ER Burnout-new job options?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER.

I have been working in a ridiculously slammed, ridiculously short staffed rural emergency department since I graduated nursing school several years ago. My patient population consists of lower class, typically uneducated folks. Addiction runs rampid in this community and we have a large amount of psychiatric patients. After several years of heavy patient loads, being spit on, cursed at, kicked in the face, several managers firing/quitting, I am finding that I dread going to work. I think I still enjoy emergency medicine, I am just burned out on this environment and patient population.

I have applied to several other emergency departments but am wondering if anyone has found themselves in this same situation. I know I would be bored on a floor unit, but enjoy the night shift options of the hospital. Does anyone have any ideas of other types of nursing positions that would keep my interest? I would love to hear from those who hae found themselves in the same position.

Thanks so much!

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I have been working in a ridiculously slammed, ridiculously short staffed rural emergency department since I graduated nursing school several years ago. My patient population consists of lower class, typically uneducated folks. Addiction runs rampid in this community and we have a large amount of psychiatric patients. After several years of heavy patient loads, being spit on, cursed at, kicked in the face, several managers firing/quitting, I am finding that I dread going to work. I think I still enjoy emergency medicine, I am just burned out on this environment and patient population.

I have applied to several other emergency departments but am wondering if anyone has found themselves in this same situation. I know I would be bored on a floor unit, but enjoy the night shift options of the hospital. Does anyone have any ideas of other types of nursing positions that would keep my interest? I would love to hear from those who hae found themselves in the same position.

Thanks so much!

I went through the same thing at my first job.. Keep applying and you'll find another job! I'm at a better hospital now with a better team! Keep your head up, I got tired of getting kicked/punched in the face too ;)

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

I've had multiple friends who were tired of the ED go to the PACU...good hours and fairly fast paced with quick turnaround.

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Specializes in ER.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I recently had an ICU burnout and went to Emerge! Do you think ICU could be something you'd be interested in? I loved the critical aspect of ICU but I found some of the other stuff just wasn't for me. I have worked with Emerge nurses gone ICU nurses though. Just a thought!

If you like quick turnaround you might not like ICU, but it also depends on the acuity of whatever ICU you work in!

Good luck! I know what it's like to dread going to work!

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

How about life flight or transport nursing.

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