Burnout

[PedsER-RN, BSN, RN]

i'm not sure if this is in the right thread.

warning: this post will contain griping/venting!!!

ok, some background on me. i've been working in my department for almost 2 years now (graduated may '04) and as a tech for 6 months before that. last year i finished my rn to bsn by going to school ft while working nights ft. i graduated from that program dec. '05.

so my problem is.......i am feeling completely burned out when it comes to nursing. i used to love my job. now i dread going to work, crash when i come home, and am miserable on my days off b/c i know i have to go back to work eventually. i'm tired of being yelled at by families, being treated as if i'm the idiot, being sh*t on by management, and receiving mediocre pay. i feel like i've aged a decade in the last 2 years. i like taking care of a truly sick patient (ie not the old cough/runny nose/sore throat), but even that doesn't hold the same satisfaction and adrenaline rush that it used to.

i don't know what to do. i had thought about going to school for pedi np, but i'm so tired of dealing with people who don't take care of their kids but expect you to bend over backwards for them that i've eliminated that option. i've thought about transferring but don't agree with some of the practices in our picu, and don't really get excited at the thought of floor nursing. and the other hospitals in town aren't looking so hot either.

i don't know how much longer i can do this. i've talked with some of the older/more experienced nurses and have asked what they would change about their career/would they do it again, etc. and the responses have been negative for the most part.

when i was younger (

i just don't know what to do.....

thanks for reading and letting me gripe.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Try another department/facility maybe?

(I ama traveler to alleviate burnout)

[leslie :-D]

it sounds like you need an extended vacation if possible. once you feel rested you can be more objective. try not to make any major decisions impulsively and when feeling this fatigued. much luck to you.

leslie

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I actually know a Rn that went back and got her degree in law, passed the bar and is a practicing attorney now. She wasnt young, she had two daughters in grade school, the oldest in 6th grade when she went back. So its definately doable.

I can relate to what you are saying, i dread going in to work, but once i get there im fine. Its just that initial thought of having to get up and go the next day. Maybe its burnout, but then again i think everyone gets to that point in their job no matter what they are doing eventually. Maybe the Europeans have it right and having "holiday" at several times throughout the year would help. If only i could make enough to be able to AFFORD a holiday once a year for more than a week at a time. Uhhhhmmmmm,, ill keep dreaming.