Burnout rates

[PTKChic]

My original plan for an educational path was RN-BSN and DPN to work as a Nurse Practioner (possibly mental health). Ever since I've found the allnurses.com site and I've been reading about the different specialites, Forsensic Nursing as intrigued me the most. My husband is strongly advising me not to pursue this path because I am a very sensitive, empathetic person (which is mostly true).

My questions for those in this field already, is what is the burnout rate? Being surrounded by death and vicitimized peoples, it must get to you sometimes. What keeps you staying in the field?

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I'm a SANE nurse and when I went through training I was told that the average "lifespan" of a SANE nurse is about five years before burnout. I haven't tried to verify that info anywhere--it's just the info I was given.

[akellisrn]

I too am an incredibly empathetic person and often take work home with me. I have found that burnout occurs rapidly in high stress environments such as forensics and critical care. I found it helpful to create a ritual when work is over that helps your mind separate work and home, something to mentally flip-the-switch so to speak. For a while I stopped in the break room after my shift and after report and wrote in a journal all of the things that concerned me that day and all of the things that were great about the day and ways that I made a difference. That journal stayed in my locker so that the feelings left in there sort of metaphorically stayed behind. Then on my way home, I cranked fun music and opened the windows for fresh air. I also found that a few times a week going to yoga on my way home helped clear my mind and really made me focus on something else for that hour. That was "me" time. No one else needed me, all the sounds and images went away, and I just focused on my own body. Whatever works for you! Hope that helps.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

some of the reasons SANE nurses drop out is because they have to be on 24 hr call, have to appear in court (and lose work days) and get paid SLOWLY and a small amount. In short, not worth the hassle. If they felt they were being valued it might be different.