Burnng out of nursing...

SWS RN, ASN, RN · Jan 9, 2010

I would say, try and find another area of nursing to work in. I know when I first started, I was very depressed. I was a lot like you where I would cry the night and the next day (when I had off) I would mope and cry. I loved taking care of the patients, but I there were other things that just got to me. First, I did not like the fact that even though I would work so hard, sometimes I was not appreciated for all that I did. It has taken me three years as a nurse to realize that there are people you can not change and the good people will appreciate what you are doing. The people that don't appreciate you just don't really appreciate anything they have (it is not you, and you are not the reason they are there, you are trying to help them). Second, I thought that I had to do everything and everything perfectly. I realized that I go there do everything I can in the time as well as I can do it and that is all. I am not superwoman and I am not perfect, so I should stop trying to be perfect and do my best. Then, I just could not take the cattyness of some of my coworkers. I learned to not care what they say and think and to remember that they do not define me and neither does my job, I have a life outside of work and a family that loves me and they are more important. I also could not stand that everything always falls on the nurse. Again, I realized that I will just do the best I can with what I am given.
I decided to switch from med/surg to the ICU and I will tell you that I like it better and am happier. I know it is a stressful place to work, but I only have two patients the most and can do everything for them. I also set a goal to go back to school for my masters. I think that goal is what is driving me to be happier. Sometimes goals will do that for you.
I am not saying to go work in the ICU. Maybe try to work in the radiology department if that suits you. Maybe something outside of the hospital will even make you happy; such as a clinic or school nursing (I am saying to try and find your fit in nursing.) Set yourself some goals, so that you can be happy when you achieve them. Maybe, you can go back to school. Finally, remember that your job does not define you. You are a person beyond your job and you are more important than the job, so take care of yourself first.

I could not have stated this any better myself...I have been doing this for 18 years and have worked in all aspects of nursing. It seems like 3 years in is about right to really BURN OUT...I can remember driving to work crying and home from work crying, I hated it, and as I am my only support, quiting was not an option. I switched to PICU and LOVED it..I also went to nights 7p-7a and found a truely great group of RN's, CNA's and RT's to work with. I have found that the night staff is VASTLY different from days, we work just as hard, sometimes harder, but much more camraderie and better senses of humor, I never thought I would say this, but I miss them and the job. I have also done Hospice (loved it-fewer jobs around), HHC (hated it)-3 years of full time School Nursing(good hours, low pay and the kids drove me nuts--I like them vented,,hehe). I am now working full time for a case management firm, a desk job. I miss the pt contact, but no weekends, no holidays no overtime and no call and good benefits. It is more interesting than I thought it would be. Can you look for something like that? Also, you mentioned your surgery...do you think you will feel better (physically and mentally) as you lose and that might help? I lost around 100lbs and it made all of the difference in the world,,,especially emotionally. I realized that alot of what I was feeling at work had to do with how miserable I was with myself. I also take antidepressents and switching meds around helped. One more thing, walking or yoga also help (and no I did not want to do it-but did and do).

I would not suggest that you leave your present job until you transfer specialties or find another. The job market in Fl is very tight now, and I know several RN's with experience who have not found a position in 5 months. If you quit and can not find another position, then the REAL financial stress will begin.

GOOD LUCK and try to hang in there, exercise, eat right, try to get alot of rest and maybe talk to a therapist. I have done all of that and it helped me continue on. OH, Yeah,,,LAUGH-alot, especially at work...it's essential.

sws

nursearoo · Jan 9, 2010

It's not worth it to be stressed out over a job you hate......nothing worse than dreading going to a job you hate.

Maybe try home care nursing....not visiting nurse but skilled nursing......you can pick your availability, you can do anywhere from 4-16 hrs with one patient and even pick the shifts you want like days or nights etc.......I do home care and love it.........no stress....... maybe you should check into it????? If you like peds than it's fantastic.......you don't need experience...I was hired even before I finished school.......I do high tech care...vents, trachs.....it's a piece of cake .....not scary at all......plus you get to really do good care with your patients, and you really get to know them......I had 2 patients I was with for a long time before I relocated out of state...... it's very enjoyable and rewarding...I don't ever have to go into the office......we mail our notes and we call in/out on the phone for our time clock........Maybe check that out.....good luck!

igus2666 · Jan 9, 2011

1st off can your hobby get a second job untile u get back on your feet. Next have you tryed empolyment agency, you have three years of experence so they should be able to find you a job ASAP. Last have you tryed to relocating to another state or traving you can make good money that way. Good Luck :confused: