Am I experiencing signs of burnout in ICU?

beekindRN, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2019

I've felt this way about jobs in the past. I'm blessed at my current job with wonderful coworkers, and I feel that makes the difference.

I would talk to your doctor about the potential for depression. Those sound like the symptoms I had before I was started on medicine. The medicine gave me the motivation to improve everything else. It gave me the umph I was needing.

I'll be thinking about you in the weeks to come. Best of luck to you!

vanima · Jul 13, 2019

Hi, I am a registered nurse and licensed social worker and if any nurse already feels burnout from studying and working. I am on a mission to give nurses mindfulness and therapeutic skills to be the best nurse and even change their communities I would love to connect and do with you all. Let me know if I can be of service? - Vanima Lalsa

Afina_SRNA, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2019

On 6/26/2019 at 11:11 PM, Dom the Canadian said:
Hello all,
I am a Registered Nurse with 18 months of experience post nursing school. I started in a coronary care unit (CCU) for my first year, and am now working in a general intensive-care unit. In my first year I worked 32 hours per week, all three shifts, and found I could manage my work-life balance well. I also work a secondary job in the military with part time hours and another job with casual hours to supplement nursing.
This year, I moved into a new position in a general ICU however now working full time, 40 hours a week, eight hour shifts, all three (morning, afternoon, night). I can't begin 12-hour shifts until later in the year for policy reasons for new staff. I have recently dealt with some stress due to my partner going through the trauma of rape/sexual violence within the context of a previous relationship - I am supporting her through the recovery of this and this has been stressful. She is also an RN.
Basically, I haven't really been managing my work-life balance and have recently decided drop my hours down to 32 hours per week as I used to. Some of my colleagues at work are far from supportive and have given me a hard time at work, and some of lower management have given me some stick when I call up to inform them that I am sick and cannot make it in to work. I had to call in sick 3 out of my 5 night shifts two weeks ago because I was feeling so unwell - cold symptoms + I suspect other symptoms as well. I have also heard negative comments due to the fact that I've decided to drop my hours - although this in no way affects staffing. My workplace is a little nasty to say the least.
Aside from actually being unwell, with cold-like symptoms, I have been experiencing other symptoms.
- Recurrent headaches that come and go
- Difficulty waking in the morning (i.e. sleeping through alarm) and struggling to find motivation to get out of bed and make it to work (it has been a struggle) some days.
- Haven't felt like I have enough time to recover from my shifts precipitated by the fact that I've had to support my partner some nights and his (while I am happy to provide support) takes its toll
- Feeling generally exhausted and feeling like I'm not doing well at work
- Generally not feeling overly positive about work life and spending too much time there (hence why I have dropped my hours)
Has anyone experienced what I am currently experiencing? I would love to hear any input.
I would love some advice and would greatly appreciate it if could chime in.
Many thanks
D

Hello Dom the Canadian,

I am also a new nurse of 18 months experiencing burn out. I recently went to part time (24hrs/week-12 hours on nights). I work in a general adult icu. I have found that my personal responsibilities outside of work have not allowed me to sleep enough for full time nights. I am also not a night owl and I have never adjusted to them. This has caused health issues for me. Headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, mood swings, hair loss, acne, weight gain, hormone imbalances, cold like symptoms ...etc. More importantly absolute dread whenever I needed to work. I am lucky enough to have supportive management. However, coworkers not as much. I had a short period (3 days in 1.5 months) where I called in to allow myself time off to recover and start fresh. It was helpful and now I am working 2 shifts/week with decent stretches off. So far my headaches only occur after night shifts, I still struggle to recoup after 3 days in a row, but my mood has improved. I am working on losing the weight that I gained during the last year, and my family life is more manageable. I am also not sleeping as much on days off. Take the time you need for you. Do not allow anyone to make you feel bad for taking care of you.

JKL33 · Jul 20, 2019

Although this is a few weeks old -

I think rotating shifts are generally an employee abuse. If you are struggling that seems like the #1 variable that needs to be eliminated.

If you frequently aren't feeling well you need to be seen by your personal provider for a check-up.

If you are experiencing relationship stress you need to evaluate that carefully. You can actually expend enough energy providing the kind of support others require that you don't have enough left to care for yourself.

Best of luck.

Afina_SRNA, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2019

On 7/20/2019 at 11:31 AM, JKL33 said:
If you frequently aren't feeling well you need to be seen by your personal provider for a check-up.

I 1000% agree with this statement. I saw my physician and this was one of the reasons I decided on part time and took time off to relax. My labs were checked. I was also referred to specialty services to help with some of my other complaints.

On 7/20/2019 at 11:31 AM, JKL33 said:
I think rotating shifts are generally an employee abuse. If you are struggling that seems like the #1 variable that needs to be eliminated.

Rotating shifts are complete torture and very difficult on the body. Originally my employers offered this as a solution to my night shift complaints. Working days for a few weeks and then back to nights. I knew that would only make things worse and I declined. I hope you can somehow get off rotating shifts.