[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by RealNurseWitch

I. just. can't. do. it. any. more. I can't even go back tonight. I can't face what I did, I can't face that place, I just can't face any of it.


I don't know what to do. I literally feel like I am going to crack.

Oh man....I was just here this week, and specifically, last night. You are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. I feel as if I am just a moment away from a terrible mistake at times.
I sure hope you are able to recover from this all. I know the recurring thoughts can be awful.

[MimisMomLVN]

I know exactly where you are at. I am a new LVN and have been working med/surg for the past six months with 12 patients sometimes up to 14, 15 and I am about to have a breakdown. Wanted to stay at this hospital for a year while I am finishing my RN prereqs and to get experience, but not sure if I will make it either. It is the most stressful thing I have ever done and at 49 and going through menopause I don't know what I was thinking. This job has made me think maybe I cannot even be a nurse after waiting my whole life to be one. My heart goes out to you because I think I am where you are. I have major panic attacks, cry and feel like a failure when I can't handle everything at work because I am stretched so thin. If I had half the amount of patients I think I would be okay and be able to monitor them the way they deserve. My prayers and thoughts are with you sweetie.

[gentle]

Originally Posted by MimisMomLVN

I know exactly where you are at. I am a new LVN and have been working med/surg for the past six months with 12 patients sometimes up to 14, 15 and I am about to have a breakdown. Wanted to stay at this hospital for a year while I am finishing my RN prereqs and to get experience, but not sure if I will make it either. It is the most stressful thing I have ever done and at 49 and going through menopause I don't know what I was thinking. This job has made me think maybe I cannot even be a nurse after waiting my whole life to be one. My heart goes out to you because I think I am where you are. I have major panic attacks, cry and feel like a failure when I can't handle everything at work because I am stretched so thin. If I had half the amount of patients I think I would be okay and be able to monitor them the way they deserve. My prayers and thoughts are with you sweetie.

Considered relocating? California has mandated state ratios for med-surg nurses. I will definitely pray. I am sooo sorry you are going through this. I myself am starting to examine other areas of nursing for the future, and am trying to look carefully at my finances/savings to take care of my family. My best to you

[HARRN2b]

gentle,

I know I am getting off subject here, but after reading these posts, I am going to seriously consider relocating to Ca. I know it will be $$, but I am very low maintenance. Also, I am a late starter, as I am in school. The good thing is I know my limits. There is no way in h*ll I could take care of 11 or 12 patients. It would not be fair to them. This country is in a mess, and I think I probably will have to relo to a state where the ratio's are lower. My mum is in her 70's in FL and I was hoping to go there but no way after some of these posts!!!!!

[RealNurseWitch]

Originally Posted by marieylego

How are you doing?

Ahhh, since I made that post I have moved on and am now working in Psych. I am actually, overall, MUCH much less stressed out these days, though my job has stressors of it's own. I'm still learning the job though, and hopefully I'll find my way. After doing it for two months, I'm not 100 percent sure if I like it or not, but the people that I work with are wonderful and supportive, and that is a big help.

I'm finding that I have some internal issues of my very own that I must deal with before I'm going to be successful ANYWHERE that I go, and I've made the decision to deal with them right now instead of running off to another job again.

[Agnus]

Please, take some time off for mental health. Most employers have an Employee assistance program. Call HR to find out if you have one. If so call them. You can explain in confidence that you are under tremendous stress and are about to loose it, Let them know this is emergent. They can and will direct you to appropriate help. It is confidential. The reason employers offer this is because they know stuff happens that can interfere with one's job and they do not want this to happen so they are willing to help.

[GinRN]

Sometimes it stinks. Take 3 big slow breathes then Get help from someone--hopefully your manager. If you can't unburden yourself to her find an experenced nurse you like and respect. It sounds as if you are panicing. Maybe a view from outside of the picture will help you to see if your self assessment is on track and if you should find another venue.

[pagandeva2000]

I had to take a week off and hired a cleaning crew to clean and organize my house, because the three of us; hubby, myself and my son are busy and I could not keep up since nursing school. It cost $850 but it was worth it to me to see them throw away 30 bags of mess I no longer needed. Since then, I told my family to keep it up or they will pay the next time.

Also, during that week off, I obtained a prescription for Zoloft, because my nerves were also upset. I have money issues as well, which I decided to obtain my credit report and speak to a financial counselor for help in paying some of these outstanding bills. I will read further to see if you spoke about what actually happened with your patient. One of the things that makes me angry is that nursing has become so demanding and we have no respect, that the care of the patients is suffering because of outrageous expectations of nurses that actually remove us from quality patient care.

Blessed Be to you, and take time to yourself. You really need it.

[JBudd]

Umm, this thread is from fall 2006......

[Shantas]

Originally Posted by RealNurseWitch

Ahhh, since I made that post I have moved on and am now working in Psych. I am actually, overall, MUCH much less stressed out these days, though my job has stressors of it's own. I'm still learning the job though, and hopefully I'll find my way. After doing it for two months, I'm not 100 percent sure if I like it or not, but the people that I work with are wonderful and supportive, and that is a big help.

I'm finding that I have some internal issues of my very own that I must deal with before I'm going to be successful ANYWHERE that I go, and I've made the decision to deal with them right now instead of running off to another job again.

I was happy to hear that things are working out a bit better for you. Trust me you are not alone in regards to getting stressed out and feeling depressed at times. I am sure there are many of us here have experienced some sort of down moments sometimes in our lives.
So please dont give up hope. You are not alone. Life is mean and unfair sometimes, but we have to try to stay positive. Specially because we are not only nurses but also mothers. We have to stay focus for our beloved children....I hope things will get better and better for you each and everyday