there’s no crying in running
Thanks to everyone for your support on my last post! It’s good to know that other people are out there who aren’t happy in their jobs (I’m not happy that you’re not happy…but it’s comforting that other people are in my situation!). At the end of the day, a job is a job and sometimes you have to pay the bills or do something you don’t like in order to get something that you eventually will like. Like I’ve said, I don’t hate nursing, I just hate where I work.
I had a good night at work tonight. My manager didn’t even say hello to me when I walked right past her! Whatever. My patients were good and didn’t need too much. While I want to be the nurse that notices big changes and is responsible for critical thinking and everything, sometimes it’s nice to have days when everything is status quo. It’s funny…one of the other new nurses was talking about considering going back to school to be a nurse practitioner, but she has reservations about asking our manager for a recommendation. Glad I’m not the only one!
Question for all you nurses out there: How often do you stay late at your job? What happens if you stay late? If we’re late (even one minute!), we get canceled for a full eight hour shift, or we get told to “leave early,” although I still don’t understand how that works because you have to give report to the next nurse! Just curious as to what happens at other hospitals. I know the other units in my hospital are different and overtime isn’t as huge of an issue.
there’s no crying in baseball running
So after having somewhat of a grumpy morning, I laced up my shoes and headed out for a run. Because really…doesn’t running make most things better? I won’t go all out and said it’s a cure-all, but it does help for stress relief. When I was injured and took a month off of running, I could definitely tell a difference in my mood. It was chillier today…wind chill in the 20’s! Now, I know better than to complain because I’m a Chicago girl and the 20’s can be quite warm. However, I really should ditch my tights from freshman year of high school. They pretty much just cover my legs but don’t offer much warmth. It’s probably time to invest in something that’s not ten years old…haha.
Thursday, December 16
5.03 miles in 38:10, avg pace of 7:35
I meant to take today easy, and I did to start, but then I realized I was running 7:30’s! Oops. I guess I won’t argue if that doesn’t feel fast. 
I just wish it was marathon pace! Someday…
I have a running date tomorrow morning with another running nurse…the miles should just fly by!
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Okay, fine. I sobbed from 1:45-2 about going to work. Gah.
Things will get better! I know they will! At least it kind of sounds like you have some nurse friends there, and here on the net to confide in! A lot of people probably go through this, and they’ll help you.
You’re my speedy inspiration. I bet that will be your marathon pace someday!
Things will get better from you. You’re a good person and good things come to those who wait (right?!). Nice job on the run! I don’t know that I could ever live in a place where 20 degrees is warm. Go get yourself some good tights! There’s an Under Armour outlet in Jackson (near Six Flags) with good prices on everything, get some winter gear there! And enjoy your clementines, I can’t believe you’ve never had one before! They’re delicious.
I really hope that it gets better for you soon. I’ve noticed that every unit’s med team has a different vibe… so maybe moving to a different unit if this doesn’t get better would be possible one day.
I rarely had to stay late and that was just if my day had been super crazy! Even if it was crazy, there were so many other nurses offering to help you get caught up that you never really were that behind. And if we did clock out late, there was no consequence. You just got paid a little more! Haha. I find that odd that you get penalized for getting out late, I mean it’s pt care that will suffer if you can’t give an appropriate report to the next nurse.
Running = best stress relief.
Glad you had a good night at work but sorry it’s not such a great environment. I hope you can find a nursing job you really enjoy!
Running is definitely my fave form of stress relief, even if I haven’t run all week yet. Ick. Sometimes I hate my schedule!
Sorry that I’ve been absent from commenting, but I hope things get better at work! At least you have running in not-warm tights, right? (Gotta’ be better than running in the Midwest cold right now!)
It helps a lot, I’m sure, to know that other people are feeling stressed and questioning their jobs too. I felt so much better when I found out that almost all the other grad students, at least at some point, ask themselves if they really want to finish.
Susan, I have to stay late pretty often (usually just a few
minutes) but I never ask to be paid for staying late UNLESS it’s something major going on at Change of Shift (like an emergency intubation). Do you clock in and out?
I think a lot of your unhappiness is probably because of your department and hospital. I was a little unhappy in the first unit where I worked but now I love work–my colleagues and great and super supportive. I hope you are able to find a better fit.
Staying late sucks no matter what profession you’re in! I think all your frustrations at work may contribute to your unexpected speediness on your runs, no? Someday I can see 7:30 being your marathon pace…
I’m there! I feel you on this post. I notice a difference in me when I’m slacking on running or yoga. It really is a stress-reliever. I was hating my job but was afford a different position and now I can say I’m happy again.