How to deal with the constant violence

RN1982 · Jun 22, 2008

I leave work at work. It's depressing enough to deal with at work. I don't want to deal with it at home.

needsmore$ · Jun 22, 2008

Walking with my IPOD --enjoying the fact that no conversation is needed, I can look at the scenery, houses, gardens, etc. Good exercise and 'quiet time"

And I leave work with my 'stethoscope' in my locker. When the stethoscope comes off, the stress stays on it--then the next shift I "wipe it all off" with alcohol swab before putting it back on.

DaMale Nurse · Jun 22, 2008

After a really bad night I always ask myself if I did everything in my power to help the patients or staff. If I can answer myself yes I did it seems better for me. I am not a god, just a nurse. If I did my best that's all I can ask. Hope you feel better.

TraumaNurseRN · Jun 22, 2008

Everyone's got their own way of dealing with their stressors. I have many different ways to handle mine. Hot soak in the hot tub, calling a fellow nurse friend to vent, a cocktail, reading a good book......shopping, rearranging furniture....and the list goes on....lol

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

We have a lot of trauma come into our ED, along with lots of cardiac problems. The traumas involving the young folks are the hardest, because you also have to deal with young families who never expected any of it.

We had a young state trooper come into the ED the other night, had been shot several times at a routine traffic stop. He died in the ER. It was very stressful for everyone involved because of the circumstances and his youth, his young wife and they had a very young baby.

Over time, you learn to leave the stress at work or change jobs. You can't live it 24/7. As another poster stated, I leave everything in my locker, walk out the door, come home to my loving dogs, eat some ice cream and go to bed.

It gets a little easier to leave the emotions behind the longer you do it, but there are certain things that you will never forget, you just can't let it paralyze you. You are no good to anyone, including yourself, if you can't detach yourself somewhat. It doesn't mean you can't be compassionate, it just means you have to deal with the reality of what you do and get on with it.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

Hey guys. How many of you start getting really down about the constant senseless violence? Just worked a Saturday night full of GSWs and screaming families. Then of course there are all of the fights and domestic violence problems. How do you unwind after that kind of shift?

Margaritas!!!!!!! :beercuphe

But seriously, you have to let it go and know that you are one of few that work in the ER because you CAN make a difference. Remember you have a job to do and focus on the task at hand. Try to keep it in perspective and after your shift, let it go (cleaning also helps to "clear" my head). I know that's easier said than done, but you have to try if you are going to be productive and continue to learn in this environment. As another poster wrote previously, you are not any good to anyone if you can't detach and do your job.

cursenurse · Jun 23, 2008

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've done ER for 4 years and had been doing well with the detachment, but last night I had to deal with a very large angry, frustrated family and it kind of got to me. In line with some of the posters, after I got home and mixed myself a drink I felt alot better. Of course, that is not the sort of thing I would want to do on a daily basis. Perhaps I need a vacation.

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

I leave work at work. It's depressing enough to deal with at work. I don't want to deal with it at home.

I haven't been doing this very long, but I agree with the above post. Gotta leave work at work. Otherwise, you'll go crazy.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've done ER for 4 years and had been doing well with the detachment, but last night I had to deal with a very large angry, frustrated family and it kind of got to me. In line with some of the posters, after I got home and mixed myself a drink I felt alot better. Of course, that is not the sort of thing I would want to do on a daily basis. Perhaps I need a vacation.

vacation is a good idea. Also not working your shifts in a row....:zzzzz

andhow5, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2008

I agree with the above posters. You have to *try* to leave it at work; but sometimes that's easier said than done. Sometimes you just have to hug the family a little tighter, play with the animals a little longer, or do something "creative" with your time - write in a journal, draw, pain, design graphics...

Good luck!

Irish Nurse 89 · Jun 24, 2008

I leave my job at the time clock! When I punch out for the day, the only thing that I have on my mind, is going home to my husband, and 2 beautiful children...... On a real stressful day, I'll go out and inline skate, or play outside with the kids.