Never a "thank you"...

[CloudySue]

I suppose I should be grateful that 95% of my job is really great, because the stuff I end up venting about here on AN really ain't so bad. But I have to say to somebody who understands (you guys, I hope) that it really bothers me when I don't get a thank you for anything from certain clients' parents. I mean, I know they have a lot on their mind. I know I cannot fathom how it feels to be faced w seeing their child with medical conditions. But for the life of me, I really think if I were faced with their situations myself, I could still choke up a "thank you" once in a while. Especially if my nurse is driving in snow and ice, risking life and automobile all so I can get a good night's sleep.

Ok, I'm done here. Thanks.

[eeffoc_emmig]

I recently left a case because of treatment like this from the parents. (Also some abusive treatment as well)

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Abusive? Toward you?

[luvtwilight]

I WAS that dedicated. I no longer do things like this. The families don't appreciate it and neither does the agency. I work every shift I agree to, but no longer fill in. If the driving conditions are questionable, I stay home. Why should I put myself in danger when the parents are very capable of caring for their own child on occasion.

I also no longer work holidays. While my children are small, I will be at home with them where I need to be. Period. That's one of the reasons I stay in PDN - the hours are so flexible.

(I'm sure I'll be on the receiving end of some unkind words because of my refusal to work holidays. However, as much as I love nursing, I work to live - not live to work. My kids will only be little once.)

I just wanted to say you and I have the same exact way of thinking! I also don't work holidays, not while my son is little, and I think that is a special time the families might appreciate enjoying themselves, without a nurse hanging around. "I work to live - not live to work" my mantra as well!

[eeffoc_emmig]

I just wanted to say you and I have the same exact way of thinking! I also don't work holidays, not while my son is little, and I think that is a special time the families might appreciate enjoying themselves, without a nurse hanging around. "I work to live - not live to work" my mantra as well!

Glad to hear I'm not alone in this way of thinking. :)

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Abusive? Toward you?

Verbally abusive, to me, yes.

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[smartnurse1982]

I don't mind if the families don't do it(they usually do though)

Its the AGENCIES I have a problem with....somtimes they say "thank you" but what about some time and a half at least for working Thanksgiving night?

Or,at least compensate me properly!

[mluvsgnc]

I think it is human nature to want to feel appreciated (hello, Maslow!), and in our culture we express that as "thank you."

I also know that when I am thanked, I notice. It feels good. However, I don't necessarily expect a "thank you" when going about my daily shift.

It goes both ways, too. I have thanked my client's mom or dad for various reasons (like letting me change the trach ties every time, so I can be super good and confident at it) I appreciate learning opportunities and will thank them for it, along with basic common courtesies.

[caliotter3]

I consider it thanks enough if the client does not lie to me on an ongoing basis or does not call the agency asking to replace me and giving a lie as a reason.

[systoly]

I had a really crappy start today

coffee maker did not start on auto (major catastrophe)

too many idiots on the road (i was the only good driver)

too many trains (the power plant doesn't need all that coal)

got to work 5 minutes late (hate being late)

my patient smiles at me with his smile that's more

brilliant than the 4th of July fireworks

i'm good now, no i'm great

yes, i really like to hear a thank you now and then

but maybe i need to be more thankful as well