Patterns?

Oh yes, there are days at work where I feel like a rockstar, managers are complimentary of what I'm doing, the patients are so happy, co-workers shout my name when I walk on the unit, the doctor compliments an assessment finding. And I think wow, I love nursing, this is great!

Then the next day I get 8 emails from managers fussing at me for not doing x,y,z, patient hits me up side the head when I try to get a blood sugar, co-workers complaining about their assignments, doctor cussing about being paged yet again. And I think wow, why do I do this?

I think it's just the universe's way of keeping us in line LOL 

You obviously never learned how to kiss hiney is my conclusion. A little bit here and there es muy importante.

I think the universe has a way of keeping things balanced, I'm an "everything happens for a reason" person. I try to remember that when things are tough, because without the tougher experiences, I wouldn't have as much appreciation for the good things. And likewise, when things are going along well, there's usually a bump that comes around the corner, for whatever reason, to keep us grounded. Certainly, some of the examples you point out could be more negative than "necessary" , but since so much of who we are is shaped by our experiences, I think all growth ends up being good for some reason, even if I don't understand it at that time. 

Another thing might be that your irrepressible personality was guaranteed to always make one enemy of a rule-following tattle tale, who then proceeded to be your demise.

Not really "patterns"...

My mom took care of my grandmother after she developed dementia. I lived thousands of miles away, and was not really there. When the time came and my grandmother's last days were upon us (she stopped drinking coffee), I flew out to be there and was exposed to hospice/home-health nursing (as opposed to the previous understandings of nursing I had heard about - not for me!). That experience is what led me to change careers into nursing.

When I was on the metro to attend my pinning ceremony for nursing school, I had the opportunity to help a little girl that started choking on an apple.

The day I moved to a new state, after graduating nursing school before becoming a working nurse, I became critically ill and spent 10 days in the hospital (3? in ICU). Gained personal experience with pain I would rather die than experience again, indwelling catheters, bedpans, terror when I had a breathing issue, and a memorable moment of kindness when a nurse helped me with a bucket of warm soapy water. I think that helped me be more empathetic towards patients - I've been there.

I was lucky and in many ways found my "dream" nursing job right away. It was a great learning experience and I stayed for 5 years. I loved what I did (med-surg for geriatric patients). At about 5 years, I got my "anniversary" gift and a "acknowlegement" from my director.  Then, on a whim, I applied to a per diem job at another hospital, at the interview saw a manager that I knew from before. Shortly after starting the new position, I think I "realized" how much "easier/better" nursing could be with more helpful coworkers, and quit my first job. I do still miss that job, but have never actually wanted to go back.

After a few years of working my new job and loving it, "the company" made drastic changes to our pay and requirements. I honestly felt/feel betrayed and the desire to go to that job vanished instantly.  Shortly after, I passed a certification exam, texted a friend, and she said "come work with me".  So, new career that I have wanted for a while and am excited to finally do with an awesome coworker.

So, sometimes the good with the bad, or some learning experiences. Not really 'patterns', but points that help me flutter along through life.

4 hours ago, Davey Do said:

Do I fly high in April, only to be shot down in May? Is this a pattern, or what?

Have you ever experienced seemingly opposite or contrary forces in your life and/or nursing career?

I think there is always an ebb and flow happening. Some of the experiences we bring on ourselves and some "just happen" that are not within our control. I also believe that things happen for a reason, and it is up to us to do a little introspection and see why/what we can come up with.  We can learn something from everyone we meet (whether good or bad), likewise with situations/experiences. 

I was kind of a goof off in High School and almost got suspended. Too many absences. I much preferred the beach, my fault! 

When I went to nursing school I graduated with honors. 

When I was working as a nurse, like probably everyone, I also experienced the flying high then shot down phenomena. Save a life one minute, get your orifice chewed the next (for some trivial thing). 

5 hours ago, Davey Do said:

Should I be concerned?

Nope, that's just life. You/we are a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king. We pick ourselves up and get back in the race!

3 hours ago, Emergent said:

You obviously never learned how to kiss hiney is my conclusion. A little bit here and there es muy importante.

I have always struggled with this one, LOL