patients

Well, I'm still a nursing student, and aside from clinical, my experience thus far has been as a nurse's aide in LTC, but I think your feelings are completely normal. Despite being nurses (or aides), we're still human and it's natural to feel less than thrilled about "serving" someone who is melodramatic, rude or ungrateful. I honestly feel that nurses take much more of people's bad behavior than many in other professions could even dream of. As long as you remain outwardly kind and professional, I don't think a little inward seething matters :-)

Yup, these patients can be a challenge. I llike to see if I can "crack through" their behavior to understand the real reason they behave this way. Usually I'll find they have some specific anxieties, like that no one will know they need help, or they won't get pain medication, etc. I try to be pro-active and anticipate these concerns, making sure their call bell is with reach and asking if they need pain med in advance if when it is due. It also helps if I make sure they have accurate expectations of how things work at your place,ie: first thing each shift the nurse makes a quick round early to assess everyone, then later returns to pass meds/ change dressings. Use the call light to gat assistance; the first person free will answer. Anyone available can help with toileting, etc. If you have a question about meds or wound care, your nurse must address that or bring it to the doc's attention.

Anyway, often if I can demonstrate to them that I am conscious of their specific needs, they lighten up and become quite pleasant to work with.

as you gain experience you take solace in the days where you find a patient that reminds you of why you chose this profession in the first place and you put a game face on for those you'd rather avoid. sometimes it helps to recognize how empty their lives must be if all they hold onto is how to manipulate and boss those trying to help them.