When you're down...

[stellina615]

Could anyone offer their 2 cents on ways to build yourself back up after a particularly grueling day/set of occurrences? I've started a clinical rotation on a very stressful cardiovascular surgical unit with an instructor who can be very abrasive, and at my job, I am transitioning into a new position as an LPN. Clinical has been rough, and today at work we had to have convene a special quality/risk meeting for a patient who took his own life shortly after leaving our unit. I know that I have the capacity to become a great nurse, and I've had a lot of positive support from other nurses at work, but when things don't go well for a couple of days, I tend to become very self-critical and interpret everything as a personal assault on my character as opposed to constructive criticism. I'd appreciate it if someone could just chime in on how they make themselves feel better when the going gets tough. Please don't say frozen margaritas: I tried one tonight and the only thing it did was put me out $8! :icon_roll Thanks to anyone willing to respond!

Best,

Erin

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I play playstation and take the Pirates (baseball) to the world series.

Now, if I can make the Pirates win the world series, I can do anything.

[Zana2]

Start a reflective journal. This way you can put order in your thoughts, highlight any areas in which your knowledge is a bit shaky, make sense. And only allow the professional nurse that you are to write in it.

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

Think about all the sacrifices you had to make to get to where you are. Then remember the drive you had before the program started and continue to have those thoughts throughtout until you are done with the program. Personally for me, a trip to the hair salon, the mall, a nice massage and pedicure, always made me feel better after days like this.

[onetiredmomma]

Make yourself a kudos journal. Write down all the compliments you get from pts, coworkers, visitors, etc. When you have a bad day, pull out your journal and remind yourself you are a good nurse and you are appreciated! Then, do something nice for yourself.