So burnt out! Any advice?

[RockinChick66]

The thought of going to work to in the morning is making me physically ill.

I work 12s on a very busy medsurg floor. I have an ill family member and a Special needs child that count on me. I feel like I'm burning the candle at both ends and will soon be needing some one to care for me. :/

I stay at my current job because I need the good benefits, but the 12 hour shifts are killing me!! I need a change but I don't know where to start.

Sleepless tonight.

[RockinChick66]

I would never, in a million years, get any kind of counseling through an employer. Sorry, but I do not trust that discussions will be confidential. I agree that counseling may help (you have so much on your plate) but I would look for a private counselor.

Some time away from work is a good idea. Even if you just schedule a three day weekend every now and then, it's time away from the hospital.

Ive been seriously considering hospice. I went into nursing wanting to be a hospice nurse. I just got stuck in med surg. Can you give me an idea what hospice is like? I sure don't want to go into something else thats going to suck more life out of me. I guess I'm sort of scared to make a change for fear of getting something worse than where I currently work, if thats possible.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Ive been seriously considering hospice. I went into nursing wanting to be a hospice nurse. I just got stuck in med surg. Can you give me an idea what hospice is like? I sure don't want to go into something else thats going to suck more life out of me. I guess I'm sort of scared to make a change for fear of getting something worse than where I currently work, if thats possible.

So sorry ur still stressed. R u an Aussie by any chance?

This horrible economy is getting everyone down. My parents are pensioners and are struggling, & I see them getting older & thinking: will I be caring for THEM one day? My Mum was also talking about how she gave up her beautiful new house many many years ago, to move into an older, bigger house to care for her Mum who'd had a bad stroke. She said it was just what u did in those days - you did not put relatives in hospital and the hospital would not take them for a long time either, so it just wasn't an option.

I have experience as a RN and I myself am struggling to get work, though I have an interview this Wednesday. What about doing agency work instead? I've found that works cos you can choose what days/hours usually you want to work, and if you find u don't like working in a particular ward/unit, you can choose not to go back there.

Might be an option for you at this time. Or try applying to doctor's surgeries and different clinics.

Can you put your sick relative in hospital for a while? I know many women feel depressed and down when they can't cope - or see themselves as not coping or not being strong - but you really have to look at practical ways to have a break. Sometimes, you have to be selfish and say: now it's my turn to do something for ME!

Email me if you need more support. I have the time to listen at the mo!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring and I am very happy for you! Peace!

Thanks. I hope my story can help someone. I'm very sensitive to nurses burning out and I'm trying to prevent anyone from getting to the point I was. If I can turn it around, anybody can.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the kind posts. I made it thru my shift once again, but I come home in such a horrible mood. I should feel grateful that I'm not ill myself up in that hospital I work.

I just need to find my niche. I called the PACU today as I saw a new opening that was posted but was told it was already filled ):

Ive thought about school nursing but I only have an ASN, and BSN is required. That job would be perfect. The depressed feeling I have is just over taking me so I hope I figure out something soon. Thanks again for all your support, it made me feel good to read what you all wrote.

Hang in there. You will get through this. :hug: