How to Show Others You Are Happy While Working...

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 25, 2009

That would make me a bit uncomfortable. I am the same way, I exchange pleasentries, but try not to become too social with people I work with because sometimes, it crosses boundaries that cannot be taken back, such as gossip, catfights, etc....

I really feel that as long as one makes themselves approachable, is a teamplayer and is a safe practitioner, it would not be too important to me that they smile so much their face breaks.

cargalrn · Nov 25, 2009

I have noticed that alot of the people that are laughing and having a good time are not doing their jobs effectively. They take alot of breaks, are on their cells or blackberries, or are outside on smoking breaks, often.,

I also think that my face shows pain and fatigue that other people mistake for unhappiness. I tend to concentrate and focus on my priorities until my tasks are finished and I am satisfied with the outcome-all my patients are clean, safe, pain controlled, meds passed and toilet needs met. I often have to do this all by myself without a unit clerk or aid. It is hard for me to smile.

The happy face pin and I love nursing pin is brilliant!!

Good luck to us all!! Save us from bipolar nurse managers and cliques in nursing.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Nov 25, 2009

Zuzi said it best.

I know I already had my 2 cents worth, but I really have to question the prorities of a manager that spends time counselling a good nurse about grinning like an idiot all the time. If you are doing your job she should leave you alone.

abundantjoy07, RN · Nov 26, 2009

You guys are wonderful. I really appreciate all of the positive feedback. I'm still a little disheartened over being reprimanded for something like this. If it had to do with nursing care/skills then I would understand. It's sad how there's always someone who wants to rain on your parade. Are all professions this cut-throat?

You know...I think I will invest in a happy face pin. I honestly can't grin and laugh every moment I'm at work so I'll let the pin do the talking for me!

abundantjoy07, RN · Nov 26, 2009

I also think that my face shows pain and fatigue that other people mistake for unhappiness. I tend to concentrate and focus on my priorities until my tasks are finished and I am satisfied with the outcome-all my patients are clean, safe, pain controlled, meds passed and toilet needs met. I often have to do this all by myself without a unit clerk or aid. It is hard for me to smile.

I'm the same way...I find it hard to smile often at the beginning of the shift because you never know what you're going to inherit for that day and you know you have many tasks to complete for patients you have yet to assess or talk to. I tend to warm up more as I've met my patients and have a clear focus of what I need to accomplish. :up:

nyteshade, BSN · Nov 26, 2009

You know...I think I will invest in a happy face pin. I honestly can't grin and laugh every moment I'm at work so I'll let the pin do the talking for me!

Now that's thinking like management! LOL! :chuckle

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Nov 26, 2009

My manager is concerned that I'm not happy at work due to feedback from some coworkers that I appear stressed and disconnected. One minute I'm laughing and happy the next I'm quiet and "aloof." Honestly, I feel fine, but due to the comments of a few I'm now being advised to work on my behavior. How do I change to make others think I'm happy all the time? Apparently, I'm not acting in a way that is becoming and reflects the hospital in a positive light.
I swear this has hit me like a bolt out of the blue. I thought everything was okay.

IMO, as long as you are professional and don't verbally abuse pts and coworkers..you shouldn't have to act like a Stepford Wife while at work.