Am I experiencing signs of burnout in ICU?

[Guest995946]

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

[egg122 NP, MSN, APRN]

I'm sorry you and your partner are going through this. I have gone through the same feelings at work and for me it was generally a combination of burn out from work along with a propensity towards depression/anxiety. I am not saying in your case you have depression or anxiety though- just sharing my background. It does seem like you are going through an emotionally trying time. Do you see a counselor? It may help to talk to someone sooner rather than later, even for a short period. Make self care activities a priority (exercise, eating healthy, regular sleep). Also, can you transfer back to the CCU? Good work cultures make a world of difference, particularly in high stress jobs. I wish you the best of luck.

[Guest995946]

Thank you egg122. My partner and I are both seeing a counsellor, although I do not see one regularly. We have both joined a gym, I certainly haven't been eating as well, but trying. Transferring back not an option, I have a permanent contract in my new unit. I don't want to leave - I love my work, just dislike the intercolleague dynamics - and I want to manage it