As I was scrolling through my news feed on Facebook earlier in the week, I saw something that STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS. A friend of mine had posted a challenge. Go an entire day without complaining about anything. Not traffic, not people, not the job, not one complaint…and see how it changes your perception. What a fantastic idea! I made a mental note to email my friend after my shift and left for work.
Flying solo on the assisted living wing is a challenge. It means my residents have to be more patient and I have to run twice as fast to meet their needs in a timely fashion. This is the perfect recipe for a “complaint soufflé”, peppered with frustration from both residents and staff.
As I was digging through the linen closet in a vain attempt to “will” more towels into existence, I could FEEL the complaints racing through my mind. I knew the objections from my resident whose shower was going to be delayed until fresh linens arrived were not far behind. That’s when it hit me. THE IDEA. Why not take my friend’s “no complaining” challenge and incorporate it into a project for my folks?
I am a woman who loves a project and I was excited about this one. I presented it to my residents during lunch in the dining room. We would pick a day, go without complaining and then discuss what we learned. I was thrilled to see that several of my folks expressed a real interest in taking part! There was some lively discussion and they started throwing out ideas.
“We can REMIND each other when we catch someone complaining!”
“We can HELP each other out!”
“I’ll TELL on them!”
After stifling a laugh at the last comment, I explained that this was not about “telling” on someone but rather about self-awareness and challenging ourselves. The project was a go. We picked Thursday and, for the next two days, we kept a countdown.
No Complaints Thursday started out with a walk in the rain to work. That wasn’t a problem for me. Scrubs dry quickly. As I got my residents up and dressed for breakfast, I was really proud of how they took to the challenge. One of my folks wanted to wear her favorite blouse, but it was in the laundry. Rather than have a meltdown, she informed me that since it was No Complaints Day, she would be glad to wear the pink one instead. At breakfast, instead of the usual frustrated demands for more coffee from residents, there were polite requests and smiles. When certain tasks could not be completed exactly when they wanted them done, they really were more patient about it.
Now, did ALL my folks remain free of complaints the whole shift? Of course not. But that wasn’t really the point. THEY TRIED. They engaged with each other. They were open and excited to be trying something new. They felt a part of this event, rather than just sort of thrown into a pre-determined activity. It was a learning experience and they really appreciated that we were doing it together. Even my more withdrawn residents opened themselves up to this challenge. They had FUN with it.
At the end of my shift, I asked them what they learned from the experience. Some said that it was harder than they thought it would be. Some said they felt happier and that the day went more smoothly for them. One told me that the squeaky wheel makes the most noise and that he is going back to (and I quote) “raising hell.”
Then, they asked me what I learned. Here’s what I told them: Sometimes, you don’t know how often you do something until you can’t do it. I didn’t realize how often I complain, if only in my mind. I found it challenging, but worthwhile, to stop and access each moment to find the positive in it. As the day wore on, it became easier. My mood was lighter, my stress level was lower and I also had a lot of fun with the experiment.
Most attitudes and behaviors are habits. Our experiment reminded me of that. How different would our experiences be if we all made a concerted effort to adopt an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis? If we made it a point to notice when life was going well and embrace those moments of joy that negativity can often overshadow? I don’t want to forget this lesson. Maybe, my residents and I will make No Complaints Thursday a regular event. I think it would be beneficial for all of us.
How about you? Would you like to join us? I’d love to hear how No Complaints Day goes at your workplace!
Until next time,
Here’s more about Corey Anne Rotella, in her own words:
“At first, I worked in the housekeeping department at an assisted living facility until I could afford to take the state test. Then I moved up to CNA. I also have my Medication Aid certification, but my heart is on the floor, where I can interact, observe and care for my residents. My priority is taking time with my residents so that they know they are valued as human beings. At the end of the day, don’t we all need to know that?
What I love most about my job as a CNA is that every single lesson I learn at work can be applied in all areas of my life. A lifelong chronicler, I began to fuse my two passions and write about my work experiences, my perceptions and the issues that we all face in the healthcare system–patients and workers alike.
What impresses me most about the nurses behind In The Know is that they shine a light on the problems that exist in the healthcare field and offer practical, well thought out solutions that are effective and embrace individual accountability. I am both extremely grateful and incredibly excited to contribute to their mission in any way that I can.”
