i need to do next?", "what do i need to get ready for", kinds of thoughts constantly going through my mind that the sadness and tears got pushed to the back of the line. when you lose the ability to have compassion for the people you are caring for, it's time to hang up the uniform and do some other kind of work.

rnmomtobe2010 · Jul 23, 2008

You are just a compassionate person and there is nothing wrong with that...:icon_hug:I am the same way...Everytime I watch a birthing show, I get teary eyes...My son automatically goes and gets tissue..lol... I love it and I would not change my decision to be a nurse on the count of tears...

tiggerdagibit · Jul 23, 2008

I had my labor and delivery rotation this semester and was able to see a birth. I started crying. lol I felt silly, but my instructor and the RN both told me "it's ok. We've all done it. It's a beautiful thing." That made me feel a little better. Other students told me they cried too so I'm glad it wasn't just me. I have 2 kids so I don't know if I was reliving the emotion I felt at their births or if it was because it was just an amazing experience. Probably a combination.

I think if you work in an area that has a lot of sad moments (or happy for that matter!) you would probably get used to it and it wouldn't affect you as much. I don't know.. that's what I hope at least! lol

slsmithe · Jul 23, 2008

\when you lose the ability to have compassion for the people you are caring for, it's time to hang up the uniform and do some other kind of work.

i'm not a nurse yet (starting school in september), but i wholeheartedly agree with this statement. i think i would be more worried about myself if i was no longer affected emotionally by things. as convenient as it would be, i would never, ever desire to become "numb" to these things after the years, like i have seen it so many times that it no longer phases me. that is a sign to hang in the towel, imo.

i am a sensitive and emotional person, and don't get me wrong, there are definitely times when i wish i wasn't. i do hope that i will be able to keep these emotions to a minimum when difficult and stressful times inevitably come during school and my life as a nurse. but if not, that is okay because i am learning to accept that that is just the way i am.:nuke:

michigansstudent · Jul 23, 2008

I work on a peds unit as a tech and my favorite nurse sheds a tear just about everyday. She never blubbers or cries with noise, but the tears slide down her face with real emotion that I believe the children and parents see as her true understanding and concern for their pain. She is emotional, connected, smart, and efficient. I wouldn't trade her for twenty stone faced nurses in a million years. :rolleyes:

MassED, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2008

Here goes,
I tend to be an emotional person and I am preoccupied that it may affect the kind of nurse I want to be. When I watch the medical shows, and see things like babies being born, or ER situations with kids, the flood gates open and there she blows:crying2:. I can't keep the tears in. I eventually plan to become a CNM but am now wondering if my sentimental ways will get in the way.
Any thoughts, advice...recommendations of good tissues?:wink2:
Thanks

you'll harden up on some things - other things, like everyone, will get to you. I struggle when I hear a newborn cry (and I have two kids). My heart just wants to rip open and console the child. Other things used to make me cry, but I can deal with it a bit better. It's good to be sensitive, but you have to put your personal feelings aside to be able to do your job effectively - if that means you focus on a task (like starting a line, putting in a foley) whatever it may be, do it. Remember, it's not about you when you're caring for a person - whatever the situation.

Hands and Heart · Jul 24, 2008

I hope I never harden up and become numb. Feel the emotions you are meant to feel. If it makes you cry, so what? As long as you are able to complete your duties and function effectively, who cares if you cry?

MassED, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2008

I hope I never harden up and become numb. Feel the emotions you are meant to feel. If it makes you cry, so what? As long as you are able to complete your duties and function effectively, who cares if you cry?

that is true, but after a while, your responses change just a bit with outward appearances.