I have to vent. I can't stand that I never seem to have time off. When I'm not at work, I still get the calls about, " my kid swallowed...", " my mom is ..." etc. family, friends, fbook persons, etc. it's as if people can't respect the fact that this is my work, I do it because 1) I am really good at it, and 2) I know I make a big difference in the lives of countless people. The ones who make it the worst are the ones who complain incessantly about how much healthcare costs, how bad their experiences with healthcare are, or how they don't really need health treatment because "hospitals just want your money...". Aren't we ever entitled to time off? I am a great nurse, a wonderful boss, and an award-winning clinician. I feel I was meant to be a caregiver, that my contribution to this world is the improved health of my community, and that my Lord will honor me because I choose (and succeed) in doing His bidding for His children. However, I feel guilty for trying to get more than 5 hours of sleep before work, because the phone/email/texts/fbook never stops. Why do people demand that we serve their needs whenever they see fit, yet complain about our profession at every opportunity? This is my job, and I rely on it to pay my bills, feed my family, contribute to my life with my fiancé, and fulfill my niche in this life. So why do I feel that everyone who asks for my help when I am off duty are merely looking for a handout? Why does it seem that the same people who complain about the ACA, and preach the agenda of capitalism, think I ought to take care of them for free at all hours of the night? Is it just that I'm sensitive to our political time of year and the fact that I've seen the RNC in every patient room all week? I'm supposed to be at work in. 7hours and instead I am awake upset at the world for not letting me sleep. Advice would help, please.
