My big mouth

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

You just have to learn theart of biting your tongue.

thevez · Mar 23, 2015

You just have to learn theart of biting your tongue.

Lol yesterday, my lip was bleeding at work, maybe due to frustration, I subconsciously was biting my lip for the longest time. Thanks for the tip nonetheless.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

Get some experience, and then get out! Make sure you make a big fuss over how great it was to work there, too. It sounds like this job is new-grad friendly because no experienced nurse would want to work there. I think it's fine to vent or express concern, but avoid super-hostile words like "report" unless you're ready for war.

EmergencyRN22 · Mar 24, 2015

Find an appropriate outlet (that's not at work) - we all need somewhere to blow off steam and frustration. It's how nurses "try" to remain sane haha.

Never say anything to a coworker that you wouldn't say to your bosses face AND keep your job.

caliotter3 · Mar 24, 2015

Find an appropriate outlet (that's not at work) - we all need somewhere to blow off steam and frustration. It's how nurses "try" to remain sane haha.
Never say anything to a coworker that you wouldn't say to your bosses face AND keep your job.

This. Never say anything to a coworker, even if you think you can trust them. The person may not be your frenemy, but the slightest negativity coming out of your mouth will get to the wrong people. This can just as easily be inadvertent on the part of the person who is repeating what you said, as it can be a deliberate attempt to sabotage you on the job.

kungpoopanda · Mar 24, 2015

Yeah keep your mouth shut until you explode. Don't ever voice a concern or show that you are human.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 24, 2015

Don't put so much personal emotion into your job. It is not personal. It is frustrating, but frustration doesn't change the fact that you have 7 patients to take care of at present.

Focused and organized. Know your resources, and keep on task. Get as much experience as you are able.

The advice of then moving on is sound, however, be mindful that a 7 patient load apparently is the new 3 patient load--seemingly typical in acute care.

To say "yes, I am busy, goal is still breathing at the end of the shift...and you can decide if I mean me or my patients!!" (haha, wink,wink, nudge, nudge...keep it light) and go about the day. Excuse yourself from any group conversation surrounding how everything sucks....it can be easy to get drawn in and start actively participating in trash talk--Just say no, and disengage.

Having a lot of patients and being out straight is never, ever an easy task. But attitude is everything, and you can choose to stay on task, or make it even more miserable with perseverating on it.

Very few union contracts address patient ratio. Perhaps that is something that--if you are part of the union--you can have discussion with your delegate about addressing, whether it be at the meeting that most have with management (sometimes monthly) or at the next contract negotiation.

Finally, if you feel overwhelmed and it is a patient safety risk--use your resources, ask for assistance--an on your next shift, suggest that the matrix of patients that you may have had change to something manageable.

Best wishes

allnurses Guide · Mar 24, 2015

I'm generally a "people person" and tend to trust until evidence to the contrary is shown. I agree with the others. Never say a word to anybody along that line, and I'd add that he "friendly" type who may even buddy up and seem to encourage you to tell all are the worst backstabbers. I learned the hard way never to repeat one word of negativity, either.

I'm sorry you have such crap staffing but the advice above is so good I won't comment further. All the best to you!

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

Moved thread