Tough day as a temp worker interacting with nurses

[wannabeone2]

I had a tough day. I'm not a wimp, I'm not an idiot, and I'd like to think I have tough skin. Yet I couldn't help but feel a bit disillusioned by the treatment I got from some nurses today. I am a pre-nursing student who does temp work. For the past week I've been working at a doctor's office and have dealt with several nurses at a local hospital. A couple have been kind - understanding that I am a temp worker, and thus may not be completely in the "know" about how this particular office is run. Yet I've come across some of the most impatient, rude nurses I have ever come in contact with. It's not that I'm not understanding - I realize that because I am not a nurse, I may not fully grasp what it is these RNs might be going through, nor do I understand any pre-existing issues with this particular medical office, nor pre-existing issues with this particular offices' medical staff, etc. It's just that I thought I might be afforded a little respect and a bit of patience. If anything, I suppose I now know what type of nurse I wish to NOT become. But on the other hand, I wonder if all nurses eventually get impatient and short tempered with those they come in contact with who may not yet be schooled in every aspect of healthcare??!! I guess this is just a frustrated rant by a stressed out temp worker, but on the other hand, I have never been one to romanticize nursing, and so with no high expectations of nurse behavior, and yet such disappointment in what I encountered, I am wondering if I will one day become a bitter, impatient nurse??!!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

While I don't think that there's anything about nursing that creates an inevitable path to bitterness, I do know that every nurse has his/her breaking point when things aren't going quite right. I've had shifts where that seemed contagious and everyone seemed to be in a snippy mood at the same time, but if that kept up for a while I'd definitely find a friendlier place, because I don't think it should be the norm.

It has to be disappointing when you get the opportunity for brief interactions with nurses and they leave such a negative impression on you. Hang in there! I hope your week gets better.

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

If anything, I suppose I now know what type of nurse I wish to NOT become. But on the other hand, I wonder if all nurses eventually get impatient and short tempered with those they come in contact with who may not yet be schooled in every aspect of healthcare??!!

I think if you were to look at each of these rude/impatient nurses personally, even outside of work, you would find an unhappy, impatient, and rude PERSON. I doubt they're a happy person and a joy to be around except while at work, where they treat the people that need the most compassion, like crap ..... most likely, they're miserable and unhappy.

Don't get me wrong, nursing can be a rough job at times, which can test your patience. But, look at the majority of those that work in that office. If the majority of them are impatient and rude, then I'd move on because it's not like that everywhere.

Good luck and hang in there!

[klynn81]

I just completed my Health Care Aide training, along with 6 weeks of clinical (3 of them at the hospital that I just got hired on by). It's definitely true that not ALL nurses are like that, and I believe that if some are, it's likely that others around them will begin to behave in the same manner. I've experienced exactly that. 1 ward has great nurses, SUPER nice, helpful, work as a TEAM and don't treat me with the disrespect that I've experienced from the nurses on the other 2 wards.

As someone who is doing this, and currently on a waiting list for nursing school...it's definitely opened my eyes to the type of nurse I do not want to become as well. Just always remember that, and remember that when you treat ALL your fellow co-workers with respect, they will have a lot more respect for you and work can be a much more enjoyable place.

At first I was bummed that I was starting at casual (full time hours, just hopping around from ward to ward where they need me) but now I think I'm liking it because I can see where I do and don't want to apply for perm positions!!!!

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

I am wondering if I will one day become a bitter, impatient nurse??!!

No, you won't. But others will. In thinking about some of my classmates, I can see who is going to be this type of person.

Anyway, here's the thing: You cannot let it get to you. Don't react. Don't show anything that lets them know you are bothered by their behavior at all. Look them in the eye, smile, be as confident as you can and say, "Very well," "Thank you," of if they are really nasty: "Yes, ma'am."

Then go on to BE VERY GOOD AT YOUR JOB. When they see your combination of competence and emotional strength, the reasonable ones will relax. The unreasonable ones are hopeless so who gives a crap what they do.

Sometimes they are testing you, other times they really don't care what you think or if you are hurt, others are just busy. But believe me, once they see they cannot get to you, they move on.

I've noticed that many nurses don't want to give you any respect or the time of day until you earn it. They like to "big-time" the newbies a bit like other aides do.

When I started as an aide on a Med Surg floor, the RNs had no idea I was a capable, experienced CNA and an RN student. I would ask questions or report data and receive a blank expression, rolling eyes or a whithering stare in return. I just smiled and pressed on and did my job the very best I could. And I am (soon to be was) really good.

Within a few shifts, RNs were practically falling all over themselves thanking me and complimenting me. One particularly nasty one now just adores me. Believe me, if I report abnormal data or tell a nurse a pt needs to be seen, they hotfoot it to that patient's room. No more rolling eyes.

Sure, you'll never win over everyone, but when you take control of the only part of the situation you can - yourself, things will work out.