I would like to introduce myself by mentioning what my profession is. I work as a nursing assistant, and I am dedicated to my job since I find it rather necessary and rewarding. At the same time, working in healthcare settings might be challenging, especially when one is employed in a nursing home, which is the case with me. I believe that the problems of miscommunication on the part of leaders and managers are some of the most common triggers of employee stress and burnout.
Probably one of the saddest issues that I have come across in my workplace is the lack of recognition from the authorities. Being a nursing assistant in a place where all patients require special help and support makes one feel excessively responsible and cautious. More than once did I stay overtime to help a patient with some routine or simply to listen to their life stories if they decided to share those at the end of my shift. However, when I humbly asked for one additional day off, which I needed to visit my parents living in a different state, I was refused in a rather harsh manner. The way of communication my nurse leader chose was highly unpleasant and even made me start thinking of quitting the job. I felt both disappointed (due to not being appreciated enough) and devastated (because my parents looked forward to seeing me).
I understand that all of us have good and bad days, and my leader, who is usually quite okay to communicate with, might have had a bad day. Still, there are positions within organizations at which one cannot let one’s feelings overshadow the responsibility for subordinates’ psychological wellbeing. The situation in which I felt myself extremely underappreciated made me reluctant to go to work for a few following weeks or even months. Thus, I am convinced that managers and leaders should work on their communication skills not to worsen the relationships with employees and the overall atmosphere within the workplace.