Balancing Professional Commitment and Personal Happiness: A Nurse's Dilemma
Navigating Challenges in the Workplace and Finding Solace in Personal Life
I could live a free and carefree life. Close my eyes to so much. Just let things be, not get involved. On the professional side of my life – what I currently earn my living with – as a nurse. On the private side of my life – all that I have to be and do for others.
I work in a nursing home and take pride in ensuring things are done properly and professionally. Caring for those who are sick. Interacting with those who are "just" old and worn out. There must be a kind word for everyone.
I know what I am capable of, and it is a lot, with more than 30 years of experience as a nurse.
So when I see sloppy and poorly executed care and documentation, it cuts into my heart. In the end, it only affects those who cannot articulate their experiences or the elderly who need good care, where good care would make a difference.
The collaboration with colleagues – whether nurses or assistants – is faltering. Perhaps they are afraid of being seen through, of not being competent enough. Maybe it’s easier to resort to either attack or stony silence when facing professional criticism.
And again, it only affects the vulnerable, those who are the focus of our work, the sick and those who need help.
It speaks volumes when an employee enters a room and doesn’t even say Hello or Good day to their colleagues. This is what is called the work environment. The psychological work environment.
And unfortunately, I am experiencing this at my workplace right now.
Can I keep my mouth shut and just live the happy life on the surface?
I find it difficult. I have tried to get things corrected but constantly run into walls, and now I am sure I am just seen as the grumpy old nurse who always complains.
I have started looking for another job because it must be possible to find a place where you are appreciated for your skills and where a culture exists that you are there for the patient or resident and you want to work with your colleagues.
Or should I just close my eyes and do the absolute minimum, like so many other colleagues do today at my workplace?
Maybe even take an extra long weekend by just calling in sick? Friday and Monday sickness is not an unknown phenomenon. Especially in a time where there are festivals and maybe sudden beach weather – it would indeed be the happy life just to think of myself and do what I want?
No one thanks you for showing up to work and doing it with care and diligence. The one who calls in sick gets the experience and – if the act is played well enough – also sympathy along the way because she was sick, oh so sick!!
Privately, I can fortunately close my eyes to the cleaning that should be done.
The cobwebs that should be swept down.
But I prioritize having time to be with my spouse.
And to write.
Right now, I don’t have a dog, but otherwise, I would have prioritized being able to take long walks with it.
This is my revenge for all that does not work at the workplace.
Here is my happy life.
If you like my writing, you could also just by me a Vegan Burger