burned out

Published

I have been in nursing for 9 years, the last 3 being in critical care and I have decided that I don't like nursing the type of nursing I am doing anymore. I don't dislike nursing as a profession, I dislike working for hospitals. I don't like critical care; in fact, I HATE critical care. It seems that once you go down a particular path in nursing (critical care for me), it is difficult to do an about face and try something new. The thought of working one more day in an ICU makes me almost physically ill. I want a job where I can make a difference; where i can feel as though I am a part of something that is doing good for people. Not just keeping someone alive by a drip or a ventilator. I am tired of working for institutions that say they 'care for patients' but really its just about making money. Does anyone else feel this way? Does anyone out there have an idea of which direction to take? I thought about holistic nursing but there aren't a lot of places that employ those types of nurses where I live and I can't move. I thought about medical mission work but I have an infant son- that won't work for obvious reasons. HELP!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, ONC, Tele, Med Surg, Endo/Output.

Move over to hospice. Many have computer documentation. Hospice case management is pretty involved and you might have 5-7 patients to see per day. However, on call five days per week is great--sometimes you see no patients and sometimes you see 4, but they are all unscheduled visits to fix specific patient problems. You won't be disappointed. You can take your breaks when you want to and won't be stuck in the same old rut in a big hospital building all day. Get out now while you can. It's the hospital environment that has made you this way. I know, because i stayed for 15 years. And moving around to different floors/specialties is unlikely to change your mind, because it's the same mentality throughout the hospital--numbers, get em in and get em out. Compared to hospital nursing hospice is a joy. You might also consider urgent care or surgery centers not connected to the large hospitals. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

PACU would be an area in which your critical care background would be helpful. It's still in the hospital usually, but the periop areas seem to have a different culture in my (admittedly limited) experience. One awesome thing is the vast majority of your patients are going to get back to their normal, more or less healthy lives in a short time. They generally are very appreciative as you manage their temporary problems. Yes, there's some push to keep patients moving along, but most of the patients want to get moved along so that they can see their families, have something to eat, go home if they're outpatient, etc.

The recommendation for hospice also bears consideration. Remember that making money is going to be part of the picture in any setting--even a totally not-for-profit place can't keep the doors open (or keep sending nurses out) if it doesn't bring in money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

Another option I've seen is a lot of nurses with critical care backgrounds work in the LTACH I am employed at. Still bedside nursing but with a twist and at least in this one it pays well above hospital wages. The majority of our pts are weaned from the vent and may not always go home right away but you can tell that you're making a difference. I hope you can find something that interests you, you've received some good suggestions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma.

What will make you happy now? You have life saving skills that can never be taken away. Make a change, and remember that decisions/changes are seldom permanent. Good luck and a happy life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

First, seek some counseling thru your employer's EAP. Sometimes we just need someone non-judgemental to talk to. The counselor may also help you regain your equilibrium. Take care of yoursellf FIRST.

Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in tele, CCU.

I am with you, I feel the same way. I too am considering a non-hospital job, just want to find something I really enjoy. Good luck to you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you considered working with the developmentally disabled?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

I am going through the same thing. I am tired of all the hospital politics and b.s of providing great care to pt's..it is all about money. That is not why I went into nursing. Don't know the answer either because all I know is Peds..the thought of doing adults makes me want to quit nursing and it could be worse working somewhere else, so I feel stuck.

The only thing I have been thinking about/researching is joining the air force as a nurse, which if you have an infant son would be hard to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Move over to hospice. Many have computer documentation. Hospice case management is pretty involved and you might have 5-7 patients to see per day. However, on call five days per week is great--sometimes you see no patients and sometimes you see 4, but they are all unscheduled visits to fix specific patient problems. You won't be disappointed. You can take your breaks when you want to and won't be stuck in the same old rut in a big hospital building all day. Get out now while you can. It's the hospital environment that has made you this way. I know, because i stayed for 15 years. And moving around to different floors/specialties is unlikely to change your mind, because it's the same mentality throughout the hospital--numbers, get em in and get em out. Compared to hospital nursing hospice is a joy. You might also consider urgent care or surgery centers not connected to the large hospitals. Good luck.

I dunno - I did hospice for 7 years and got burned out doing that. It wasn't the patients, it was the management. There wasn't time to chart during the day, I was too busy putting out fires that inevitably happen in end of life care. I ended up having to do it at home and I worked many, many nights. Without pay. I found that hospice was turning into Home Health plus, with all the associated BS------ and paperwork that went with it. It very much ended up all being about the numbers. (our census is down. Panic! Look for more patients! If you don't find more patients, you're not doing your job! Do some marketing with your contacts at the ALF/SNF etc etc) I worked for two different, non-profit hospices in different states, so it wasn't just a problem with one. I always got excellent reviews from my bosses, but the nonsense got to be too much so I left. They decided that part of our reviews would be based on how many new patients we were able to get. Now working as an elementary school nurse and just love it!!! :D

mc3

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

You might like home health.. with a good agency!!! Administration is administration eveywhere. But being out in the field all day gives you control. You can sometimes pick who you want to see when.. yes some patients are fussy but many are flexible. It is alot of patient teaching, wound care, some IV's depends on the agency. You do not bond with all the patients but some you do and you do feel like you made a difference. Paperwork is heavy, many are on computer though. You may hear alot of nurses complain it is too much work but I tell you, it all depends on the agency. I prefer hospital based ones as the rules do not change as quickly as private corporations.

Good luck with your search:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone for your advice! I certainly appreciate it. I didn't realize there were so many people out there with good advice. I love this website! THANK YOU ALL!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion