Re: What to do when you've had it!
They talk about ER burnout and I think you are there. I was there too. It's not pretty...
Stressed, not sleeping, angry. You need a change of venue before it consumes you. If you're in a small area it's harder to up and go work somewhere else. Me, I started traveling and never looked back.
Each and every new assignment is a thrill. I get to do what I enjoy (Emergency Medicine) and I don't feel pressured into the politics of the institution. No more "scripting" asking people what I can do to make them "mostly satisfied" with their visit. Press-Ganey and Gallup be damned! I get paid not to get involved and I can concentrate on patient care. I'm smiling more and so are my patients.
One other benefit is that I have seen and been exposed to so much more...
I've worked a Peds ER. The really profound childhood illnesses never go to a regular ER. I was sheltered from Muscular Dystrophy, Cleft Palate, Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer-Kids as well as the sickle-cell and other blood disorders.
A really good assignment and experience.
Trauma Center Levels 1, 2, 3 now. Really keeps you up on skills when you get away from in just 1 hospital. Too much routine in staying in one hospital. It kills your brain. There are more protocols and approaches in other ER's.
Critical Care Transport- Working back on "the bus" has been a good time.
I started this oddessy on the ambulance and it's fun doin' more as a CCT-RN.
Get your references in order and look for a change. Go somewhere else. Do it for you before it's too late. Both your physical and mental health will improve I can't tell you how much.
Good Luck
What to do when you've had it!
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