Workitis

[niteowl]

Hey guys!! New here and I thought maybe you guys could give me some insight. I have been a nurse for 7 whole years. Long time right? I have been in L&D the whole time except for 4 months when I did ICU. I hate to go to work and I dread the days that I have to work. I want to call out all the time, but I don't. I have more patience with my patients than I do with my own children and I know that is not right. I work with great people in a nice hospital on night shift. I just don't know where all this is coming from. Have any of you felt this way? I have looked at other jobs, but the only thing close to me are 2 teaching hospitals and small, small hospitals. HELP I really don't know what else I would do besides OB.

Thanks a bunch just for reading!!

[Jenny P]

Niteowl, just because you realize you aren't the only one who feels this way doesn't mean you don't have to fix it.

[nar-S]

i think you need a good, long, relaxing vacation...away from hospitals, patients, doctors, and everything and anything that would remind you of work...even your children if possible, just think of it as your gift to yourself...you'd feel re-energized and rejuvinated after...hey, you might even begin to miss work...by the way, when was the last time you had a vacation...and i mean a really good one?

[prmenrs, RN]

Niteowl--I'm glad you're not depressed, but it was worth asking. :)

If you can't take any time off, would it be possible to work days for a while? After I'd worked nights for a couple of years, I switched back to days--after a few weeks I realized how crappy I had felt, but didn't know it til I felt better!! I know it's less $$, but your own helath and well-being are at stake here!!

[rosy]

I'm not going to bore you with my story yet again, I've told it several times already. There is some great advice in this thread. Niteowl you are definately not alone. Bur Huganurse made a point that I want to reinforce. You are a wife, mom and woman first. Want you do for your patients is less important than what you do for and with your family. Also while we are taking care of our physical and emotional selves, lets give some attention to the spiritual. Time with God may be just the time you need.

You guys are great.

[mhs3]

Hi There!

I had to pinch myself to make sure I didn't write this one myself. I can totally relate. I have worked in l/d for 4 years, before that, I did mother-baby for 7 years, and cardiac telemetry for three years. I love L/D, BUT I think after doing night shift exclusively for 11 years, I am burned out! The stress of doing L/D combined w/ the fatigue that comes w/ nights is getting to me. I have a dream....that I can find a day weekender (I work every w/e anyway) position somewhere. I have gone through this several times over my career where I hated to go to work, usually it meant, it was time for a change. It's hard to make I know. I wish you the best of luck too as I go through a similar situation. Many of us work nights to care for kids or others, but we forget about taking care of ourselves!