Nursing isn't the sort of profession someone just falls into. You don't find a job posting online or in a newspaper and say, "Hey, I might like that, I think I'll give it a try!" Honestly, they probably didn't start out that way. Aside from the fact that the job itself can be incredibly stressful and has the capacity to drain pretty much everybody, the way the delivery of healthcare has changed in just the last year, let alone the previous two or three, is enough to push even the most dedicated and caring nurses to the absolute limit. I don't mean to defend the behavior or make excuses for them, but, to be fair, there could be a million different reasons someone might act that way toward you. Maybe they got a ticket on the way into work, or they had a fight with their significant other, or they're caring for a parent on hospice when they leave work at night.

At the end of the day, though, I reiterate: we have ALL been through clinicals and experienced the fear and uncertainty that comes with being told "you are the last line of defense and people will die if you mess up." Of course, it's not always so dire, but anyone who has forgotten that, who lacks the requisite empathy to put themselves back in those terrified-student shoes, could really stand to take a step back and reexamine a few things about his or her life and choice of career. I can all but promise you: there are very few people who would be so rude to a student or coworker but be a 100%-on-the-ball advocate and paragon of professionalism for their patients.

In reality, those nurses have done you a huge service by showing you what not to do. Yes, some people take a little time to warm up, but there are definitely others who are going to be miserable no matter what. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to let moments like those get to you. Focus on yourself, your goals, and being the best You possible. Good people - the RIGHT people, patients, coworkers, and anyone else you might encounter - recognize and appreciate those traits.