stressed put and burned out... need advice..

SCgirl22 · Oct 7, 2008

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling this way! I'm still in my 20s and often feel like my body is twice its age (stress of working nights is not doing good things for me)

Perhaps it's time to think of switching to another area of nursing. I am not an ICU nurse but can imagine critical care would be very stressful on the mind and body, especially with all the extra shifts and no lunch breaks.

Take some time for yourself. Yoga is a great idea. I shouldn't spend the money but I have lately been treating myself to a massage once in a while and I feel like a new woman afterwards. Hope things get better for you soon!

marnacla · Jan 3, 2009

Sounds like me. I'm starting dialysis training after speaking with a few dialysis nurses who really convinced me. Hope that helps.:)

moved_on · Oct 4, 2009

Realize what your body is telling you. Your body is telling you, "I don't want to do this job anymore." What do you want to do? Do you want to listen to your body or not? How difficult is it going to have to get before you decide to make a change in your life? Ask yourself this question, "How much longer can I go on like this?" If the answer is not long, then consider your options, but before you can consider your options, you have to know what your options are, so do some research, seek and find advice, opinions, instructions and counsel from various wise people, then weigh your options.

My advice to you is to quit your job now, at this very instant. You can find an easier, less demanding job. You can quit anytime that you decide. You are in control of your life. Your son will understand. Your life comes first.

And stop eating at McDonalds. Fast food has zero nutritional value. Start taking care of yourself. Start taking vitamins, eat organic produce, eat organic eggs (cooked), get enough sleep, drink enough water, take walks in the morning, and reach out to Yeshua HaMashiach.

Kymmi · Oct 4, 2009

How do you think she could just quit her job now "at this very instant". She's already stated she doesnt have any extra money to save or to buy extra things. Quitting her job without another job lined up would add more to the problem and there is always the chance that another job isnt the answer. She might find another job and still feel like she does now.

I think if it was me I'd be going to the doctor and telling him/her how you feel and get checked out medically to be sure you do not have a underlying medical condition that is causing the fatigue. After that I'd consider some counseling thru a therapist because maybe it is a major depressive disorder causing you to feel this way.

I think I'd also develop a better diet because diet plays a large role in how our bodies feel. Also even though you say you dont feel like doing anything you should develop a set exercise routine. Exercise is a great way to combat stress, depression, fatigue.

I think I'd also find myself something I enjoy doing outside of work and do that. For me it is karaoke...I love going out and singing karaoke. If you find yourself a hobby or find something that you enjoy doing that you can interact with other people you might find you'll have something to look forward to that will keep you going throughout the day.

I do not think I'd blame all you symptoms on your job. I really think I'd be looking for another cause. I think you should rule out anything medical including depression and take it from there. Get exercise, eat right, find something that you actually enjoy doing that will get you out of the house and meeting friends.

Good Luck and I hope you start feeling better.

moved_on · Oct 6, 2009

It's your job. Think about it. And you are working extra shifts, too. Are you crazy? Stop worrying. Forget money for retirement right now. You can take care of that issue later, after you have saved yourself. What good is retirement money when you're dead from stress and exhaustion? What good is money for buying more junk and clutter when you're in the grave. Make a life change. Consider signing up with one or multiple nursing agencies. Choose when and where you work. You can make about $50 per hour working with a nursing agency. No joke. Check it out. If you can't make it there, move to some place where you can. Check out Sarasota, Florida. Beautiful beaches. Plenty of sun and fun. There's a nursing shortage. Hello? The Law of Supply and Demand. You're in demand, so demand they supply you with more money. Work three days, then take four off. Cut back on your expenses. Do things that don't cost any money. Let your son get a student loan. Let him get a job and pay his own way. He'll value his education more if he pays for it himself. Life is too short to spend it suffering. Besides, you've already spent enough time suffering. Take a vacation, and then take some more time off for yourself. Be selfish. Take care of number one. Be in control of your life. It's the only one you have, so enjoy yourself. Enjoy the rest of your life. Have fun.

mustlovepoodles, RN · Oct 10, 2009

It's your job. Think about it. And you are working extra shifts, too. Are you crazy? Stop worrying. Forget money for retirement right now. You can take care of that issue later, after you have saved yourself. What good is retirement money when you're dead from stress and exhaustion? What good is money for buying more junk and clutter when you're in the grave. Make a life change. Consider signing up with one or multiple nursing agencies. Choose when and where you work. You can make about $50 per hour working with a nursing agency. No joke. Check it out. If you can't make it there, move to some place where you can. Check out Sarasota, Florida. Beautiful beaches. Plenty of sun and fun. There's a nursing shortage. Hello? The Law of Supply and Demand. You're in demand, so demand they supply you with more money. Work three days, then take four off. Cut back on your expenses. Do things that don't cost any money. Let your son get a student loan. Let him get a job and pay his own way. He'll value his education more if he pays for it himself. Life is too short to spend it suffering. Besides, you've already spent enough time suffering. Take a vacation, and then take some more time off for yourself. Be selfish. Take care of number one. Be in control of your life. It's the only one you have, so enjoy yourself. Enjoy the rest of your life. Have fun.

this is excellent advice, all of it, OP. I hope you will take it to heart. I endured serious burn-out for about 3 years until I couldn't take it anymore. I started having frequent panic attacks at work, crying constantly at home, crying all the way to work and home again, everything aggravated the crap out of me. My family almost couldn't live with me i was so miserable. And then I went down in flames. It took some time, and two visits to the local psych hospital, but I have finally come to see the light. Nursing was killing me. I had to change the game. In my case, I have decided to change careers. I'm fortunate that I have a supportive husband. I have two teens at home, the oldest will be going to college in 2 years. We have always expected our kids to pay their way with work-study, summer jobs, grants,and scholarships. It won't kill them--that's how DH and I got our degrees.We worked our tails off! And because of it we really value our hard-won education. Consider allowing your son to carry some of the load. If he's in college, he needs to know the toll your job is taking on you.

Be good to yourself. There has to be something better out there.:redbeathe

Filine · Oct 28, 2009

I have had a very rough patch not too long ago myself, so I know what it's like, but after everything I have chosen again with all my heart to be a nurse. You have to come first. It starts by taking care of yourself. Slow down now. Set your boundaries workwise (and stick to them!) and find the balance between your professional and personal life. Get your rest, eat well. Recharge and when you feel rested again you will be able to see things in a much better perspective and you'll be able to make the right choices for you. Do what makes you happy, life's too short!