Sometimes I actually curse my decision to ever become a nurse. Does it ever get better? I work in a crazy-busy telemetry unit with old, sick, obese, demented, indigent patients and I am so tired of taking care of people who don't take responsibility for themselves, who are lazy and disgusting and yell at me for things that aren't my fault. I get little respect from doctors who, when they're not coming on to me, are yelling at me or talking to me like I'm stupid. There was one doctor who actually grabbed my ass. I get no respect from my family who joke and ask me "how many diapers did you change today?" and think it's funny. I'm sick of overbearing family members who have little understanding that other patients exist, managers who push their clipboards and paperwork but don't have to guts to be on the front lines, gossipy coworkers who think my business should be their business. I take great pleasure from helping the legitimately sick patients who NEED help and are appreciative, not the ones who think they can boss me around and think they can call the charge nurse/***** to the manager when they don't get their way when I'm doing EVERYTHING I can to help them. If I could go back in time, I would choose a different field. I hate this so much. I had an emotional breakdown a few months ago where my personal life was suffering too and I was cursing that I even woke up in the morning anymore. Did nursing always be like this, should I stick it out, or jump ship and be a nutritionist like I always wanted. The only thing I like about my job is the paycheck, and it's a MEAGER one at that! Does anyone feel my pain? I just want to find JOY again.
Excuse me, but I don't think it is very supportive or polite to attempt to beat down anyone who may have a differing view to the op either. I can empathise with the op, but that doesn't mean I should sugar coat or gloss over what sounds a lot like utter contempt for the majority of the op's patients. The op, I am sure will find his/her niche in life and be wonderful at it. It just doesn't sound like direct care nursing is it.
Excuse me, but I don't think it is very supportive or polite to attempt to beat down anyone who may have a differing view to the op either. I can empathise with the op, but that doesn't mean I should sugar coat or gloss over what sounds a lot like utter contempt for the majority of the op's patients. The op, I am sure will find his/her niche in life and be wonderful at it. It just doesn't sound like direct care nursing is it.
In a discussion, there is an exchange of ideas, meaning that many points of view are expressed. Disagreeing with another poster's point of view is not equivalent to beating them down.
I see that some posters are pointing out that the OP's choice of words in describing her/his patients is not very complimentary and displays an attitude of contempt toward them. I think what some others are trying to say is that if you put that into the context of the big picture, it really sounds like there is a problem with the culture and working conditions in the unit itself, and that some of us can relate to the emotional response of the OP to said culture/working conditions- that their emotional response is a natural human response and does not mean they are a bad person or a bad nurse or should not be a nurse.
You may disagree with that, and that's okay, but in discussing it, there will be all points of view expressed, and just as you wouldn't expect to "sugar coat" your opinion, you shouldn't expect others to sugar coat theirs.
I agree stargazing. I am just suggesting that we all not belittle one another for expressing differing views. I felt rivalicious took a kind of reprimand simply for having some different yet valid points. I just think everyone's views should be respected. Especially when given kindly and respectfully as hers/his was.
Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.
You mentioned you had had a "nervous breakdown" a few months ago. Did you really,or is that a figure of speech? If you did, then it is obvious that you are still fragile and vunerable, and need to continue to see your psychiatrist/therapist/counselor. If you never saw any of these professionals then it would not hurt you to make an appt now. As Rivalicious said, illness can do funny things. Depression can make you irritable, angry, exaggerate circumstances because everything get magnified. Seek help before you leave your job. Check with your employee assistance program. This is what I did and then I used the Family Medical Leave Act and short-term disability when I had a nervous breakdown. I am very glad I reached out for help. After stabilizing on antidepressants, my situation was not as bad as I had thought. You may too, after getting help, or at least you will be in a better space emotionally to look for a new job. God Bless You!
bellcollector
239 Posts
Excuse me, but I don't think it is very supportive or polite to attempt to beat down anyone who may have a differing view to the op either. I can empathise with the op, but that doesn't mean I should sugar coat or gloss over what sounds a lot like utter contempt for the majority of the op's patients. The op, I am sure will find his/her niche in life and be wonderful at it. It just doesn't sound like direct care nursing is it.