Burnout

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 15, 2008

Sorry to hear you feeling this way but does sound like a time out is a good idea. Not sure if telephone triage is an option but could check the forum out

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2008

I'm a bit confused. You're saying you haven't found work, but you became a nurse 2.5 years ago and that you've been written up. Do you mean you haven't found work as a per diem nurse?

Anyway, learning to take care of ourselves through stress reduction techniques like diet and exercise, meditation, etc. is tough. We'd rather just run ourselves into the ground, then keep on digging deeper until we can't see the light.

Good luck.

jacksprat · Nov 15, 2008

since you have eight years of recovery, you should be able to use the things you are learning in recovery to deal with nursing situations as well as other life situations that stress you. Have you talked to a sponsor about how to deal with things at work? Please take care of yourself no matter what. It is more important that you stay in recovery than that you stay in nursing.

bossynurse101 · Nov 16, 2008

Hi All,

I've been in recovery for 8 years. I became a nurse 2 and half years ago. I'm totally burned out. I just take on too much and deal with nurses who pass the buck. I need to step back. I'm going per diem and wait tables for awhile. I'm lost, totally. I'm a LPN and haven't found work. I've put in applications in alot of facilities. It's too heartbreaking. I've been written up. I'm more a hands on nurse. Documentation is not my strongest. Any advice would help. I'm very depressed.

Im sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time. I know that for myself and most nurses I know, the first couple of years are tough - especially if you float (which if you go per-diem you probably would not have a permanent cart . . . ) Feeling lost is not uncommon. Have you asked for some help with your weak areas? Do you know what they are? Unfortunately, documentation is alot of what nsg is these days, lest you wind up in court. It can be tough trying to get all of your "hands on" work and paperwork done in 8 hrs, and most places frown on incidental overtime. There are some excellent time mgt tips in other threads in this forum. You also mentioned "taking on too much" and "dealing with nurses who pass the buck". My sponsor has often told me that AA teaches us how to stay sober and Alanon teaches us about relationships. Just a thought. Keep your chin up, things have a way of working out despite our selves. Good luck

jackstem · Nov 17, 2008

As nurses, we can become professional codependents. I think the suggestion to consider alanon support groups is excellent. Also, think about the Serenity Prayer the next time you say it:

God grant me the serenity,

to accept the things I cannot change (other people, etc.)

The courage to change the things I can (ME and I how I see things, how I respond, How I react, etc. THAT takes real courage)

And the wisdom to bury the bodies where no one will find them!!!

Not really! Laughter is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. So is vigorous physical exercise. Consider taking up a martial art or self defense class. You can pretend the person you're sparring with (or the punching bag) is the person(s) who are driving you nuts. Works GREAT!

Jack