As nurses, it is inevitable that we will likely be required to provide care for patients and/or families who we don't necessarily enjoy interacting with. However, what happens when a certain patient and/or family makes work unbearable? When simply hearing this person's name makes you cringe and a good day (which is rare) means this person's name isn't even brought up, let alone involves an interaction with them?
Have you ever left a job/position because one or more patients was too much to deal with? Have you ever encountered a patient/family who have impacted your life so negatively you question why you went into nursing at all?
I have three families like this at my workplace right now. Fortunately, one patient is there for rehab services, so will hopefully be discharging soon. Unfortunately, the two other patients are long-term care patients, so will be there indefinitely. Both of them are in relatively good health, so it's likely they will be around for awhile. I am okay with the rehab patient, if only because I know he will be gone soon and future interactions with him will soon be nonexistent. The long-term care patients, however, are going to drive me up the wall until they're gone. Same with their families. I used to love long-term care patients, but these two individuals and their families make me feel otherwise. I haven't done an active job search for any positions elsewhere, but the negativity both of these patients have on my work day and quality of life in general has really made me want to look for a job elsewhere. They're not going anywhere any time soon, and I'm not sure if I can tolerate working with them for another year or more. Part of me does not wish to leave a workplace that I enjoyed before they came, and will enjoy after they're gone. Another part of me is tired of putting up with the negativity these individuals bring to the workplace on a daily basis, something I know they will continue to do. I am tired of their grievance forms, of their negative behaviors, of their false accusations and of their attitude that everything is about them. State has come in multiple times to visit our facility because of their complaints; the state inspectors have seen us more times in this one year than they did in all years prior to this year combined, prior to these patients admitting to us. I have a hard time focusing on other patients because these individuals are demanding of so much attention--and then are unsatisfied no matter what you do regardless.
I know that not every day at work will be good, and not every patient will be pleasant. However, I am tired of the negativity these individuals constantly bring to my life, and want to be able to not dread going to work.
Anyone else been in a similar position? Have YOU ever left a job because a patient and/or family member was too much to deal with and/or negatively impacted your quality of life?
