You COBs Were Right After All

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Specializes in CEN.

I have gotten some great advice over the years from COBs that have really enhanced my work/family life. Among them are:

*Take your breaks and vacations or you'll burn out fast.

*Toughen up a little or you'll never make it. Doesn't mean you can't be nice, just don't let patients walk all over you.

*If you are drowning in your assignment ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness.

*Taking overtime will not endear you in the eyes of anyone and will take away family time. Only do it if you want to or if you need the money.

This is a COB appreciation thread for those old timers who rarely get the credit they deserve and are usually ranted about on allnurses.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
This is a COB appreciation thread for those old timers who rarely get the credit they deserve and are usually ranted about on allnurses.

Thank you evastone!

I have gotten some great advice over the years from COBs that have really enhanced my work/family life. Among them are:

*Take your breaks and vacations or you'll burn out fast.

*Toughen up a little or you'll never make it. Doesn't mean you can't be nice, just don't let patients walk all over you.

*If you are drowning in your assignment ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness.

*Taking overtime will not endear you in the eyes of anyone and will take away family time. Only do it if you want to or if you need the money.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

SO sweet....all true... You can't take good care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.

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I'm not even a nurse yet and the COBs have taught me so much (it's one of the reasons I'm so active on the forums).

Rock on, everyone!

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This is spot on. I love me some COBs!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

What does it take to be a COB (Crusty Old Bat?)

Would I have to be old? :eek:

Definition of old: 15 years older than I am!

Or would I have to be crusty?

I think I could do batty. :yes:

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

*Toughen up a little or you'll never make it. Doesn't mean you can't be nice, just don't let patients walk all over you.

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To that I would also add other staff as some will try to walk over you as well.

Glad you were able to get good tips that have helped you and your family!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I believe I was a COB in a previous life, and strive to continue to be one in this life!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
What does it take to be a COB (Crusty Old Bat?)

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I was called a COB by a patient today! I almost asked if that made me a "hateful, biter nurse"...anyone who has been on this site long enough remembers this:roflmao:

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Ah, the wisdom of experience. Don't work off the clock, accept help and offer it freely in return, USE YOUR PTO, own your role in the caregiver-patient relationship. Never fool yourself into thinking you've finally learned it all. That will never ever happen, and you need to be comfortable with it. The more wisdom you gain, the more aware you become of the vast quantity of information that you *dont even know* that you dont know.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I resemble those remarks

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