Starting to find some aspects degrading

[QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP]

I've been a nurse for almost a year, and I think burnout has hit me hard. I'm also finding certain aspects of the job degrading. I don't mean wiping up poop or vomit or blood, or turning a little old lady who can't move herself. I mean the extreme doormat part of the job. The fact that we have to let patients and their families/friends walk all over us lest they complain to management and our butt comes under fire. A lot of times it's complaints from the patient you did EVERYTHING under the sun for and spent the most time with who says your care is inadequate to their liking.

It doesn't matter that you are ONE person stretched five and six different ways and that everyone needs something RIGHT NOW; that we are constantly understaffed and no one gives a damn, you are a bad person for not teleporting yourself instantaneously.

The customer is always right.

I find it demoralizing.

I'm trying to get in two years at the bedside and then do something else that does not involve the general public. They are awful and I've had it. I'm practically a hermit on my days off because I cannot stand people any longer.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I hear ya. Unfortunately, it may take increases in mortality rates for things to change.

[Valerie99]

So sorry to hear this!

Indeed, I understand what you're saying about being walked on. There's definitely some broken things in the industry. Understaffing is a major issue - not just for nurses but for DOCTORS, which then trickles down to pressure and blame on nurses. I believe that patients often feel frustrated that their contact with MD's is dramatically limited (often to just a few minutes in a day or a week) and knowing that nursing education is often less extensive than that of MD's, they can sometimes use the nurses as a scapegoat. It may not be appropriate, but it's an unfortunate reality.

I would just say to keep your head up! It's not you personally - it's the circumstances of the environment.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

The feeling of wanting to go home, close the blinds, turn off the phone, and lock yourself in the closet with a can of tuna is nothing new in nursing.

[amzyRN]

I've felt that way at times. I've had issues with patient's families that were very draining. One of the brothers of my patients would call and would be threatening to sue everyone and he would try to keep us on the phone for half an hour at a time. I had one family member try to get me fired because she felt like I was putting blame on the family for the patient's discomfort (I don't know how she got that idea). So overall, I've had way more negative draining situations with family members than patients. Most of the time my patients are really a great and a joy to work with. Some of my patients have even taught me things, make me a wiser person that is.

I've developed more of an ability to assure respect for myself from family members by explaining things to them. Sometimes the answer is "no" and/or referring them to the manager. There are times when it's appropriate to refer someone to the manager. As long as I am doing my job, keeping my patients safe and providing high quality care, the family cannot get me in trouble. I have no issue referring patients to discuss issues with the manager or the charge nurse. When I'm working on the floor, I don't have that much time for drama because I'm too busy with pertinent things. I don't think there is any reason a nurse should be expected to be a doormat.

[Nola009]

I hate dealing with crazy family members too. What they don't seem to realize, when they are taking up our time with ridiculous questions and demands is that they are actually taking away from the level of care their loved ones receive. A healthy, inquisitive nature is good. Being a pest for no reason other than they can't deal with their own anxiety and guilt in a more constructive way is bad.

[toomuchbaloney]

meh

your job is not to be a doormat for patients and families nor is it to listen to and triage complaints about the general care or conditions of their visit to the facilty.

If your employer thinks otherwise I would recommend seeking other employment.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

It isn't nursing, it is your place of employment.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I would start looking elsewhere to work. You also have to realize that no matter what some people are just never happy. You can't let that drag you down.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I have dealt with that. I feel like some facilities put up with that more than others, my current facility does not.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

This is why I'm switching to straight nights in the next month. I have come to loathe human beings. If I have to work at the bedside, then I would rather work on a shift where I don't have to deal with too many people.

[PICC'N&GRINNING]

There has been much focus on how hospitals are paid for services over the last several years. Patients are aware. It has turned hospital medicine into a hospitality industry. I have been treated and seen my coworkers treated shamefully and with no support from administration or management because it will affect PATIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS.