As nurses, we all need a bit of "power" or energy, per se, to get through our shifts. This includes both physical and mental power.
Lately, I've been finding that my mental power has significantly decreased. I still want to do well for my patients, but honestly, the more they complain, yell, and demand, the less I want to do for them. I'm worried this is dangerous thinking and want it to stop so I can make sure everyone's needs are met.
Really, my brain is so overwhelmed by all of the requests I get on a daily basis. Whenever I get asked to do something else, I'm not motivated to complete it right away. Instead, I put it off for a bit because it just makes me want to shut down, not help.
I'm sure things haven't actually changed or worsened lately. I just don't have as much tolerance for it anymore. I actually come into work later and leave earlier now just to get away from it all for as long as possible. The increase in sleep hasn't helped, though--my body is greedy and always wants more.
Any tips to get through work shifts when your brain is in pain? I just want to make sure I'm able to care for everyone and want to move away from my brain wanting to shut down every time someone needs something
My hubby who has been a manager for a long time, gave me advice that has always stuck with me.
A manager is someone who accomplishes things through others. A good manager knows they can't do it all themselves. They assign, they delegate, they coach, and they offer advice. If it was up to you to do all the work, then you wouldn't need employees.
Good to think about. I'm still working on figuring out what to delegate and what to do myself. It almost seems as if I do the opposite of what I think is right, I'll actually do the right thing. In other words, if I think I should delegate something, I should do it myself. If I think I should do something myself, then I should delegate it.
Good to think about. I'm still working on figuring out what to delegate and what to do myself. It almost seems as if I do the opposite of what I think is right, I'll actually do the right thing. In other words, if I think I should delegate something, I should do it myself. If I think I should do something myself, then I should delegate it.
There are probably some managerial responsibilities you cannot delegate, like schedule making, but absolutely delegate. And accept that others may not do it exactly like you, or as quickly as you, but if the job gets done, does it really matter? And if there is an error, well that's an opportunity for growth.
I cringe about the way my hubby does laundry, but they're his clothes and he doesn't mind a few wrinkles. I don't mow the grass with perfect lines, but no one else is rushing to do it.
There are probably some managerial responsibilities you cannot delegate, like schedule making, but absolutely delegate. And accept that others may not do it exactly like you, or as quickly as you, but if the job gets done, does it really matter? And if there is an error, well that's an opportunity for growth.
I cringe about the way my hubby does laundry, but they're his clothes and he doesn't mind a few wrinkles. I don't mow the grass with perfect lines, but no one else is rushing to do it.
Good points. I’m afraid that my perfectionistic tendencies still have an influence on what I do and don’t delegate. I like to assign tasks based on who does it the best or most efficiently, but this seems to actually be more problematic than helpful. Sometimes I’m the best person to do something even if I feel that someone else could do it better. And sometimes someone else should do a task I know I can do well at because there are other things for me to attend to. Regardless, it’s usually helpful to take the focus off who is the “expert” at any given task. Rather, actions should be taken based on patient needs. More than one person can do more than one thing, so everything needs to be rotated based on circumstances. This allows patient needs to better be met along with promoting the growth of individual skill sets. I need to stop letting my personal fear of failure from influencing my job performance. I am there to help things run smoothly in order to promote quality patient care, not control every single thing that happens.
This message applies to all nurses in every healthcare setting. We need to stand up for ourselves, set boundaries and leave toxic jobs. So many of us have put up with too much and we deserve better! As I said before, what would you say to a loved family member or friend if they told you they were dealing with abusive working conditions. Then be that kind to yourself!
