Ready to Puke

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have been on vacation for this past week, and basically I am not ready to go back to work on Monday. I came to the realization that I really don't like working. Silly, I know, but I am tired of watching my back, seeing situations where nurses are trying to do what they can to give good care under challenging circumstances and administrators that have the intelligence of donkeys.

I really like being a nurse, teaching the patients, reading and learning different things to better comprehend and explain things to people. But it seems fruitless sometimes, because we are rushed. Also, there are more patients than I can count that do not take responsibility for themselves. That can be okay at times, because I can't force them, but I am tired of speaking to dedicated, but frustrated, tired and exhausted nurses whose paperwork has doubled, are still working second and third jobs to make ends meet only to be chastised and not gain support of the powers that be. Tired of attending meetings where these people act like leeches and dragging more out of us than what is available for ourselves to survive. I woke up this morning nauseous and had an upset stomach. It felt nice to remain at home within these walls of protection. Reading silly books and looking at nonsense television shows. Yes, I just don't want to go back. I will, of course, but sometimes, I think it is safer at home.

Anyway, just venting...

Specializes in Gyn Onc, OB, L&D, HH/Hospice/Palliative.

pagan, when is your contract up?

big hugs to you, sweetie.

leslie

Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

It's times like this where you need your nurse buddies to rally around you with big hugs. I wish I could be there for you in person, but since I can't here's a big :icon_hug:. Hang in there. There is some area of nursing that will be your niche and where you will feel appreciated. Maybe it's time to take a step forward and explore some brand new fields.

Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

I know what you are going through. Hate to tell you this but it is the first signs of burnout. So very common in this wonderful world of nursing.

Just remember that when all is said and done, YOU are really making a difference for the better. That's why it gets to you-----you care.

PS: Sorry we never got a chance to get together. Had to leave d/t license protection issues. Don't consider ever going there. The situation isn't good, that's why they needed so many travelers/agency. Was so bad I even changed specialties (at least for a while)-allowed myself to burnout. Sorry I didn't practice what I am now preaching. Don't mean to be a hypocrite.

Specializes in Tele, Acute.

:nurse:Hang on hun, I'll go get you a bucket.....

Welcome back Pag:heartbeat

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I know what you mean. I just got back from a week away and didn't want to come back either. What made my situation even worse however, was that I didn't even feel like I'd gotten a vacation! We are dealing with horrible behavior issues with my daughter lately, and life at home has been rough.

She's starting to show a little improvement however, and school starts again next week. =) (she loves school and so far has done just fine behavior-wise). Soooo, when I go on another vacation at the end of this month, maybe I'll get to relax a bit more.

Specializes in LTC.

Big hugs to you Pagan!

As someone else said this tends to be a sign of burn out. Go back do you duty, but also maybe keep the idea of finding a different environment to work in in the back of your mind.

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

Imagine how it'd be if you and all the other good nurses left.

I have been on vacation for this past week, and basically I am not ready to go back to work on Monday. I came to the realization that I really don't like working. Silly, I know, but I am tired of watching my back, seeing situations where nurses are trying to do what they can to give good care under challenging circumstances and administrators that have the intelligence of donkeys.

I really like being a nurse, teaching the patients, reading and learning different things to better comprehend and explain things to people. But it seems fruitless sometimes, because we are rushed. Also, there are more patients than I can count that do not take responsibility for themselves. That can be okay at times, because I can't force them, but I am tired of speaking to dedicated, but frustrated, tired and exhausted nurses whose paperwork has doubled, are still working second and third jobs to make ends meet only to be chastised and not gain support of the powers that be. Tired of attending meetings where these people act like leeches and dragging more out of us than what is available for ourselves to survive. I woke up this morning nauseous and had an upset stomach. It felt nice to remain at home within these walls of protection. Reading silly books and looking at nonsense television shows. Yes, I just don't want to go back. I will, of course, but sometimes, I think it is safer at home.

Anyway, just venting...

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Thanks, nurse buddies. I needed the cyber hugs and support. The contract ends in 2010. But, with the recession, I am not sure that leaving would be the right decision, unless there is some security included.

In my area, LPNs are not being phased out of hospitals at this time, but I can't say what the future will bring with more hospitals vying for Magnet Status. At least here, I have seniority, a union, benefits and it is a civil service position...meaning that if they did decide to do away with us, they would have to give me a position of equal pay-no reduction in benefits or seniority. Private hospitals would just kiss us goodbye and that is it. I know that I am bright enough to return to school to obtain the RN license, but I really don't want to. I can admit to myself that I can't handle the additional responsibility (as well as the B-S) and I also hated school with an uncontrollable passion.

I do see that it is burn out, for sure. What I am doing at this time is gaining whatever per diem experience the hospital allows me to get. Currently, I do med-surg per diem. I am very popular throughout this facility because of my dedication, so, many supervisors are saying that they want to help me to also work per diem in psych and the ER. This will pad my resume, give me experience and more confidence and if there is an opportunity elsewhere, I have more to present and sell myself with. I'm doing it now, while I have the interest and energy (even if it is limited energy). I am going to MAKE it okay...fight to make it okay. At least I work with great nurses in my clinic. If it were not for that, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago, and I only had my license since 2006. It's a shame that an occupation that is supposed to care for people has driven many of their nurses to this point.

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I know what you mean. I just got back from a week away and didn't want to come back either. What made my situation even worse however, was that I didn't even feel like I'd gotten a vacation! We are dealing with horrible behavior issues with my daughter lately, and life at home has been rough.

She's starting to show a little improvement however, and school starts again next week. =) (she loves school and so far has done just fine behavior-wise). Soooo, when I go on another vacation at the end of this month, maybe I'll get to relax a bit more.

Oh, yeah. I started my vacation with attending a funeral, spent some of the days getting up early for appointments and then, had to go to court on Friday for a creditor that I already settled with in May, but these unscrupulous people are trying to get more out of those that are paying to accomodate those that aren't during this recession. Then, my husband and I discover that a close friend of ours had a stroke on Thursday, lost use of his limbs, and has since suffered a massive stroke yesterday and is now on a respirator. Is brain dead. I might be attending another funeral this week.

I am glad that your daughter is showing improvement. School can be a great thing. It keeps the mind active, offers challenges to the mind. I wish you and your daughter the best as well.

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
pagan, when is your contract up?

big hugs to you, sweetie.

leslie

Love you, lots, Leslie! I answered the question of my contract on the previous two posts. I enjoy reading your posts...you are a positive person!:up:

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