Burn Out Already????

[BertRN07]

So I've worked in a Burn ICU since I've graduated in 2007, three whole years. Lately (maybe the last few months), I've been having this feeling that maybe I don't really have what it takes to be a critical care nurse. I've been feeling like I just can't get myself organized (I'm the opposite of anal-retentive), like I don't have the knowledge I feel I should, that I don't have the critical thinking skills I should have developed. Basically, it seems like I leave work feeling extremely stupid. I don't really particularly enjoy going to work... I sometimes feel like I don't even want to be a nurse anymore - it seems like the serious responsibility and stress of the job is getting to me too. There's so much to be done, I just feel like I can't get it done.... I just don't know what to do.... Am I just being crazy or what?!?! What exactly is burn out???

I appreciate any advice/suggestions.....

[llg, PhD, RN]

Burn out is experienced a little differently for each person ... and whether or not you have "burn out" or some other reaction to the stress of your job is not the important question. What really matters is that the stress of your job is having an effect on you.

What are you doing to take care of yourself? Are you getting enough rest? exercise? good nutrition? Are you taking enough time off away from work -- time away that is not spent doing other stressful things? Do you have friends? Do you enjoy being with them? Do you have family? Do you feel supported by friends and family? etc.

Are there specific problems at work that are the source of your stress? Can you address those problems? Do you have supportive relationships with people at work who can help you with those problems? etc.

In short, if you haven't done so already ... it's time you make a definite, concrete plan to deal with the stress of working. Maintaining your health (mental as physical) is not something that happens automatically. It's something you have to plan for and work at.

Good luck to you.