why do i need to describe a caring moment

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

Just a rant: my facility had all the nursing staff fill out a form describing their most caring moment with a patient. another question: how did we plan to provide self-care in the upcoming year. Who makes up this stuff. Yes Im caring to my patients all the time, why do I need to WRITE about it? What purpose does this serve? just wanted to get it off my chest...

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Maybe the facility wants to share ideas between those who work there? Maybe it's trying to get you all to think about what you do in more depth? You could ask them for their rationale.

Is there a reason you're so upset about it? I'm thinking it might take 5 minutes, maximum...if it bothers you, as someone I know says when things are a pain to do but we have to do them, "just git 'er done."

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

I don't foresee them sharing ideas. Possibly to get people to think about things more in depth, and several people very well should. But if you saw any of my other posts regarding this facility and the practices of seasoned nurses, I just don't think it makes a bit of difference. Why do nurses have to write about their caring experience. Would doctors be forced to write about a caring experience? yes I know our roles are different but what professional has to write about their caring experience with patients? lawyers dont, policeman don't, teachers don't.. why nurses? maybe I feel its degrading as a professional? I feel their efforts would be better utilized retraining some of their staff to actually practice compassionate care. And honestly do I need to explain to my superiors how I practice self care? My goals of self care in the future? Thats a bit personal... I guess Whispera if I really felt the organization cared about their staff I would feel differently, but this is such a farce. My NM barely acknowledges her staff, but we have describe how were caring for patients??? uhgh...

[llg, PhD, RN]

....Why do nurses have to write about their caring experience. Would doctors be forced to write about a caring experience? yes I know our roles are different but what professional has to write about their caring experience with patients? lawyers dont, policeman don't, teachers don't.. why nurses? maybe I feel its degrading as a professional? I feel their efforts would be better utilized retraining some of their staff to actually practice compassionate care. ...

OK. I get it. You are not happy in your work and don't like your current employer -- and that is making the assignment "extra-irritating" to you because you feel as if they don't really care about you.

Maybe someone in the hierarchy is aware that there are morale problems and this is their way of starting a dialog about caring. It probably won't work miricles, but if the staff can have a positive attitude about the assignment, it could start people thinking ... and talking ... and maybe even acting in a more caring, compassionate way towards their patients and co-workers. In time, this first step could lead to others that could add up to something worth doing.

The first step in any change is to get people's attention and start them moving in the desired direction. Maybe this 10-minute assignment is someone's effort to do that. Find out who that person is and support them if you want the institution to improve. Gripe and moan and don't cooperate if you want things to stay the way they are.

[DermottMcSorley]

Seems a valid point. Maybe someone had to write a brochure or something on a report. The point is that do the Md's etc have to do this seems spot on.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Absurd. I would refuse to do it.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Sample answers: "My self care plan for the upcoming year is to masturbate daily."

Or bathe daily. Or start brushing my teeth. Or more naps at work.

When I get asked a stupid question, I give a stupid answer. It makes life more fun.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

My caring moment was when my patient and I bonded over how stupid the management is.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Sounds like something that could be used down the road for marketing, a la Johnson & Johnson's commercials. Nice soft focus picture of an attractive "nurse," sitting and holding the hand of a charming elderly patient. Maybe a new mom (perfect hair and make up), holding her new baby (perfect hair and head shape).

"At 'Brand X' Hospital, our nurses' one focus is you."

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Sample answers: "My self care plan for the upcoming year is to masturbate daily."

Or bathe daily. Or start brushing my teeth. Or more naps at work.

When I get asked a stupid question, I give a stupid answer. It makes life more fun.

Damn it, wooh. That's twice in one day that I spit all over the computer because of your posts!

[Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Sounds to me like someone in either management or nurse education is trying to implement a new program, a new approach. Self-care is very important for psych nurses for many reasons, including forestalling burn out. It makes good sense for the facility to start taking care of nurses by seeing what they are doing to take care of themselves and where more help may be needed.

I get that you don't feel taken care of now, but maybe participating in the survey with a good will will help them start to change.

[Emergent, RN]

I know it may possibly be well meaning, when management does these touchy-feely type things, it always feels canned to me. It seems like fake concern, and very shallow. I always feel like it is an arrogant, patriarchal approach, as if I'm being treated like a child, and they are trying to guide me to more self awareness and self love, because I'm such an ignorant peon, I obviously need help.

I think they should give a one a month free spa-day to every employee if they are really concerned.