What to do after a rough shift?

After a rough shift, I **** and gripe and SWEAR that I will never set foot into the hospital again. Then I go home, shower, and start ironing my uniform for the next shift....been my routine for nearly 30 years!! What's the definition of insanity again?

After a really bad shift, which have been more frequent due to staffing shortages, I drive the long way home. Sometimes that helps clear out my head.

wine. 11% pink moscato, to be exact!

(duh only if i have the next day off )

I take a bath, watch tv and eat some junk. Chips, chocolate, fries...whatever I want.

Yep, I usually call someone who understands to vent. Then I go camp out on my couch with some food and Hulu. In the future I think I am going to go get a foot massage at the mall...the past week I was on my feet for the majority of each shift, and formulated a plan:)

Sleep.

Or a nice big glass of wine. Or going out with my coworkers in the AM for some kegs n' eggs or breakfast tacos and margaritas.

Breakfast with a friend who also just finished working a night shift helps sometimes. As does getting breakfast on the way home and taking a nice, long bath before going to bed. I still swear after every bad shift that I'm going to look for a new job, but so far I haven't applied for one yet...

The minute I am in my car and away from the facility, I scream and swear at the top of my lungs. I tell everyone off who upset me. I call them all horrible names and tell them what I would like to do to them if I ever caught them alone.

I write. I sit down and write for at least 20 minutes, and try to get all of my feelings out on the computer screen rather than yelling at the unintelligent, uninformed and uncooperative individual who really needs to pull their head out of their anal sphincter. And then if I'm still upset, I talk to my husband, who works in the same hospital and knows the same people. Sometimes it's entertaining to go back months or years later and read what I've written.

Chocolate, hot shower, a good meal and a long walk with the handsome pup in the picture. :)

Chocolate milkshake.