Advice for changing specialities?

[PrisonPsychRN]

I am a psychiatric nurse for the Maryland Department of Corrections psychiatric hospital. I work with sub acute mentally ill patients. Basically they aren't harming themselves of others so they are on my floor. Most of them are not medication compliant at least as far as psych meds go. I have been doing this for nearly 2 years and I have been a nurse for 4. Prior to here I have worked at the local detention center. Here is my dilemma...

I am considering changing specialties because quite frankley I am burnt out! I love my job and I often feel like this is where I am meant to be. Lately however, I dread getting up and going to work, I can't wait to leave, and I just want to get the h*ll out of here at the end of my shift. I took a week vacation...I didn't go anywhere, but I didn't go to work either. When I returned though I felt worse than when I was here. I am good at what I do, and I often get complimented by the officers and psych associates for my work with the patients. My supervisor does not seem to notice or care. I honestly believe that I am a body to fill a space. I also honestly believe that if I were to make a mistake I would be immediately hung out to dry. He in no way would have my back. Not only is that frustrating, It makes me feel very disposable. I do love what I do, but I do not love where I am doing it.

I want to get back to more of a clinical basis of nursing and away from teh psych side. While I am good at it, I am burnt out! I don't want to deal with another poop thrower, uring thrower, spitter, or screamer at least for a couple of years. So if I do go to another facility, how do I go back to a more clinically based setting. I guess I am afraid that I have lost touch with that side of nursing. We do the basics here. BP, fingersticks, labdraws for medication levels, bandage changes etc. I just don't want to feel like that much of a fish out of water.

Oh and on top I am taking accelerated BSN courses. Maybe I am doing too much! UGH!

[kool-aide, RN]

Well, don't be surprised, but you'll get peed, pooped, bled, and spit on at "regular" hospitals, too. lol

I hope you can find a facility that values your skills. Best of luck.

[Chin up]

I agree with the first poster. Much of what you feel is coming from lack of appreciation and fear of being replaced. Managers need to know, that acknowledgment, a kind word, a pat on the back, goes so very far, in keeping employees morale up. That one thanks, job well done, gives a shot of adrenaline, like no other. I know I am motivated from a kind word and will break through a wall, for a manager who appreciates my hard work. But when I feel unappreciated, especially knowing I am breaking my butt, my productivity will go down. When I think that manager would just as soon replace me, or throw me under the bus, that is when I have to leave, otherwise self doubt appears. I don't feel we should have to walk on eggshells, beg for approval or feel we need to be perfect, to keep our jobs. OP, I know how you feel, been there before. Your problem is not your specialty, but the toxic environment you work in. Delve a little deeper and I am sure, you will know what to do. But please, keep chin up. Peace!