When you've had a couple of lousy days, and are beginning your 3rd 12 hour shift of the week, how do you motivate yourself to go to work and maintain whatever it is you need to hang on to, to get through the shift?
I used to remind myself that I didn't have to take the PIAs home with me (that helped )
I reminded myself that I wasn't going through what the patients were.
I thought about going on a day trip to a favorite city on my days off- and that the money from that shift would make that better.
I was grateful for the good staff I had to work with, and that either of the night supervisors were supportive and very helpful.
I met people who made me grateful for the family I have
I was glad that the majority of the docs were easy to deal with, even at 3 am when things were hitting the fan.
If it was really horrible, I reminded myself that I could leave whenever I wanted to, but I needed to get through the night first- and that would usually chill me out.
Maybe this sounds dumb- but whatever it takes to get through the rough times, that doesn't hurt you, your job, or anyone else is fair game in my book. :two cents:
Anybody else have things that have helped them just get to work? :)
(this is meant to be pleasant, and maybe even fun....)
I listen to Autograph (Turn Up the Radio) on the way to work "...things go better with ROCK!" When I am at work and starting to get stressed out I say out loud all the things I need to do, and it helps me to prioritize my work. I try not to look too far ahead, just what I need to do now. The CNA's and I laugh about me talking to myself, but it really helps me!
Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.
It's defintely all about the staff. I'm psych, so sometimes the patients actually help too - whether it's talking about my scrubs, the size of the pills and wondering what sick fu*k created them, what's on the TV, or someone recognizing the Yoda on my keychain. I keep things interesting. I need to talk throughout my shift. I realize that I'm having an "off" shift when a co-worker looks at me and says, "You've been awfully quiet today..."
To get through the night shift (ugh!) I think about my puppy and taking him to the dog park, going on walks, going swimming, etc. I have a picture of him behind my badge. Then I think about the money I am making and going out to eat :)
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Dianne27
15 Posts
It's bad but snacks!! Preferably chocolate and/or dessert. Sometimes I fantasize that they'll put a big margarita machine in the break room