The happy policy

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 28, 2011

Our hospital is so "client oriented" that they refuse to have a call answered at the desk. It sure would be nice to hear what they want before running all the way down a long hall to find out they want the box of kleenex picked up. Yes, that has happened to me. I have told patients that it is not necessary to call me for such things and to make all their needs at one time when I am there and of course call if it is important. Well, the patient then says "I want to make sure you earn your money". What the h... can I say other than to give them the "stare".

THOSE are fightin' words..... :mad:

I'd need Haldol, too - LOL

withasmilelpn · Sep 30, 2011

Today my son would've been 8. I have to work today - no time off left to take. (My last vacation day they took for my sick day - since we don't get sick days too where I work.) promise you today I will smile and laugh and genuinely enjoy my patients. But also at some point today I promise you I will at some point have to go into a bathroom and cry.

THIS is what gets me about nursing. We are human. And you think given the nature of our job - management would see the irony in treating their employees like they aren't. Righhhhht.

pedicurn, LPN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

While I do think this is way over the top, I do wish the perpetually negative unhappy people would stop coming to work. It's so draining on everyone else and really brings down the unit and the patients can tell too.
I have FUN at work. I love having fun with my patients and my co-workers. Some people just suck the fun out of everything and make it such a miserable experience.
But it is all very subjective and once in a while having a bad day should be OK. But if every day is a bad day it's time to re-evaluate your situation and change it. IMO

I'm tired of miserable nurses too.

But I think this policy is aimed at creating stepford nurses ...... unfortunately wont be about having FUN.

Having FUN will not be allowed and people will be terminated for that

allnurses Guide · Sep 30, 2011

Today my son would've been 8. I have to work today - no time off left to take. (My last vacation day they took for my sick day - since we don't get sick days too where I work.) promise you today I will smile and laugh and genuinely enjoy my patients. But also at some point today I promise you I will at some point have to go into a bathroom and cry.
THIS is what gets me about nursing. We are human. And you think given the nature of our job - management would see the irony in treating their employees like they aren't. Righhhhht.

I'm so very sorry about your son . . .((withasmilelpn)) hugs ... :redpinkhe

It's been my experience management could give a **** about tragedies that come up in everyone's life at some point. They are only interested in how it will affect their schedule. I learned that one the hard way when my mother was in her last days.

Guest372004 · Sep 30, 2011

So sorry for the loss of a child. It must be dreadful.

I agree that they are making us "stepford nurses" or at least trying to. I do what I can to laugh at work. Many patients enjoy some joking if done appropriately. It makes them feel human. Laughing is good for your health.

I find that my job is hardest with families making demands that are taking up my time.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

So sorry for the loss of a child. It must be dreadful.
I agree that they are making us "stepford nurses" or at least trying to. I do what I can to laugh at work. Many patients enjoy some joking if done appropriately. It makes them feel human. Laughing is good for your health.
I find that my job is hardest with families making demands that are taking up my time.

Nursing was a LOT better with regular visiting hours that were enforced unless someone had a family member actively dying or very unstable. And they were called at all hours if it looked like they needed to come (or at least had the option)....we'd just call the ED and tell them to let them through (they were the only open door after visiting hours).

rn/writer, RN · Oct 1, 2011

Today my son would've been 8. I have to work today - no time off left to take. (My last vacation day they took for my sick day - since we don't get sick days too where I work.) promise you today I will smile and laugh and genuinely enjoy my patients. But also at some point today I promise you I will at some point have to go into a bathroom and cry.
THIS is what gets me about nursing. We are human. And you think given the nature of our job - management would see the irony in treating their employees like they aren't. Righhhhht.

Many hugs. I'm sorry you lost your son.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

There's apparently a policy in our workplace, a new one that says something along the line of; Anyone who appears drained, unenthusiastic, unhappy in anyway etc. can be asked by the manager to leave that work day in order to reflect on their behavior. Thoughts? Do you have a policy like this?

After 16 hours I am supposed to look enthusiastic and cheerful? sure... my floor would be empty. everyone looks so miserable. it is not in my nature to run around with a cheesy smile. although at times i try to fake it, since that is what the majority once to see.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

my smile doesn't look that attractive, i don't like smiling because of that and am not much of a smilier. i don't smile much or have a happy face. even when i am happy. i don't know how to change that. poker face , i suppose.

Guest372004 · Oct 1, 2011

I don't expect a smiley face. If I am sick I just want a calm face. If I want a happy face I will go to a comedy show. Oh no, sometimes this work is very comedy-like.

suanna · Oct 1, 2011

"The beatings will continue until the morale improves!!!" I have worked at several employers that had a "be happy" policy. It is underlined and highlighted in my personel file with my current employer. These policies were very big about 10 years ago- Was there a study published?? The only thing I have seen them do is give a manager a way to write up staff rather than solve problems. That is the rare exception rather than the rule where I work. I hope it is the case with your employer. If you do have the occasional employee that spends more effort running down the company to the patients and thier peers than doing good care, it is a way to get rid oh them and follow the rules. For most employers it isn't a "smile every second or your fired" issue.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Oct 1, 2011

I wonder what people would think if for just one day everyone starting their shift gathered together and formed a line singing Whistle While You Work as they trudge down the hall?
Brilliant! It gives me the giggles just picturing this.
I don't smile at all until after 10am, not a morning person. I feel very lucky to have coworkers that put up with me.