Burnout Rx

RN1982 · Mar 30, 2009

I used to work insane amounts of overtime. I stopped for about 3 months. I picking up an extra shift here and there but not more than 2 shifts a week. When I'm off of work, I'm off. I don't want to talk about or think about it.

tutored · Mar 30, 2009

Do you work the day shift, burnout RN, and if so are you on twelve-hour shifts?

quote=ACRN06;3532057]I'm tired... I'm so tired. I'm worn out.

I've found myself thinking more and more of different jobs I'd like to do if I weren't a nurse. And the thing is... I can't think of one that I'd really like that would provide enough. Don't get me wrong, I really do still love nursing... it..just..... really gets to you after awhile. You're dealing with the sick and the dying, the sick in body and sick in mind. You're being lied to, cursed at, conned, and unappreciated. Your putting yourself at risk of exposure to a hundred different illnesses, some life-threatening. And they just don't stop!

When I'm fulfilling my morning ritual of paying alms to the Starbucks god in exchange for some coffee goodness, I watch the baristas and think of how much fun their jobs must be, how relaxing, how nice, what bright shiny happy people they are. I want to be a shiny happy person. Haha. No lives in danger in you screw up. Just delivering caffeinated goodness to grateful customers.

I think I need a hobby. I've thought of taking up a second non-nursing part time job...but maybe just a good hobby would do the trick.

What do you do to stave off the burnout?

truern · Mar 30, 2009

Does posting on allnurses count?? Wait...sometimes that adds to my stress

I went back to work PART time. We can afford it and it sure does help with relieving stress levels. Posters that suggested cutting back on overtime, etc are right on the money!

loricatus · Mar 30, 2009

I am looking for another alternative to nursing. Like the OP, I like nursing also, but it is becoming less and less worth it when you are so worn down that you cannot enjoy your private time. Nothing is worth that in the long run, I feel, because although we committed ourselves to be caretakers, we are entitled to have lives of our own that are not consumed during our off time with this nonsense.

Ohhhhh nooo, not you, too.

If this insane system keeps driving away the good and caring nurses, what is going to happen to the patients (regarding the care givers that are left/drove the decent ones away)?

BTW, this is what I have to tell myself each and every day or I would have found greener pastures by now. I know, it is just a coping mechanism :cry:

pennyg1 · Mar 30, 2009

I have the perfect hobby for you--knitting. You can do it while you are dog tired and all you want to do is sit. Put a good movie on and knit away. Start with something easy, a scarf, and go from there. There is probably a yarn shop in town that has beginning knitting classes. My knitting is my yoga and something I look forward to every day. It is also easy to bring with you to work so you can knit during your breaks.

HippyGreenPeaceChick · Mar 30, 2009

Anything positive in your life will help, Exercise, time off, sports, vacations, music, self pampering, good food. See's Chocolates, yummy. Good loving relationship with a lot of Romance. Anything positive sets you for good relief.

HippyGreenPeaceChick · Mar 30, 2009

PS also visiting AllNurses.com helps.

wizard100 · Mar 30, 2009

I work .8 and staffing calls me often on my days off....I just dont pick the phone. Honestly, not working extra shifts gives me my time to destress. I dont feel I 've been burnt out. My coworkers who also work .8 and pick extra shifts are the ones most of the time complaining. They always how they are pushed to work extra and when I ask them you had the chance to say "no"....they give me million reasons why they said yes...If it is work number I simply dont pick it up and when i return the call...I politely say..."I am sorry but I cant work, I already have plans made"...

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2009

I realized, while travel nursing, that being in the field I was in was a big contributeing factor to my burnout. I went staff and changed fields. I hope things get a little better.

I am trying to take better care of myself out of work to. No more eating pizza all day and playing video games/watching movies. Going to get outta the house more.

ACRN06 · Mar 31, 2009

Do you work the day shift, burnout RN, and if so are you on twelve-hour shifts?

Yes and yes.

Well, swing shifts in the ED. Mostly on the 11a-11p. Sometimes a 1p-1a here and there.

Thank you all for your replies. Theres some real good stuff in there.

I find myself in this place when I've just pushed myself too hard I think. My last three weeks I was working 5 days a week cuz I'm saving up for this vacation, plus we're always short-staffed. The inpatients are taking up 20 beds of the ER, backing up the waiting room, the ambulances don't stop coming in, and tempers rise as the wait times get longer and longer. Its just a hostile environment. People are overworked, underrested, and stressors are flying at you in all directions.

Its like on my days off... I don't even want to DO anything. I feel such a need to just REST, SLEEP, do NOTHING, hide under the covers, saving all my energy for the next stretch of shifts to come.

Someone mentioned coworkers making a big difference...I couldn't agree more. I think our dayshift is a pretty good team...but when my shift crosses over into the nightshift, its a different story. And its not cuz "they're nightshifters"...no... I used to be one on a different unit and we had awesome teamwork...its just this one inparticular. Very clickey. Very "every man for himself". Like theres a group of nurses/techs/medics huddled at the nurses station chatting and laughing away while your ass is being handed to you. It sucks. I wanna leave.

Someone mentioned newborn nursery. Thats funny cuz thats like where I picture the epicenter of "bright shiny happy staff" to be in the hospital. I once had to go there to bum some newborn supplies for a pt, and I'll never forget seeing those nurses, sitting in the rocking chairs, holding a precious newborn, quietly pleasantly talking to eachother. Wow. Returning to the ER after that was quite a jolt back to reality.

Hmm... much food for thought. Thanks for the suggestions. Anymore, keep on coming! I'm planning my escape!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 31, 2009

Ohhhhh nooo, not you, too.
If this insane system keeps driving away the good and caring nurses, what is going to happen to the patients (regarding the care givers that are left/drove the decent ones away)?
BTW, this is what I have to tell myself each and every day or I would have found greener pastures by now. I know, it is just a coping mechanism

I laugh at this, because it takes more schooling (the situation I detest the most...I HATE SCHOOL!!!), and that may be a deterrant from moving on, but enough is enough. It doesn't seem real to me anymore. And, I am a nurse that has gained a great deal of respect from others. I am investigating college catalogs, however and trying to decide what to take and if I really have the dedication to do this. But, I have to save myself.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 31, 2009

I realized, while travel nursing, that being in the field I was in was a big contributeing factor to my burnout. I went staff and changed fields. I hope things get a little better.
I am trying to take better care of myself out of work to. No more eating pizza all day and playing video games/watching movies. Going to get outta the house more.

I made changes, also. Started taking vitamins, getting more rest and trying to slowly get out more often. Funny enough...I have gained more overtime, but in a less stressful situation. It will not last long, it is a big project that will probably last a few more weeks, but, it was nice to make extra money without worrying too much about covering my nursing backside.

I asked to be crosstrained elsewhere, and landed in Women's Health. The administrators sort of forgot I am there and I am not saying anything. Now, I am having the time of my life. It may not last forever, but at least for the moment, I am in a better place mentally.