[convicted]

This is the first time for me to post here, but I need some help. I'm feeling burned-out. Does anybody have any advice for me?

[EricEnfermero]

Welcome to the site! I notice that you work corrections. I imagine that would be a specialty where it's pretty easy to burn out. Have you had a vacation recently?

[Halinja]

Sorry you're feeling burned out.

This may sound worse instead of better...I had a seasoned nurse tell me the other day that what she does to stay fresh is do two totally different types of nursing. She does her regular full time job, and then on the weekend she works a completely different type of nursing. She says that way she never feels burned out on either one.

Or...change specialties completely?

Do you have anyone you can talk to that gets it? Sometimes just a sympathetic ear can help.

[Tweety]

Good luck to you. There's several topics about this. Do a search and share some of your feelings and problems. Welcome.

[GregCP, RN]

WOrds of inspiration and motivation can only go so far....fact is...you need to cut back your hours. At least, temporarily, (6 mo-year) just to re-energize. THats wht my wife did....(she's a nurse too)

How I manage..i do 12 hour shifts. I mean, its great...i work 3 days in a row, and have 4 days off. For me..this is better than doing a long stretch of 8's and having 1 or 2 days off.

[organichombre]

Dear Convicted,
That's pretty serious stuff and if not corrected soon you will become one of the 40% that leaves their job within a year (Aiken 2001). Are you familiar with meditation? I don't know what your feelings are about complimentary therapies but if you are open to the idea, meditation can provide you with the control and healing that you so desperately need. My suggestion is to pick up the book by Jon Kabat-Zinn entitled "The Full Catastrophe" which describes in detail a mindful meditative program he started back in 1990 for patients staff and others there. Personally, meditation provides me with a calming presence within the storm around me. I do a walking meditation that allows me to focus on my breath as well as the sounds of the forest. Whatever you do do not let this go, you must act now so we can keep you in the fold! Good luck and Namaste...