There are many caregivers that works in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential homes just to name a few. Have you ever witness a job working with patients? You have to have patience and thick skin. There are days when staff members want to walk out. When the acuity is high it can get hectic, causing you to look for another job. Or better yet question yourself about this profession. At times you feel like a number and wonder if your manager or company really cares about you. You are overworked, tired, and underpaid. Not to forget you have to deal with clients, their family members, and anyone else who feels they have authority over a patient’s well-being. It’s tough work and that is the reason there is such a high turnover rate in the healthcare profession.
I worked on an inpatient unit dealing with children, adolescents and adults. I also worked at a residential facility and a clinic. There are times when patients get personal with you and you can take something away from their story, and that same patient will cuss you out, claiming you’ve done nothing for them. It can be an emotional roller coaster. I’ve taken that ride one too many times but I had to remember they too were dealing with unresolved issues that caused them to struggle mentally.
There was a time I was at work and a child turned on me, she cussed me out and I was so close to walking out of the door. The charge nurse came after me and gave me a pep talk, she said “it’s not worth it, you don’t want to walk out on this job and lose what you worked hard for,” those words stuck with me, it made me realize there was more to life that a child who was suffering mentally. I had an apartment and bills to take care of. After talking to the charge nurse it dawned on me, WE HAVE to be there for each other because we all were dealing with the same kind of WORK RELATED STRESS.
Obtaining a career patient care is beyond challenging. We are helping those who are dealing with MENTAL and EMOTIONAL abuse. We take the abusive words and try to redirect people into thinking in a different way. We listen, tend to their needs and stay consistent with care. You don’t refuse to help a patient because they said they hate you or because they didn’t want to join coping skills group. There is so much dysfunction going on inside of them, its vital we stay consistent and show the same love while they are in our care. But after working in the mental health field for so long I started to wonder, WHO LOOKS AFTER US? Who makes sure our well-being is taken care of? Sure they have staff appreciation day, and our managers would surprise us with a pizza party here and there but what about our mental health? They say you can’t help others if you are not well yourself…does that exclude workers in the mental health field?
You’d be surprise what someone is dealing with, especially those who are taking care of others. Often times during coping skills group we tell clients to make sure they are taking care of themselves. We talk about self-care and the importance of doing something for yourself. That alone was a reminder of whatI have to do. We can get so wrapped up into our daily responsibilities that it becomes inevitable that we take a moment to do what we tell others to do.
If you are working in the mental health field please take time for yourself. This can involve in:
Hanging out with friends
Reading a book
Going to the gym
Attend a social class or workout class
Take a mental health day when needed
Go outside during breaks
Building a support system within the hospital
Having an accountability person also help when we are going through a rough time at work. Please remember patients are doing what they know how to do best…being patients. Most of them are not aware of how your day is going, or what you are going through at home. If you are struggling with work and need to take a day off please have that conversation with your supervisor and know that you are not alone.
~What ideas do you have when it comes to self care? Please take a moment and write it in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!