Our patient population is tough - many people with chronic health problems but also lots of (too many) people playing the system. They're demanding, most likely drug seeking, malingering.
I find myself driving to work telling myself I'm going to give my patients my best. Then I'm assigned some frequent flyer who either shouldn't have been admitted or is back because they continue their self destructive behavior or they've been totally non-compliant. And I could deal with any of that (I'm not a perfect person and I don't do everything I should most of the time) but they're so manipulative. And demanding. I hate the drama. I feel like I'm running up and down the hallways all day, administering PRNs to people who tell me they have 10/10 pain who, while they may have some discomfort, are nowhere near 10/10.
I know I'm teetering on the edge of burnout and I do have some time off scheduled. Meanwhile, how do I find a way to compartmentalize my frustration and anger? I need to find a better way to cope with this now and after my very much needed vacation. I know many of you struggle with the same frustrations. How do you keep it from eating at you? I'm tired of being tired and angry.
Can you please alliterate how owning a Samsung equates to having lots of money? Samsung sells some pretty cheap phones thru prepaid carriers, I have personally seen samsung phones sell for as little as $25. The samsung s5 I currently own was hand me down from a family member who upgraded to a s7.
I do my best to remember the people who really need me and how much I may be able to help them. But, directly, do your best to remember that they are ill...they have big problems...be grateful you are not them. This has helped me. Just stepping back and looking at them more objectively. Remembering that no one is perfect and these folks have actual serious problems. They may not be the problems you can relate to, but in this situation, it isn't about you. It isn't your responsibility to "fix" them, but to give them the same care you would for someone who has a different set of problems. Sometimes we all need a break from a certain type of patient. Talk to your charge nurse and ask politely if you can not have this type of patient for awhile until you deal with your emotions around this. And....This is what is meant when they teach us to be aware of our own responses to things in the context of being self aware helps to think more objectively. I do not assume you are normally judgemental, but in fact, that is what is happening here and pretty darn normal as far as I am concerned. Depending on what is going on in our own lives at times, we do have trouble keeping certain things in perspective. You are human and caring. Try to get a break and remember to be grateful you are not them!
But I still find myself getting pissed off that I pay into a system that these losers milk to the very bone. I work my ass off, and they don't do anything. I've never utilized government benefits, but if I ever needed to go on welfare or get food stamps, I would be hosed. Benefits are denied to so many who do need them and at the same time you have these losers who also have a damn Samsung, while taking benefits.
Since I am finding it hard to not get angry at these people, I am slowly working on moving away from direct patient care. It's the best thing I can do.
Harsh words! I completely understand that it is easy to become frustrated when working with this population. Remember that one of the ANA's code of ethics is to treat all patients the same, regardless of their income or social status. Honestly, you should probably find another patient population to work with.
Honestly, I started seeing a therapist. I was at a point where it was hard for me to even get out of my car to go into work. To those saying that you are not a judge, to leave it at work, just make money what they are forgetting is that you are a person. As a person you have feelings and emotions that is what makes you a human being. The best thing I have learned from seeing my therapist is relaxation techniques and meditation. You can find some on your own without actually having to see one but it has really helped me. Take a deep breath. Release the tension. Then re-evaluate the situation.
For some reason as nurses we seem to think that we are impervious but in reality our patients and our experiences can slowly chip away at us.
But I still find myself getting pissed off that I pay into a system that these losers milk to the very bone. I work my ass off, and they don't do anything. I've never utilized government benefits, but if I ever needed to go on welfare or get food stamps, I would be hosed. Benefits are denied to so many who do need them and at the same time you have these losers who also have a damn Samsung, while taking benefits.
Since I am finding it hard to not get angry at these people, I am slowly working on moving away from direct patient care. It's the best thing I can do.
I never agreed to the ANA's code of ethics. I agreed to show up to work. I got tired of being the candy man for drug abusers.. mandated by administration, management and Medicare patient satisfaction surveys.
I smiled while I pushed that Dilaudid and served the the turkey sandwiches...all the while planning to get outta Dodge.
you just accept the fact it is what it is. no changing it. give them their drugs and whats ordered as long as safe. Not our job or problem to care they are seeking. You just have to not care. But you get paid.... so there you go!
This is exactly what I needed. I read your advice right before I went to bed and kept repeating it to myself at work whenever I felt myself slipping into aggravation. It helped me stay detached from the petty (and not so petty) stuff. I probably got more done and gave better care because I wasn't wasting energy on things I can't change.
If they all stay at home you would not have a job and be dead broke.
We get enough truly sick people that I think we could stay in business but I do understand where you're coming from. I've had the same thought myself at times. But if it were really true, I'm not sure what that says about our healthcare system that our main customers are malingerers. Kind of worries me.
mustanglover
28 Posts
Can you please alliterate how owning a Samsung equates to having lots of money? Samsung sells some pretty cheap phones thru prepaid carriers, I have personally seen samsung phones sell for as little as $25. The samsung s5 I currently own was hand me down from a family member who upgraded to a s7.