The other day at work I had a hard day because the people in surgery were so demanding and out for themselves. I was the charge nurse and we were getting admits like crazy and had several surgeries coming to the floor. Surgery called me and wanted me to give them one of my nurses and we had an issue over that.(they did not get my nurse) Another surgery person called later and wanted to take up a entire double room (our last room!) for a female outpatient of theirs when I had very sick men that needed to be admitted. I was assertive through all this and did not let them bowl me over and sure I felt good about it but I also felt real bad when I got home that night. I felt like people in this world are so selfish and out for themselves!! They just wanted to get rid of that patient so they could go home. Why dont more people have compassion and understanding?? The sick thing about it was that all they needed to do was monitor the pt for a short time and help her get dressed and discharge her. Instead they wanted to dump her on us so they wouldnt have to do it. I want to go home at night too but at least i have an attitude that i am willing to work with the other departments and get done what needs to be done TOGETHER! and do it in a manner that is best for the patient!! I know i am not a perfect person and i have selfish moments but these people are amazing. It burns me up inside! I try to tell myself I am a good person and focus on the good that I do and let them be however they need to be but I carry it around and let it tear me up. I just wish more people could sacrafice a little more of themselves for their fellow mankind. I know there are good people in this world that do do that and i try to remember that. It still bothers me sometimes and it is sad. Thanks for listening whoever is out there. Anyone else feel this way??

Hi LauraRN,

I can tell you that if I was a patient in need, I would feel very fortunate to have a nurse like you running the show! You should be very proud of yourself that you are able to be assertive when necessary.

I know what you mean, I ask myself all of the time how people can be so selfish. The teamwork approach works so much better and why wouldn't people automatically put their selfishness aside in order to help someone in need? We would!!!

But remember, we are by nature, VERY compassionate/sensitive people. I'm sorry to say that we have found out that many others in this world are not and unfortunately we have to learn to lower our expectations of these people so they don't get to us. Easier said than done, I know.

Take care....Sue

Hi Sue!

I have to tell you, the first line of your reply brought tears to my eyes, literally. It felt so good to hear that and i want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My patients do know that i care, not just care but REALLY care for real. I know a lot of my depression in life is related to exactly this and it is very hard to not let it get to me. I know that I have to keep working and support from people like you makes the path a lot easier. I am realizing how truly deeply compassionate we are and it is a priceless thing but it hurts too. I guess if I could I wouldnt want it any other way. Thanks for listening Sue. You are a gem.