What positive mantras/affirmations get you thru a rough day

AngelGirl · Feb 20, 2003

When people throw an inappropriate attitude my way, I put up a mental force field by saying, "It's not about me, it's not about me, it's not about me................................" Another help came me by mail. Recently, after a truly HORRIBLE 12 hour shift, I discovered a wonderful valentine in my mailbox at home. I put it into the pocket of my clean uniform and kept it with me all the next day. This proved to be a great idea. Throughout the shift, which was nearly as bad as the one the previous day, in the midst of the chaos, whenever I reached into that pocket for paper or a pen or a saline flush, I felt that valentine. I stopped, breathed slowly in and out, smiled to myself and remembered, "I am loved very much by a sweet, wonderful, and very special person." This got me throught the day.

TEXASWAG, MSN, RN · Feb 20, 2003

I use two. One is "Help me......help you", when I'm dealing with a difficult patient. The other is "Lord, give me strength". I often say that one with clenched teeth.

Heather333 · Feb 20, 2003

Mine is "Nursing is a 24 hour job, I can't do EVERYTHING!" (Not that I don't work my butt off:D)

Heather

allnurses Guide · Feb 20, 2003

hmmm . . . well, we usually resort to chocolate by the end of the shift . .. . .. and corny jokes. Anything to break the tension. Also, if you see a co-worker beginnning to drown, help! That makes you feel better too. I just keep reminding myself that I only work part-time and I can do anything for 12 hours, two times a week. And I have a cute little red-headed toddler waiting for me and I know that for 1/2 hour after I get home I get to sit in a rocking chair and nurse him. Good way to end the day . . staring into his little face. Being grateful. I love babies. :-)

"Wilma Flintstone . .. devoted wife . . .best friend of Betty Rubble . . .Mother of Pebbles . . .willing to put up with Fred is no easy task and the fact that she did it for season after season only makes it more obvious that this is a cartoon".

stevie

ERNurse752, RN · Feb 21, 2003

Is it over yet?

The torture will be over soon...

Please, sweet Jesus, make it stop!

Simma' down na'!

I wish I were drunk...

Can I have some of that crack?

TSTL

Will you please just arrest me? Jail can't be as bad as this!

Tarzan yell!!!!!!!!!!!

;)

oceanlover · Feb 21, 2003

I like to watch my patient breathe and match my breathing to theirs, while I push IV meds. This way, I never push meds too fast, (usually) and I'm focused and relaxed for 60 seconds. Just a thought.

MrsK1223 · Feb 21, 2003

I had a coworker that would say pretty often this little line, "Everyone is on crack"....especially when 90% of our patients for the day seemed to be on something, just plain insane or just goofy. The way she said it would have us cracking up....she would say it so seriously. I truly believe humor and laughing when you can can make a rough time bearable.

oceanlover · Feb 21, 2003

Silliness is good. Puns are really good. Singing "I wish I was a rich man, or "I was born under a wandering star" Food is good. Deoderizer is good. Taking a walk thru a busier unit is good. Petting the hospital pet is good. Looking at a fireman is good. or (fire person) Scented lotion work sometimes. Brushing your teeth is good. Clocking out is therapeutic as well.

MrsK1223 · Feb 21, 2003

Clocking out is therapeutic as well.

__________________

amen to that

kavi · Feb 22, 2003

:chuckle :chuckle

Scavenger'sWife, RN · Feb 22, 2003

How about "This shift *WILL* end...This shift *WILL* end..."

I also resort to puns, jokes, silly made-up songs, etc. Humor works well. I recently rode an empty cart, pushed by the ER attendant, down the hall, doing my best "Miss America" wave!

oceanlover · Feb 22, 2003

I love all of these! You guys are good.

Sometimes if I'm frustated I tell my cat he's "BAD KITTY!" but he doesn't seem to believe I mean it.