home health nurse, feeling burned out, depressed

[NurseCard, ADN]

Okay so when I started doing this I loved it... long story short, I've grown to hate it.

I work on average, 10-11 hours a day, five days a week.

I rarely ever get a real break.

When I get off work, I go home and do paperwork.

It's depressing... I thought I had finally found my niche... now I'm coming to the realization that I'm better off finding just, whatever job I can, with the hours and pay that I need... actually missing night shift, believe it or not.. wanting another 12 hour shift job... working five days a week is for the birds.

[caliotter3]

Why don't you look into extended care cases that have 12 hour shifts? There are some agencies that pretty much exclusively use 12 hour shifts instead of eight hour shifts. Extended care is definitely easier on the nurse and her/his car. Some find it boring, but nursing care is nursing care and a paycheck is a paycheck. You can make it what you want without the stress of driving all over the place and looking forward to catch-up charting on the kitchen table. Worth consideration.

[toomuchbaloney]

Home Health is a tough field and it is especially tough to work for an employer who misuses nursing staff to generate profit.

Get your resume out there.

Start entertaining other ideas for nursing.

Working 5 days a week doesn't have to be a drag, it can be nice, if your employer is reasonable.

Look at the specialties listed here on AN and it becomes clear that there are many, many options for nurses.

Don't be afraid that "I will lose my skills", bah.

Make yourself happy.

[joy09]

I burned out in five weeks covering for a full time nurse. I can't handle exactly what you describe. I do per diem while I look for another fulltime job.

[paulinejoyRN]

What exactly about your current job makes you unhappy? the long hours? the patient/patient's family? their demands?

Or is it the way your home care agency treats you? I've been through it all, girl, share with us!