Burnout

[peaceful nurse, RN]

i have a question on burnout... how long does it take to occur? why does it happen? i have been in patient care fore 8 years. i worked on a very busy hem/ onc floor averaging nine to ten patient a night with many pain issues. i feel like i am burnt out. i have recently moved to a different state and job hunting for nursing. i want to fall back in love in nursing. what does one do when burnt out to recover and find a lost passion for helping others.thanks

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

I think just starting at a new facility will help, it sounds like you had incrediably high pt loads hopefully your next gig will be more managable. I guess maybe trying a new area of nursing might be a good thing to. Case mgt, ect... there are lots of things to do in nursing. Good luck!

[peaceful nurse, RN]

Thank You for the encouragement... patient load was incredible between blood transfusions, chemo, stem cells, and pain management.

[stellina615]

I find that I'm more invested in my nursing care when I'm doing a good job of taking care of myself. When I work hard to make sure I have enough time to sleep enough, eat properly, spend time with people I love, and have alone time to relax, that's when I feel most capable and willing to give 110% of myself to my work. I wish you lots of luck!

[MMA-N-Nursing]

bolster your love life :heartbeatafter work or on off days. ENJOY Each others love/hugs/kisses:heartbeat

Lulz :lol:

[j621d]

With all the different opportunities available to nurses, "burnout" should never be an issue. If you are feeling "burned out," then you have let yourself lapse into a state of mediocrity. There are always new things to learn.

I myself have found that I need to change things up about every 6 - 8 years. This can be a change in work hours or change in jobs. Most recently I returned to school for my masters. Nursing is and should be a life time of learning. It is a dynamic profession and if you become stagnant, you will "burn out."