Have you ever has something hurt your feelings?

[Dobie]

That you knew probably shouldn't upset you but still does? I'm in that position right now.

I've been a part of another website for over 3 years, it's a very close knit group of women - similar to this one.
They all know that I have gotten the nursing home position and that I'm very excited about it. Even thought I got out of it for a couple of years, I'm back to working with the elderly because I'm very good at it. I think God has given me the talent of recognizing the needs of the people that are in my care, and the strength to aggessively advocate to have their needs met. When I was at my last job, I was given a commendation from the department of Mental Retardation for the care that individuals in 3 of my group homes received.
Back to why my feelings are hurt. A thread got started about elderly abuse and how horrible nursing homes are. Responses dealt with how incompetent, greedy and lacking in compassion nursing home employess are.
I'm left feeling really hurt, and wondering if this is the way that these people (who I consider my friends) - really think of me. I'm crying again just typing this.

[Emmsmom]

I don't know that they meant to hurt you or that they even think of you that way. They are probably speaking from their own experiences. Not all nursing homes are the same and some do have employees that should not be there. I am sure you do all you can for the nursing home that you work for and I am also sure you are great at what you do. I just wish that there were more like you out there. The sad fact is that abuse of the elderly go on in a lot of nursing homes. I know that in my hometown there is a nursing home that has a VERY bad reputation. It is well known that you try to avoid that home at all cost. I guess once you have had a bad experience at one it kinda clouds the idea that nursing homes are great places. Doesn't mean they don't exsist tho. {{HUGS}}

[DianaB]

I would say that your friends were being inconsiderate. They grouped all nursing homes together as bad when you are out there making a difference. I'm sorry that you got hurt and I think that you should let them know your feelings on what they had to say. I would think that some apologies would be in order.

I'm proud of you for making such an effort in working with mental retardation. It's a very misunderstood field but the people can make it so worthwhile!!!

[Marilyn]

Dobie, maybe they are just not thinking when they are posting. As others have said, you are working to make a difference. We would all have different opinions of nursing homes if everyone working in them had your attitude. We would probably be praising them. Please do not be discouraged!! We need more people like you!!!!!!!!!!!!

My own mother was in a nursing home for 5 years, during which time I visited her almost every day. I have some stories to tell.

Please stay excited and help change the world!!! We need you out there!!!

[Janet]

I agree with Diana Dobie. They were being inconsiderate of your feelings. There are good and bad in everything...no matter what it is. We have (had now) a very bad nursing home that my hubby's grandmother was in. The way some of the people were treated made me sick. It was fined and watched closely. Now under very caring management and do very well with it's care.

My Mother-in-law was in a very nice home and we had no complaints. They were all very attentive. You're making a difference, so please don't let some unkind comments derail you.

[Tink]

Dobie, I've worked in nursing homes and know it's a tough job and if you don't love it and the people there, you really should find a different kind of work. Those people deserve respect and caring helpers and I get the impression that's what you strive for... So they're lucky to have you.

Please try not to let others opinions and judgments get you down. It's wrong to generalize and judge you based on others poor experiences. Just do the job the best you can and you'll prove their opinions were wrong. That's much more effective than arguing with them anyway.

HUGS

[Dobie]

Thanks - you've made me feel a lot better.

[pope1982]

I think you know the answer to this question ;)
I will leave things at that.

Glad to hear you are loving your job!

[yorkiemalt]

Glad you're feeling better!