Saturday, August 11, 2012

Is This Normal?

I don’t know if it’s just me but does anyone else get the feeling of jealousy, when they start work and see a co-worker leaving from the shift before them looking excited to leave.  All the while you have a feeling of ‘oh great, another 8, 12 hours ahead of me’ quickly flashes through your mind before you start your shift?  Is this stinking thinking?  Will this pass?  Will I ever go to work excited to work?

Part of the problem is that sometimes as a nurse’s aide you’re not valued in the healthcare field, hence people can throw a lot of work your way or expectations of the “grunt” work.  Keep in mind the job isn’t glamorous or so difficult, but it is hard work!  Every time I go to work I fear my patient load will be too many, or that their acuity level will be too demanding for me to handle on my own.  I fear that I’ll have a handful of isolation patients that will require a lot of my time “gowning up” just to go in and out of their rooms.  Unfortunately other patients aren’t forgiving of the time spent helping all of my other patients.  I don’t like to have co-workers sit and complain or cuss and groan about their jobs because it brings the whole team down.  I don’t like nurses thinking that aide work is beneath them and that they can’t help bring a patient to the toilet.  I especially don’t like our floor being low-census and needing to be pulled to a completely different floor foreign to what I’m used to. 

I’m just wondering if I’ll have the same trials as a nurse, and if by taking out the responsibilities as an aide, will make my job as a nurse any easier or rewarding.  So many times on my way into work I smile at employees just getting off their shift or just coming on, and I’m met with a grunt or no acknowledgement at all.  I don’t want to be that kind of employee that doesn’t find favor in what I am doing.  I want to feel renewed, and refreshed and good inside through my shifts, but as time goes on I’m not sure that is even possible.

I am encouraged when I read the Word and it says in Philippians 4: 10-13, I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Also in Matthew 11: 28-30 where it is written, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Amen for God and his reassurances daily even in my discouragements.

6 comments:

  1. um... you want the truth? Nursing is a less than valued career choice and even as an LPN or RN you don't always feel the love.

    But in those first few days as a new RN when you get to the field of nursing dream job you have always wanted... you will be that excited!

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  2. Oh mah gahd, Becky. Look. at. her. blog. It's like so...

    AWESOME!!!

    I go through these exact same emotions every time I work as a CNA while I'm in school getting my BSN. I love the Matthew "yoke" verse you mentioned, and another one that gets me through each day is

    Matthew 25:35-40
    "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothed You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

    I just have to remember that each of these little tasks I do as a CNA is important!

    Thanks for the wonderful read!

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  3. I have to say that a CNA has GOT to the hardest job with the least rewards (recognition, monetarily, etc.). I have a friend who recently went from a CNA to a LPN, in a nursing home, who said it was a WORLD of difference. So, keep your head up and just remember that honey always draws more flies than vinegar, so just continue to be your positive self and leave the stinkin' thinkin' to others. When they start it, just walk away. Oh & btw, you rock! :D

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  4. That's been nursing as long as I can remember....all 35 years of it for me! Undervalued.

    Yet there are bright spots and positive things that make you think..."Hmm...it's all worth it".

    It tires you out but you keep going (lately for me, mostly for the paycheck) but I still find pleasure in the few people that say "thank you, without you I couldn't have made it through".

    As for your co-workers...it's really sad that they can't be at least a little pleasant. I used to work as an LPN before RN and it was a lot of "grunt" work as you say, without the gratitude.

    Back then I had more energy and more joy in what I was doing, and I think too, it was different back then. I experienced more of a comraderie that you don't always see nowadays.

    Just remember, a CNA has an important role and without you, the RN could not function near as well! :) Good job!

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  5. Christine – I hope I find contentment throughout the years.

    Amy Mc – Thanks for liking my blog! I love that verse in Matthew that you shared, thanks for reminding me of that.

    Candi – I like that you reminded me of the honey and vinegar, positivity is easier for some than others, and I’m glad I know how to do it well.

    CC – There are days when my co-workers or patients surprise me with their graciousness, and I don’t work full time. I just don’t want to grow weary of under-appreciation.

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  6. Being a CNA will make you a better nurse because you understand what the aides go through. I was a PCA in nursing school. I worked in the ICU most of the time and my nurses were fabulous. However, if I picked up shifts on the floor, I wanted to cry before leaving each shift. It was terrible. Now as a nurse when I float to that floor, I delegate to the aides as necessary, but do vitals and baths as I need to just to help them out.

    I do think the work of a good aide is undervalued, but I think people do give a fair amount of well deserved value to nursing. It's all about the attitude you present. I've met new nurses who swear they are undervalued and overworked, but a seasoned 40 year vet doing the same amount of work talking about how great her career is. Your job satisfaction will have a lot to do with the culture of the unit. I am a ICU float RN and I hate floating to certain floors because of the attitudes of the nurses and aides. They make a shift absolutely draining. Most of the time, the patients are great. I would say that I enjoy going into work most of the time, but at 7 a.m. I am leaving with an even bigger smile on my face because it means I can sleep. It's not that I am unhappy with my job, I just really enjoy my sleep!

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