I still get updates from the toxic hospital I left and it is only getting worse. I'm so glad I quit, but I feel bad for the staff and especially the patients left. Things are so bad I really think it needs to be exposed to the media. They will soon have no staff nurses at all in the OR, only travelers. The patients don't know this. Patients have had to be diverted to other hospitals because of lack of staff in the OR and lack of radiology staff to do CT Scans for stroke patients. It is so very unsafe! I thought it was bad when I was dealing with the lack of tele monitors and oxygen flow meters missing from rooms, but patients are now going to have surgeries without any regular staff, unless they were to cancel surgeries. Considering this system is all about profit, I doubt they would cancel surgeries. I suppose they will probably end up floating OR staff from other hospitals in the area, assuming there are any left elsewhere. It sounds like travelers and pool are the only nurses keeping the hospital open. I wish this would be exposed to the public and lead to the firing of the CNO and the rest of the snakes in suits who are incapable of treating staff with simple common decency and respect! It was the corrupt, inept management that destroyed my hospital, not Corona!
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
11 hours ago, brandy1017 said:
I still get updates from the toxic hospital I left and it is only getting worse. I'm so glad I quit, but I feel bad for the staff and especially the patients left.
brandy, I regularly read your posts and enjoy your perspectives and insights, so I feel free to take an opposing viewpoint in this subject of "Promoting Mental Power..."
I've pretty much closed the book on "the toxic hospital" that I left, Wrongway Regional Medical Center and am comfortable with the decision. Wrongway was a big part of my life for over 17 years, so I continue to reference experiences in my art and posts. However, I do not wish for it to be an ongoing saga in my current life as a retired nurse.
I, too, feel some empathy for the staff and patients, but that empathy does not me "feel bad". Having no regular current connections with anyone from Wrongway has aided me in my separation, and my feelings, toward Wrongway.
Part of me would like to know Wrongway is only getting "worse" in order to reinforce my decision for cutting ties with it, but not enough to be proactive.
My decision stems partially from who I am, but somehow I intuitively realise know that this is best for my mental health and well-being.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
On 5/22/2021 at 1:51 PM, Davey Do said:
Your last two posts reminded of a supervisory position I held at a community mental health facility as a NS for medical services and the methadone clinic, back in '02 and '03, SilverBells.
I was hired for 35 hours a week and usually worked 50 -60. If either LPN in medical services or the methadone clinic did not work their shift, I usually had to fill in for them. I carried a caseload of 135 clients, set up and supervised two medication programs with a lot of various other responsibilities. I also had to do all the bureaucratic BS like attend administrative meetings.
I was hired by one medical director Doc, and had to train two rent-a-docs and finally the permanent Doc.
Then, one Friday, there as an All Staff meeting scheduled for 12:00 to 4:30.
A four and a half hour BS meeting on a Friday afternoon.
This is a cartoon of my response I drew at the time:
THAT IS INSANE! No meeting should run over 1 hour or you lose everyone anyhow. Please tell me they had food for you? Even if they did, I would not stay. My time is much more valuable than that. So should theirs be.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
1 minute ago, Davey Do said:
Oh. Lots of food.
For thought.
cheap b-------s; where I work there is always at least food ....to eat.
15 hours ago, brandy1017 said:
I still get updates from the toxic hospital I left and it is only getting worse. I'm so glad I quit, but I feel bad for the staff and especially the patients left. Things are so bad I really think it needs to be exposed to the media. They will soon have no staff nurses at all in the OR, only travelers. The patients don't know this. Patients have had to be diverted to other hospitals because of lack of staff in the OR and lack of radiology staff to do CT Scans for stroke patients. It is so very unsafe! I thought it was bad when I was dealing with the lack of tele monitors and oxygen flow meters missing from rooms, but patients are now going to have surgeries without any regular staff, unless they were to cancel surgeries. Considering this system is all about profit, I doubt they would cancel surgeries. I suppose they will probably end up floating OR staff from other hospitals in the area, assuming there are any left elsewhere. It sounds like travelers and pool are the only nurses keeping the hospital open. I wish this would be exposed to the public and lead to the firing of the CNO and the rest of the snakes in suits who are incapable of treating staff with simple common decency and respect! It was the corrupt, inept management that destroyed my hospital, not Corona!
How sad. But I am sure you are gratified to have left.
Davey Do
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