The school I work at is a 12 month program. September to June same as regional/schools that teach neurotypical children. Then the beginning of July to approximately mid August. I believe 30 days/6 weeks, is the length of summer session. I've been working at my job for 7 years. Everyone who knows me, knows I love what I do. The decision to work summer has not been a difficult one to make. In years past the atmosphere and overall mood is lighter, there is a theme; this year was the Olympic Games of course. I can say I have not disliked working summer since I've been hired. Especially the past few years working together with Meg, my awesome co-worker/nurse/incredible friend. She's the type of nurse whose way of thinking is, "let's just get it done." Never saying, "that's not my student" or if she's finished with her work; sit and watch me run around like a nut. Btdt with other co workers it's not good.
When I was asked if I were working this year's summer, I didn't think twice and said I took this job to work, and to be honest summer money is good as well as loop the people. The hardest working teachers and paras are at my school. It's always said that hindsight is 20/20. I really dislike that it is so so true.
I did not have an all too pleasant summer working. One could say well…it is *work* what did you expect. I know how hard my co workers and I work. I know we are unintentionally hidden from the majority of the public who aren't even aware that my school and so many others like it exist. That our fragile students actually attend school and are able to learn and be taught.
This summer was the first time in my nursing career that I felt disrespected. I've worked in many professional environments as an RN, not to mention I am Thomas' mother. Up until the summer of 2024 there were instances where of course I felt unappreciated, most nurses have felt that way and if they say they have never they are lying. But being disrespected; that is a new one for me personally.
Strangely enough, the disrespect came from all angles except from the parents of my students. And to top it off, disrespect and insult was glaringly displayed from another nurse! She works for a local pediatric practice housed within a large corporation. I witnessed and have documentation of her blatant lying and insult. Recently I obtained her name I do not know what comes next, if anything. Karma sucks and God doesn't like ugly.
This is the first summer I counted down the days to the end of the program. Never before have I done that. I'm always like, ok…we agreed to work this…come on…" in a good natured way. This summer, the end of the day bell rang and I was out of there. I had had enough for one day.
I worked extremely hard as most nurses have; for my license to practice working as a registered professional nurse. I hold myself and other professionals to a high standard as well as the paraprofessionals I work with. Disrespect is not something I ascribe to. No one is beneath another, we're all here for a reason. This summer, on the unfortunate upside I witnessed the true nature of persons I thought otherwise. Some so good and some not good at all.
I plan to enjoy the remainder of my time off appreciating my children and family, specifically spending time with and talking/chatting. Inviting myself to Megs house and looking forward to the good events on the horizon. As I write this I'm on the beach, it's a good day.
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