Burnt out!

When I get like that, I ask to help cover some open shifts on other cases. It gives me a chance to scope out other cases without walking away from a regular case. Then I can check out the family/pt/home. I can also check in to what open shifts they have (and why they are open...good cases almost never have open shifts available). It also keeps up skills you don't use on your regular case. An extra shift or 2 never hurts the wallet either! :)

The grass is almost never greener on the other side. Every case has its problems...its finding a case that you can deal with and a case where they can deal with you (not personal...we all have our quirks). Don't forget the nurses on your case may be working other cases too. Those nurses can carry the same problems case to case or drag problems from your regular case to other cases.

Thanks for your replies! Had another hellish shift having to listen to ******** and complaining from pcg and verbal abuse from client... I like "the grass is always greener on the other side" metaphor it's so true but man after a hellish shift it really gets me thinking could there be something better out there? Am I supposed to live out my career as a nurse caring for the same client for the rest of their life? Ugh... I like the idea of shopping around with other cases picking up some shifts to check out the home/family dynamics before walking away from this case. I'm thinking maybe a peds case with a baby or trach/vent so I don't have to listen to verbal abuse, at least from the client!

Just my 2 cents... Don't ever think you aren't learning and gaining valuable people skills because you are on the same case for a long time. I had several cases with longevity. (9 yrs on 2 cases I did at the same time and 13 yrs on another) There was drama, dysfunction, and lots of BS to put up with. I used to think I'd stagnate and die doing the same thing forever. Those long years paid off in my being qualified for the job I now have and never thought I'd ever do. (in management) I never realized how dealing with all that would prepare me for what I now do. So don't shortchange yourself. You are learning tact, diplomacy, how to maintain professional boundaries despite the dysfunction you are dealing with. Plus, you probably know that patient like the back of your hand and are using and honing your assessment skills without even realizing it. So hang in there... you will know when the right opportunity presents itself and it's time to make a change. And when you do, you will be ready for it. But don't just make a change just for the sake of change. Do it when it's a step up to something better.

Kyasi

thanks so much for your input Kyasi, very wise words! Gives me something to think about... In the meantime I will be getting a much deserved extended break from the family when I go on maternity leave very soon!

I could have written your exact post-except for your clients home sounds much nicer than the home I work in-constant lack of food and supplies and dirty. It helps for me to leave the drama at the job, hug my hubby and kids when I get home and look at the positives of the job.

Enjoy your maternity leave-sounds like it will be great for you!

Congratulations on the baby and best wishes. Enjoy every minute you are home with that new baby. I hope you return with your batteries recharged!