The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

I don't usually write about work on my blog. I'm a psychiatric nurse. My current job, while bringing me joyful and satisfied moments, is also a major source of stress in my life.
So here, on this blog, I try to write about non-stressful things!

I treat my patients with as much patience and kindness as I possibly can so what is likely one of the worst moments in their life is a little more comfortable and bearable. However, I constantly worry about making mistakes. I've experienced very little hostility from patients. I've never been hit or injured at my job, (knock wood) even though part of my work sometimes involves administering emergency medications, and placing clients into emergency restraints.
Most of my coworkers are great. Lovely, kind people. Some of them aren't. Like anywhere else. I always hated the phrase "Nurses eat their young." But there is some truth in it. Suffice to say I had an extremely challenging day yesterday, and it was made worse not by the behavior of the patients (although I had a REALLY tough one yesterday) but by staff.
I actually found a new job this week working at an outpatient clinic. It should by all reports be a less stressful job than what I have now. I was so happy when I walked into work yesterday, giving my 2 weeks notice, yet I felt so defeated by the time I left because of my inability to get along with this other staff member. I came home and cried.

But no one can "make" you feel anything.
After a good cry, I pulled out all the stops- took a bath, put on a nice dress that I made, and went out to dinner with my husband and my very best friends.

Yesterday was so strange.
While it is true that I was working with someone unpleasant, I was also approached by a coworker that I helped the other day. This coworker fell ill at work, and I had her come and sit down in the nurses station, while I went to fetch the PA and internist. We got her some medication, and she was o.k.

Yesterday, in the middle of all the chaos I was experiencing, she gave me a little present (!). I felt overwhelmed by this gesture. Especially when she said to me..."You made me feel so calm yesterday. Thank-you." Her little present was so thoughtful. My favorite part of it was that it was wrapped with a rubber band that she decorated herself with little dots.

When I came home yesterday, I also received a gift in the mail from a blog reader. Beautiful origami paper. I was so down in dumps, but this little gift of paper helped to lift my spirits.
Hugely. Thank-you, Ms.Joni.

Thank-you.