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Discussion

Becoming increasingly frustrated at work.

Hey all. So- I've been in my job as charge nurse of a long term care facility for just about a year. And recently I'm finding that I'm complaining more about work and that I'm becoming more short-tempered and frustrated. I'm having many more bad days than good and I hate that.

It doesn't help that I'm 30 weeks pregnant. Lol.

I just find that I'm struggling with empathy. We have a patient who is completely inappropriate but has no where else to go so we are stuck with him. Basically - he was homeless with alcoholism. I have no idea how he got into the system but he did and now we have to manage him. He refuses to follow rules- always drinking and smoking in facility despite our numerous attempts to provide him support and resources. He just doesn't care- he just wants to drink all day everyday. He is belligerent and rude to staff. He is demanding and entitled. Now- I'm a psych nurse. I get addictions. But I'm not working in psych and I'm sick of putting up with him. I have no sympathy, no empathy, and I find that I'm snapping at him sometimes and being less caring, which isn't fair. It's not my job to judge him, just to provide care. But I am just so burned out with his care.

That's one of the biggest problems I have. But also- I find that I'm really struggling to deal with rude and demanding families. I used to be able to brush it off but lately- I just get so frustrated. I don't take it out on them- I think I'm still very professional but it's affecting me personally. I go home stressed, angry, and exhausted.

My workload is increasing and I feel that my staff are not dealing with it. Yes- we have heavier patients lately. I feel it too- trust me. But when I have to run around chasing after my aides to get them to do their jobs - well it just sucks. I feel like my staff are constantly putting things onto my plate and I can't do their jobs and mine too. I come to work everyday to multiple sticky notes and questions and requests. Example- Mrs so and so needs shampoo. Okay?! And you could have called the family and asked them for shampoo in the time it took you to write that note!

Ugh. I'm just needing to vent. How do you cope with burnout? Tips for dealing with tough patients and families? Besides crying in the bathroom? How do I leave these feelings at work?

Thanks in advance from a nurse who is tempted not to come back after mat leave. Help me get past this bump in the road!

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    Dealing with stress and burnout can be difficult. I would suggest thinking of stress reduction and relaxation techniques that work for you. Exercise and listening to music is my stress reducer. LTC can be very stressful due to the number of residents you care for. Have you looked into your employer's EAP? That can be beneficial if it is offered.

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    I totally get the frustration piece. As RCM I have lots to juggle on my plate. I have been accused to being threatening to my staff when I have informed them of something they need to be doing or face the consequences. Most of the longer term staff understand where I am coming from and we remember when we had nurses who literally held a write up over your head throughout the shift. I am very blunt and point blank. I tell them what I expect and inform them of the consequences if it does not happen. Some do not like the fact that I no longer handle every little thing. Delegation is a hard thing for me to do and I have learned to do it for the most part. There were times that one nurse would come to me multiple time throughout the day with things she wanted me to do. I finally said you can do that. Every since she has found me to be hostile and threatening to her. I find my staff does not give a s***. I think something is in the air since so many of us in our profession are feeling this way.

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