Jaded

I feel ya. It's nice to have co-workers feel the same way to vent with... however, I made a personal decision to provide the best customer service, regardless of how many times the pt has been into the ed, why they are there, non-compliance, demands, etc... Now, best customer service doesn't mean "customer is always right"... it means providing the best care for the pt whether they like it or not. It helps... but it's also nice to have the coworkers support when frustration sets in.

take.vacation.days.

i notice i am less jaded when i have been on vacation.

and...keep it to 3 a week. no overtime. if you prn somewhere, prn in outpatient surgery or pacu or med/surg but not in another ER.

It seems like it's different for different people. Some nurses can work in the ED environment year after year and maintain a compassionate presence for all they encounter, while others can be downright hostile toward anyone that rubs them the wrong way in any way, shape, or form. The reason is that we deal with so much B.S. and so much stress on a daily basis in the ED, that it can take work to NOT become that second type of nurse.

I agree with the others that having a fulfilling life outside of work is a good start, but for me, working with people in a different capacity really helped. When all you see of people is the cr@ppy behavior you see every day in the ED, it's easy to be really soured on human kind. I suggest volunteering to help people who are truly in need. Read to kids in disadvantaged schools, do activities with seniors in the nursing home, volunteer for a hospice, be a Big Brother/Big Sister. Find some way to work with people in a way where you can see the best in them, rather than always being exposed to the worst.

I don't let patients push me around. No, there will be no McDonald's for you, Ms. DKA. No, your child does not need an abx for a cold. No, you are having charges pressed against you because you broke the table and punched a hole through the wall. No, I will not bring you a hot meal, go to the vending machines, you are ambulatory and have a cut finger. And no, we do not feed guests.

I don't put up with their crap. That seems to help me. Not to mention blasting my way home on my bicycle, about 4 miles helps me unwind, BIG time.