Coming Back After Burnout

[BruBar]

 About a year and half ago, I burned out BADLY on a travel assignment that I stayed at for 2 years (it was pretty much back to back extensions) I was frequently getting chest pains at work and constantly talking myself down from having panic attacks in the med room. I saw a full moon the night before my shift and lost it. Called the manager and told her I'm wasn't coming back. I just couldn't do it anymore.

It was so bad I wanted nothing to do with healthcare. I started working at a nearby construction company office and didn't care that all my certs and license were expiring. I've been happy to get a break from nursing but deep down I've been incredibly depressed and defeated. Not to mention that sudden decrease in pay has run all the savings dry. 

1.5 year later I feel ready to get back out there and take on an assignment so I'm renewing all my certs, and got my licenses back. I even reached out to my old recruiter. I'm not going to lie, I'm incredibly nervous about getting back in, even having second thoughts.. but I NEED that travel pay right now.

Has anyone had experience going back after burnout? (Or anyone who can give me some words of encouragement) Would love to hear some feedback from fellow nurses.

 

Xoxo,

B.A

 

 

[L.G.]

Hi B.A.,

I'm just curious how things have gone for you since returning to nursing. I saw that no one had responded to your post.

I experienced burnout (not as severely as you did), but I was in a position to move to self-employment with my spouse, who was self-employed for years before we met. The difference between you and I is that I have no desire to return to nursing, although I maintain licensure. I would do utilization review or case management, but am currently going in a different direction.

Hope things are working out well for you!

[Viviana Gaona]

Hello, I am a second year nursing student and came across your post. I can definitely relate on your feelings of burn out from nursing. I am an LVN, a busy mom of 3, working full time and trying to complete nursing school. I recently completed 3rd semester and did not pass by 2% on theory. Burn out got me. In the myths of juggling it all and clinicals I did not pass and now must repeat 3rd semester all over again. I felt so burned out I wanted to quit my job and go work at the local In&Out burgers. I currently took therapy because, yes, depression and anxiety hit. I am currently waiting to get reinstated into the program and I am taking this time to reconnect and recharge myself and my life. Although it is hard, it's necessary to take breaks, the good thing with nursing, is we can always return or change the setting for nursing. I hope you are doing good, keep doing what you love!