What do you do to stay positive?

[tuxedopenguino]

This is something I'm struggling with right now. After listening to patients vent their anger, listening to administrators/supervisor get angry at me for not doing this and that, after listening to coworkers complain, complain, complain about so and so or this and that...

I feel so angry!! Feel like crap for doing a bad job, and just generally absorbing all these negative emotions from people. Feel like utter crap. I find myself more whiny and ******, and I hate myself even more for it. I don't want to keep thinking "I suck, this profession is not for me, I should just quit" every time I have a crappy day and do a bad job.

How do you stay positive when you feel like crap?? How do you maintain a good attitude and stay focused at work even though you're having a rough time? This is so challenging!!!!

[caliotter3]

While I do not find long nonvoluntary breaks in employment to be desirable, they do allow for the melting away of ill will and much needed rest when not worrying about lack of income. Best scenario would be strategic vacations, whether three days or a week and a half, to keep you well rested and smiling.

[wellcoachRN]

Years ago I took a 2 year contract at a facility I found to be exceptionally toxic. One of the important lessons I learned was that I did not have to "absorb" my coworker's bad mood. It helped me to realize that their bad mood is their problem not mine. I actually mad a game out of not taking their crap personally. I ended up taking a class on how to deal with energy vampires and I learned a few tricks to deal with them such as observe their behavior before you react. Vampires or prima donnas live to trigger people since they love chaos.

At this time, I also learned to practice daily self care to decrease my stress. If I had a bad day, I would plan to do something that I enjoyed after work. Practicing daily self care and doing things I loved really helped me until my contract was up. After that, I learned not to ever take a contract with a sign on bonus. There is generally a reason why they have to pay for people to work!

[JMoney]

I feel like I've become one of those negative people. Morale is bad on my unit and I can't wait to move on. I try to just get thru each day as best I can. I try to stay away from the drama, but I do get sooo frustrated at times. I fee like we are expected to do more and more with fewer resources. I get really stressed out the night before I go back. It shouldn't be this way. I feel like I work in a punitive environment versus a supportive environment.

[angiewdm]

Just remember their complaining is not a reflection of you. You are going out there and doing the best you can! Before I started nursing, I was so passive! When I got on a hospital floor, I had to learn really quick how to become assertive (I was "eaten alive!"). I learned that as I frame requests for the needs of the patient; I don't feel like I'm being so "pushy." I also feel I started to get more respect. It's an art to say what you need in a respectful way (and I still have to work at being assertive). Another thing I started doing this year: working out. It really makes me feel an inner peace. I thought I was happy before, but not as much as now. Doing anything; walking on the treadmill, hot yoga, biking, running, swimming, pacing down the hall. The world needs nurses like you that care, make sure you are taking care of yourself too.