Burnt out on bedside nursing

baijaan · Jun 23, 2010

I have become completely burnt out on bedside nursing in the hospitals. I am to the point of extreme anxiety and depression and unable to sleep the night before I work a shift. I can't stand the stress, the workload, the disrespect, etc. I am at a loss of what to do at this point. Someone suggested I try correctional facilities....however, I have no idea what that entails and don't want to get myself in the same position I am in now. Does anyone have any suggestions, or relate?

I was in your shoes once. Then I decided that there is more to nursing than just bedside nursing. I discovered health information management where my clinical skills are very needed to do clinical coding, nursing informatics (computer systems used in healthcare), clinical project management, clinical sales, education. I even used my nursing skills to get a job as a lecturer for HIM.

You have a lot going for you with nursing. I never regreted having it now.

fungez · Jun 23, 2010

Oh, I can relate.

I can't speak for correctional but I have heard the prisoners are very respectful. I

I've worked in hospitals awhile now and the work is very difficult and stressful but to a certain extent I can mitigate the bad qualities by prioritizing what is most important to me. This is my list.

1)pleasant coworkers, personable boss

2)8 hour shifts (don't exist anymore but one can dream)

3)non-drama free patients, as much as possible

4)salary

5)short commute time

I worked for year in the ER which was high on #1 but nonexistant on #3. I worked in rehab which was high on #3 but so low on #4 I had to quit on matter of principle. However, even if could meet all of my priorities bedside nursing is still hard, stressful, and difficult. It's just the nature of the job. Most of what makes are job difficult is being held responsible for things we have no control of, as well as being forced to do so much non-nursing jobs. You don't see maintenance stop what they're doing to answer the phone. But that's another rant.

Keep searching. If you're miserable now the next job can't get much worse. Good luck to you.

fungez · Jun 23, 2010

I was in your shoes once. Then I decided that there is more to nursing than just bedside nursing. I discovered health information management where my clinical skills are very needed to do clinical coding, nursing informatics (computer systems used in healthcare), clinical project management, clinical sales, education. I even used my nursing skills to get a job as a lecturer for HIM.
You have a lot going for you with nursing. I never regreted having it now.

How did you crendential yourself to get this HIM job? Or was it something you lucked into?

baijaan · Jun 23, 2010

How did you crendential yourself to get this HIM job? Or was it something you lucked into?

At that time, I wanted another qualification fast using my BSN as leverage. I got into HIM for one year in university, and its up and up from there.

tewdles, RN · Jun 23, 2010

the best advice I can give is to take care of yourself.

You are clearly feeling stressed and have the symptoms to prove it. When I found myself in this situation I visited my health professional and took steps, including visiting a counsellor for a spell, to correct it.

There are a number of different ways you could go which do not include bedside nursing in a facility or hospital...school nursing, clinic or MD office, community health, public health, QA, IT/IS, case management. You could obtain wound care certification or foot care certification and change the type of care you provide at the bedside.

The point is, once you have taken care of yourself you have a variety of options available because of your nursing education and experience.

Good luck...there is light at the end of this dark tunnel for you.

GM2RN · Jun 23, 2010

At that time, I wanted another qualification fast using my BSN as leverage. I got into HIM for one year in university, and its up and up from there.

I am interested in finding something like this away from the bedside. A few questions if you don't mind:

1. Where did you get your cert?

2. Do you think a cert in HIM is more valuable than informatics when it comes to getting a job? Or just different, and how?

3. I have a BSN with 3 years experience, and an AAS in computer networking technology which included some basic programming and database management, but I'm not really interested in working the IT side of healthcare. If I did the HIM cert, what would be a reasonable starting salary in the field?

4. Do you think a masters in HIM would pay more initially than a cert?

Thanks!

baijaan · Jun 23, 2010

1. I got my HIM cert from Australia. But this HIM or a similar one in Health Informatics is available in the US, Canada, UK. Its gaining in popularity.

2. If I had to it again, I would go into Health Informatics. HI is more computer systems in healthcare, whereas HIM is more medical records, electronic medical records and clinical coding.

3. CAN $35/hour.

jlbic · Jun 23, 2010

Thank you for relating. I think that once I am done with this contract I stupidly committed to, that I will start to think more clearly and find some clarity.

baijaan · Jun 23, 2010

4. I think a masters in HIM or HI will definitely pay more. But I wonder about registration with the relevant bodies without a degree in it first. Some associations do not register witha masters...they want a basic degree in the field first.

GM2RN · Jun 23, 2010

Interesting...thanks for your response. :)

KM1118 · Jun 23, 2010

Have you ever considered getting a MSN? You could still maintain your clinical skills, but you could be using them in a different way. Your experience as a bedside nurse would lend really well to becoming an FNP. Just something to think about.