Taking it personal at work

[Genista]

I floated tonight to what is considered almost a "sister" floor, and it's one of my favorite floors in the entire hospital. The staff were very nice, but I had another one of THOSE nights where you don't get a break whatsever (not even the 5 minute eat & run) and an additional 1 hour O.T.

Without going into details, I feel like the amount of care that some of my patients required was almost close to 1:1. And I had some pt's family micromanaging everything, and needing me Q 10 minutes!Other patients felt I hadn't "seen them all night" (was in with that patient at least 6 times, but not for long periods).

I did some venting in private to coworkers to let off steam. It helped a bit. But, I take it very personally when I am giving 110% and all I hear is complaints. It really wears me down!

I have always been a "sensitive" person (which can be a strength at times, mind you). But, I can't help but take this unfair staffing personally! I mean, I ran my as* off tonight! I gave good, professional care. You would have been glad to "follow" behind my group. I knew basically what was going on, and I addressed all the important concerns as best I could. But it was hectic! I gave 7 prns to one patient alone. I kept getting multiple messages from CNAs and unit secretaries that patient in room XYZ called 3 times asking for "PDQ." I was running the whole &^*@$#! night.

After finishing my 1 hour OT to wrap up the charting I never got to do (and coasting on fumes from my last meal 10 hours prior), I saw another RN finsihing up her charting. I guess I was not alone.

She said something about how "this unit needs its matrix changed." Well, gosh darn, I haven't been to a floor yet that had a decent matrix!

I feel, bottom line, that I gave GOOD care tonight. But I feel angry that I had to sacrifice my breaks and stay OT to do it. I am sick of seeing this in nursing!!!!!!! I have no idea how some of our veteran RNs can put up with it. I know some of you even have worse staffing than I do.... but the fact is that patients complained that I wasn't "quick enough" and the call lights were ablazing everytime I turned around! I gave 110% and I feel like DIRT!!!!!!!!! Days like this I feel like big huge doormat!

I know I am just taking it personal, but I would love to hear how anyone else deals with these feelings. I wish my patients had one clue about how HARD I worked for their safety and how MUCH I take their concerns to heart! I would LOVE to have something positive to show for all that hard work!!!

Thanks for listening. Tomorrow is another day.

[judy ann]

I just finished an excellent book dealing with this subject--Zapping Conflict in the Healthcare Field--Dr Judith Brioles. She talks about the conflict between administration/management and staff and how it might be affected in a positive way. When I started the book, my neck got sore from nodding my agreement!

[tattooednursie, LVN]

I feel exactly the same wat you do! I give my 110% and mainly all I get is complaints and verbal abuse from paitents!!! I am sick of it, and there has been times when I have HAD to take my breaks so that I could lock myself in the bathroom to cry.

[RED_ALERT37]

I think as a nurse of 15 years, when we stop giving a 110% and not caring about how are patients are doing, and what their needs are ..... We need to move on to a new profession. If hospitals could be run by the nurses and ancillary staff it would be a safe and pleasant place to work..... OH WAIT I WAS DREAMING AGAIN.........

[nimbex, RN]

It only takes one nurse to show the strength to say "NO"

But why don't we???

"Because it won't do any good" is no excuse

"It's just one shift", turns into EVERY shift

We are burning out to take "care" of our patients, but then how can we care for them?

I'm learning to say no.... having been a "we can do it" person for 5 years. If there are a few other nurses who are willing to learn to say no with me..... and even pinch me when I 'm hemming and hawing....saying those two letters will become easier and I think our patient care will greatly improve along with job satisfaction.

If I could just learn to say it more, and if it was just heard by management more.... I wouldn't be told to "suck up" two vented patients and admit a third, active GI bleed......

may sound sappy, but just crazy enough to work. I mean no offense to the great suggestions on conflict resolution training.... the courses are GREAT..... but do we need books and courses just to learn to say no in a professional tone?

feeling your pain....

[nimbex, RN]

sorry hit twice

[MandyInMS]

I can relate to your problem.It's so frustrating to work your a** off and still leave work feeling as though you should have done more.Just do the best you are capable of whithin your shift.That's all any of us can do.Do that and you can leave work with a clear conscience. Mandy

[Agnus]

If you can't find a class though any of the avenues suggested this might help (maybe a last resort?)

When I took asertiveness training I discovered that some of the students were there by court order for anger management!!!!

Maybe if you can't find a class you might ask someone in the courts about this.

I think it is going to take a lot more than mere assertion to fix this very prevelent and overwhelming problem.

You might consider the text book we used in my class. The Assertive Option by Jakubowski and Lange. Excellent IMO.

[night owl]

And after years of this kind of burn-out dilemma, and many studies on why nurses burn-out, someone will come up with the bright idea (probably someone from jack-o) and say, "The answer to this problem is...more staff for better care."

"Well beat me in the head with a rubber light bulb why dontchya???" AND it will all happen the day AFTER I retire! No wait!... Maybe the day BEFORE I retire. {sigh}