OK, the title is a bit strong. I certainly don't feel homicidal. I do see myself slipping into some bad habits though: Not going out on off days, overeating, no interest in things I used to love doing, over/under sleeping.
I do realize as I go through my divorce, I can't expect to be completely centered and mindful, but I got to do better than this.
For nurses who have stuck out nursing as a career, how'd you do it? What habits/personality traits do you think kept you from letting your personal life go into the gutter?
More important, when you are going through a rough time, what steps do you take to make sure your mood doesn't reflect in your work? Self awareness is not enough for me so far. I see what I am doing as a nurse and don't like it. I don't spend as much time with the patients, I am in a hurry to get out of the room. I am less focused, more task oriented. I also have less patience with co-workers and their peeves. I tell myself every day I go to work that I am going to make this day an exception and be the cheerful nurse I always used to be. It never happens though. How does someone keep the happy face/caring mentality alive in hard times?
