The therapy department is full of much younger therapists than I.
Most have only 5-10 years of experience.
I come in with 20 yrs of experience and a survivor's attitude.
I am surviving Lyme and working.
Well, at my age (43), I don't "stake" out my territory.
I try to be friendly, helpful and considerate.
I try not to be too friendly or get involved in other's dramas.
There is a lot of drama involved in this group.
It is like being part of a cast of an ongoing soap opera.
Some are married. Some divorced. None but myself have children.
I have found myself the recipient of a couple of off color comments.
While some people believe that everyone should get two weeks of therapy,
I believe that some people won't benefit from it.
Only the company doing the billing for services.
So the comments involve me not being a "team" player for
Standing my ground and protecting my license and morals
By not picking up every patient I see.
Someone with late stage Alzheimer's is not going to be oriented
To the year, month and date. I wish I carried a magic wand.
Sigh.
While other's live their lives through this job,
I don't. I may have to work for income purposes,
But it isn't something I think about once I leave the building most days.
Maybe it is my "maturity".
Maybe it is my unwillingness to "play" high school type games.
Maybe it is because I have a life that isn't my work.
Maybe.......I need to toughen up some.
I can't help but get anxious when I hear such comments.
It doesn't scare me, but triggers a response of anxiety.
I am sure it is related to my illness as other things
Are triggering anxiety in me also.
Any advice on how to "toughen" up?
It takes all my energy just to do my job and be there all day.
I don't have energy to waste on this.
Any advice is appreciated.
I guess almost 3 years of not working has made this a big adjustment.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
geneal, i'm back and thanks for all your wonderful comments to me during my absence!!
i'm so sorry you are on the short end of the stick with these non-caring morons.
STAND YOUR GROUND; your experience and soul count.
i'd also tell the person who had colored comments to stop immediately; you don't want to hear them or be directed at you.
anyway, just stopping to give you all my hugs/kisses little sister!! YOU TAKE CARE OF YOU! Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
Geneal,
First, Congratulations!
Second, being the "new kid on the block" is no fun. I know.
It doesn't matter whether they're nice & drippy sweet or nasty and catty.
It's a tough adjustment.
I take that back - it's much tougher when they're catty or nasty or whatever.
Just keep in mind that you're more mature and more experienced in your field than they are.
That's intimidating. Some people respond with venom when threatened by the greatness of another.
You see, you don't need to "toughen up".
You just need to look at things differently.
And...
I'll tell you the advice my mother has always given me:
"Just go to work and count your money. Don't worry about that other nonsense."
(She's very practical.)
[ 04-22-2009, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: carly ]
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
G said... "Well, at my age (43), I don't "stake" out my territory."
Good thing too! It could get a bit smelly if you started doing that on a regular basis!
May I suggest?
Get a piece of paper and make yourself a sign.
It bold pretty colors it should say...
MAKE TODAY THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE
Make several and post them in spots that you will see them.
Then each time you see it.. stop for a moment and think...
Which way can I go with my next step to accomplish that goal.
Answers will come.
Good luck G...
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Thanks so much.
I needed that advice.
I guess I just have so many more important things to worry about.
I just am not interested in playing games.
Good news is they are updating the therapy room.
I get my own office. That is an unheard of luxury in Nursing Homes.
That way I can do my therapy without everybody looking.
I am sure they would love to "Pick" me apart even more.
Actually the area manager, who I've worked with before for a few years,
Said that the "team" is concerned about my varied experience.
I told her that 20 years of experience that includes
Stroke rehab, swallow studies and therapy, children, infants,
Closed Head Injured, Traumatic Brain Injured, etc.
Brought more to the table. I am not going to feel
Intimidated by those who have not chosen to vary their options
And treat different issues in different ages.
Actually, my little old people often remind me of children.
Their behavior is often very similar.
However, I respect that they are adults and have lived
Much longer than I have. Good news is that I can actually
Empathize with all their aches and pains and endless medicines.
I can do this. I can do this.
I guess I lost that hardness that comes with dealing with
So many different people and personalities.
Unfortunately, personal attacks do bother me now.
I am sure to be a target for a while.
I just plan on doing my job and doing it well.
The rest....I'll have to leave to God since He keeps
Opening the doors for me in this direction.
I am blessed to be getting this job.
I just need to remember that.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by tpap1006 (Member # 19634) on :
Geneal, You sound like a wonderful, smart and caring person, it makes me furious that people that have
their health waste any time trying to make others feel this way. I guess they just don't know what we know!!
Keep your chin up-they are not worth stressing you out. Bless your heart, Trace
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Your own office.. now THAT'S an answer! Whew!!
You'll do great, because you're a great person! Hang in there!!!!
and congratulations!! Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
geneal, your own office loaded with tincup's sayings all over the place so you can't miss them! i'd love to see the look on those giving you a rough time !!!!
you've been given excellent advise, and i know god will stop by and assist you as well little sister. Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
Hi Geneal,
You have been supportive of so many of us this board and have offered such kind words of advice and wisdom. I wish I could provide some comfort to you now as you have done for us.
You are a wise, caring, intelligent person and you don't deserve any animosity or bad-energy from anyone.
You have chose the high road and you will thrive, I just know it.
Know that we care about you. Posted by Silverwolf (Member # 9196) on :
Hi <<<<< Geneal Sweet Friend >>>>>,
I know it isn't easy honey, but you keep on doing the right thing, kindly and firmly !!!
You are a person of integrity and worth,and that is already shining!!!
TxC learned some things that have helped him many times over the years. When you are documenting,[do a written and on computer both], and besides the regular log of treatments and so on, also
... keep a separate private journal and log into it every day. This saved TxC serious issues and problems several times.
There were times, that log info' was tampered with,and TxC had a handwritten/or typed separate copy of info' that was logged, and a back up at home to from his personal log.
We'll just say... 'The unexpected happened...', and he had the proof that he was doing what was proper and needed, and required,and being a 'team player' as well!!!
When he left his job for a different one, he left w/ integrity intact and his head held high.
It took awhile,but a very inefficient individual was finally removed from a situation. We knew,and a triad of commissioners knew,That TxC had done as much as possible to keep damages to a minimum.
Sadly, over fifty much needed good caring workers left a situation where they were very much needed, before the info was acted on.
My husband had no regular work for six months in the process of all this [he delivered Pizza for a friend to make ends meet].
Sorry, I'm jabbering on here, but documentation, and doing his job w/ integrity have saved us serious problems and heartaches many times...
Shine forth honey,and keep doing what you know is right!!! I know yo will !!!
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