Work is What You Make It Have you ever worked with someone that is negative all the time? You know, they don't like their job, or so it seems, since they complain continually. However, a positive attitude changes everything. Work, especially as a nurse, really is what you make it. Employment At will employment is just that, at will. The reality is, life is too short to be miserable, and after all, nurses are in demand, so if it's that bad, it's probably time to move on. When you start off on your work day, your employer is prepared to pay you for the shift you are about to work. For that work, they expect professionalism, which entails the following: A team player. You cooperate with your supervisor to do what they need you to do, even if it's out of your normal job responsibilities. As a team player, you also work with your coworkers to ensure all patients have the best care possible. Responsible. It is expected that as a nurse, you take your job seriously, and that you take every precaution and action necessary to to make certain patients receive proper medications and treatment. Courteous. Not everyone has an outgoing, friendly personality, however, it is expected that as an employee, you will treat patients, and coworkers with respect and courtesy. Of course, all of this respect you show others will be returned to you as well. Related: Everything You need to know about School Nurses Attitude I'm sure we have all heard the definition of this word, “something everyone has, yet the richest person cannot afford”. Essentially a bad attitude will stop a person in their tracks. You are at work, your chosen profession and your selected place of employment so enjoy. Be happy that you have a job, and leave any negativity at the door. It's always nice to have an upbeat person, it makes the day go better, and can make negative people stop and think. Try working on attitude, even if there is something at work that you don't like, try contemplating on the good, what all do you like? If your list is empty, perhaps it's time to change jobs. Negativity on the Job When I worked as a nursing supervisor, I used to start all meetings asking an open question, “what happens to the squeaky wheel on my car”? Everyone knew the phrase about the squeaky wheel getting the oil. New employees were not sure what to make of this, however, current employees
knew just what to say, “on this floor the squeaky wheel gets changed and replaced�. I never intended it to be s threat, but rather an expectation. Working with a hospital there will be good times and bad. Some days will be super busy, while others you may be bored. Some patients will be pleasant, and others not so much. A hospital environment can be stressful, life and death decisions are made, and occasionally a patient is lost, not all days end on a happy note. What you can do is know that tomorrow is a new day, and odds are it will be an improvement over the current one. Think of it from a patient's perspective, they may be in pain, worried, or afraid, and a pleasant personality can be very uplifting, and make them feel secure. Related: Latest Medical Breakthroughs Work really is exactly what you make of it. If you go in daily, dreading your work, hating your job, you are guaranteed to have a miserable day. Expect good days, and you are much more likely to have them. You could be an example to others around you, a motivation to enjoy your job, after all, you spend a lot of time at work, why not be happy. On a final note, if you find that going to work is becoming a dreaded chore, and you simply can never be happy at work, it is probably in your best interest to seek other employment. You may have outgrown the job, or simply need a change, regardless, don't just stay and be negative and unhappy. Most people are generally at work 40 hours per week, and that is time that can be enjoyed and appreciated, or dreaded and resented: Which sounds best to you? Related: List of nursing organizations Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter