RE: What motivates us to keep going
Over 80 hours, that's a lot. To this day, I still don't understand why such long hours are demanded in a profession where an attentive mind is so important.
Yes, I can imagine the difficult conversations and I would wish me an honest doctor.
I also have 7 shifts in a row at the nursing home. My difficult part of this is when a spouse has passed away, to lend a sympathetic ear to the one left behind.
Recently I met a resident, she smiled from a distance when she saw me. You were the one who made me tea 12 years ago and had time for me the night my husband died. That made me happy, the lady hadn't forgotten me after such a long time.
I'm sure some patients won't forget you either and will remember you with gratitude, even if it was difficult.
I think, the feeling of doing something meaningful is probably a motivation to keep going.
Yes, that is too much, but the employer keeps our working days within legal working condition, 7 days and this is maximum time that is allowed of continuous work.
I was not aware that you are working in nursing home, your profession deserve much more respect, that requires a lot of patience and attention, every warm word and a minute of listening makes a day for the residents of such houses.
Often when we have elderly, they love to chat and I stay longer with them just listening, I always think how it will be when I am old and in their "shoes" :)
I am pretty sure that elderly lady remembers you, such moments and such warm gesture never will be forgotten.
Thank you @michelangelo3, it was a pleasure to read your comment :)