Hospital Job/ work in general

Just got a food service job at a local hospital, taking food to patients, really hits a soft spot in my heart, from me being in the psych ward/ hospital rooms so long, I know how it feels to be stuck in a bed.

I was looking for any advice on how to approach the job, staying positive while seeing painful cases. Or dealing with hostile nurses/ angry people. I want to keep this job and gain some stability. Looking for an entire new way to approach work in which I can succeed and learn even with my mental illness.

I just want to congratulate you on your new job! Probably one of the most important jobs there, remember that. You are going to do just great!

Good Luck! I hope there is a good human resources department that sticks up for the support staff and nice people in your department.

Stay mindful and be the best damn food server anyone has seen!

A positive attitude and a good sense of humor has always done me a world of good in my various jobs. I work in human services so it's not exactly the same but I do see some difficult stuff and deal with difficult people.

I've worked in hospital food service for over 30 years. I've been in general hospitals, psych hospitals and nursing homes. My advice is to look past the diagnosis or illness and try to see the person. Every one of the patients was a different, healthy person at one point in their life. Someone cared about them and had hopes and dreams for them. They still deserve that dignity regardless of what has happened in their lives.

Also, understand that they often cannot control their actions, reactions and thoughts. They may say something mean or nasty because they can't say anything else. They may strike out at you because they can't stop themselves. They are not taking things out on you personally.

Staff, especially the nurses, work really hard. They get tired and burnt out. The really need other staff people to do whatever they can to make things easier for them. If you are allowed, open the milk cartons for the patients. Cut their meat if they cannot. Put the sugar in their coffee. It may not seem like much but it saves someone else from having to do it.

Above all, have integrity. Don't take food that does not belong to you. Don't see how much work you can get out of doing by goofing off or hiding. Don't help the trouble makers get away with their actions. Mind your own business. Do your job.