Bad Days

[MMiz]

When I used to work in EMS I'd only pick up a shift when I felt like it. Usually I'd pick it up a few days ahead of time. I can't remember working a single shift in EMS where I was feeling sick or exhausted.

I had a really bad day at work today, and it wasn't the kids. Personal issues, work issues, and just horrible timing led to me having a truly crappy day. The problem is that almost all my kids knew I was having the crappy day, which makes it even worse.

What happens when you have crappy days in EMS? Are you an *** during your patient assessments? I was a jerk today in school, but a week from now the kids won't remember it. Many people have limited experience in 911/EMS, and I vividly remember my ambulance ride 5+ years ago.

What happens when you have a crappy day in EMS? Does your patient have one too?

 

[fm_emt]

What happens when you have crappy days in EMS? Are you an *** during your patient assessments? I was a jerk today in school, but a week from now the kids won't remember it. Many people have limited experience in 911/EMS, and I vividly remember my ambulance ride 5+ years ago.

This past two weeks have been kind of crappy. I haven't been feeling well, my car got broken into, I've been tired, busy as hell at the M-F job, the works. To top it off, I have to spend this coming weekend in Detroit.

I think that the patients kind of cheered me up, actually. I was focused on helping them and thought to myself "at least I'm not all banged up like this guy is!"
Mildly morbid, yes, but it certainly put things into perspective. It could always be a lot worse.

 

[Guardian]

When I have a crappy day in ems, I never let it show. This is the very essence of professionalism. If you feel like you can't control your emotions, you should take the day off. People don't forget, and neither do kids.

 

[rescuecpt]

When I have a crappy day, I think it could be worse, I could be at my real job... then I cheer up right away!

 

[Guardian]

My best friend and a few family members are CPAs so I understand what you're saying.

 

[MMiz]

When I have a crappy day in ems, I never let it show. This is the very essence of professionalism. If you feel like you can't control your emotions, you should take the day off. People don't forget, and neither do kids.

I clearly made a mistake today, and while I have a million great and valid excuses, it's not the kids that I'm angry or upset about. Unfortunately they had a crappy day because I had a crappy day.

I didn't yell, or throw around too many insults, but I said things I shouldn't have said, and did things I shouldn't have done. As a teacher I have an opportunity to go back tomorrow and rebuild my relationship, but in EMS we sometimes only get one shot.

Today wasn't my day, but I sure as hell don't want my EMT/Medic saying "Sorry, today isn't my day".

 

[WannaBEMT]

Listen, this is real life and you are a real person with REAL feelings, people have bad days. I am sure your students understand that, I am a student and I can tell when my teacher (s) have had a bad day, but usually they will come back the next class and say sorry they were hard, etc...Sometimes they do not and you are right we forget, we know you are human! Do not beat yourself up to bad.....

Jenn

 

[islandgal]

Matt,

Sorry you had a rough time today. I am not a teacher but am surrounded by them- my sister, my best friend, my ex husband, his Dad... so I have a understanding of the demands, stresses, and the above and beyond dedication teachers give. I guess I really don't have any solutions for you, just wanted to let you know it's understandable to sometimes feel overwhelmed in two fields that often your efforts go unappreciated or unacknowledged.
You know, kids remember, but they also understand when you talk to them (and sometimes you hear some incredible wisdom from them )

 

[Celtictigeress]

We have bad days, and that is what makes you Human how you handle them is what makes you remarkable I doubt there is ONE person on this site or anywhere else that can "honestly say that they have never taken a bad day out at someone else" Shooot I had a miserable day yesterday was at work at2am and didnt get back until 7pm.....I took it out on my Hubby... booooooooooy did I....

When w are stressed it is the Persons natural response to reflect it..not to gain pity not to Gain Sympathy but to gain an understanding...it also helps your students see a "rare" side of you...you can come in apologize and whatnot and Im sure it will be water off a ducks back

My Patients cant see when Im having a miserable day thouh with th ambulance servic parttime I do have a regular that knows my moods shs adopted me so she will hav me talk it out..if I say nothings wrong she calls me a liar lol...I have Only blown up at a Patient ONCE and the Woman kept pushing my buttons and doing it deliberatly

Dont sweat it, itll be fine and iffen ya ver need an ear to Listen look me up...you can yell scream and vent and Ill just take it and deal *nod nod nods*

 

[Tincanfireman]

I've never been a professional teacher, but I have been in a postion of responsibility over 20+ people at a time, so I guess it's similar. If I'm having a bad day/week/moment I'll just come right out and tell them "Look, today is just sucking wind, but I want you guys to know it's not you. If I'm short with you, don't take it personal, because it's me, not you" Then, I make every effort to be as completely professional and friendly as I can. The uncertainty of not knowing what kind of bug crawled up the boss/teacher's butt and thinking you're the cause is worse than anything. They will understand that you're just human too and are having a bad day. Don't try to hide it, they'll know. Just get it out into the open and deal with it the best you can. When it comes to patient care, just focus on being a textbook provider and concentrate on delivering the best care you can. Probably wouldn't hurt to clue in your partner, too. They might even take a couple of rides and give you a chance to clear your mind. (Of course, if you've treated them like a pile of decaying dung all day, don't be surprised if you get the next puking drunk call, either; you probably deserve it...=)