Burnt out - Has anyone felt like this?

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

Hey everyone,

I am feeling so burnt out right now from my job. Bedside care is really taking a hit to me. Has anyone found a job where they still did nursing but didn't do the clinical bedside aspect of it? Did you like this job? I feel like I need a serious change and have no idea how to do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Yep, I was feeling extreme burnout. I had been working bedside in L&D/OB my entire career, and after 5 years, I felt like I was stagnating, and itching to learn something new. I also felt like a glorified waitress whenever I worked mother-baby. So I started putting out feelers for other areas of nursing. After about 4 months, I was hired to work in perinatal research - still with the demographic I was used to and love, but not as a bedside nurse. I've now moved on to other things, but I've never regretted leaving the bedside, and never intend to return to it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lizzie, this is off-topic, but I am a new grad in the Denver area, and I saw an old post of yours offering help to a new grad who may be interested in working at St. Jo's. If you are still able to help, please let me know. Jobs are slim, and Jo's is one of my favorite hospitals. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I've suffered from burn-out many times over my career, and recovered just as many times. Sometimes all you need is a change of shift. If you're on nights, switch to days. If you're on days, switch to nights for a month or two. Sometimes a lateral transfer is required, and sometimes only a different hospital will do. It depends on what exactly is causing your burn-out: politics? Visitors? Patients? Maybe try a different specialty. Then make it a priority to take care of yourself first. Don't skip breaks, make sure you eat healthy and sleep well. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

Thanks everyone. Klone, I wish I did something like you to get out of the bedside. I work mom/baby and you are right, I'm just the patients over paid server. I love the people I work with, but I just need to get out. Do you have any suggests on what I can do? You can PM me if you would like. Any advice would be great!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion