how do you deal?

[kyliebear]

i more of a lurker than a poster, but you all have been a great support system either way. i work in ltc and i've about had it. i've been at the same place for six years and my stress level has risen a little more every year. i love my coworkers and my residents, but i HATE the politics of it all. i'm so tired and anxious anymore it's starting to spill over into my family life. this job has pushed me to effexor and now i fell like i need to up the dosage, because things are just getting worse and worse. i use to be able to do my job go home and feel good about the days work. now i want to poke my eyes out with my ink pen when i'm charting. i know nursing is extremely stressful, but are all fields so bad? is there anywhere you can go and enjoy your job? i don't think i'm being unrealistic here. i understand it not going to be rainbows and lolipops all the time, but gesh theres got to be somewhere that's not so stressful and unhealthy to a nurses mental health. i'm working toward my rn at this time so i'm looking for options that might fit. i'm tired of it being all about money and not the resident. i'm tired of working my a$$ off and not getting any recognition for it. i'm tired of not being able to do enough. i'm tired of all the chiefs and no indians.:angryfire please some advice here would be greatly appriciated.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Here's a hug, because you need it! (((hug))) :icon_hug:

I understand you, because I've worked in LTC for a while. Until recently, I would come to work in a miserable mood. I hated the politics, unreasonable demands, abusive family members, mountains of paperwork, patient loads, and cranky residents that seem to come with the LTC territory. However, I have been able to cope slightly better at the workplace after I started getting exercise.

Exercise elevates my mood, and now I approach the politics of LTC in a more relaxed manner. What's the worst that could happen? I now take most work-related issues with a grain of salt. I do aerobic exercise about 4 to 5 times per week, and strength training about 2 to 3 times per week.

[nyapa, RN]

Hey kyliebear. What areas of nursing are you interested in?

Are you finding that studying is adding to your stress? Would it help to go part time to lessen the stress for a little while?

Politics and morale unfortunately differ from hospitals/wards. So you may want to consider moving to another facility, where there isn't the same problem.

You are saying you are on Effexor. If you can access counselling as well, do it. I am on sertraline, for a situation similar to yours, and while the medication helps, support is just as important.

My heart goes out to you. Work is a big part of life, and it is harder to switch off when its getting to you like this. Keep in touch...

[kyliebear]

i'm interested in everything. i love to learn new things, so anywhere i could learn something new would be great. change is hard. i know i need it, it's just easier said then done.

[nyapa, RN]

I'm in my grad RN year (but was an EN prior). I hated moving out of my comfort zone in order to do my grad year, even though I hated where I was working - funny like you I loved the staff, and some of the patients (some were aggressive/rude).

But I've done day surgery, and paediatrics and have found the change is as good as a holiday. I won't lie, I've cried a lot. Changes also bring stress. But it's good stress, because like you said, you'rre learning.

[busy-bee]

I recently changed facilities after being in the same LTC for six years. So far I am glad I made the decision to leave. My job started effecting my home life, self-esteem, and I just couldn't stay there any longer. I don't know if this new job will be better, but if i begin to experience the same situations, it won't take me six years to decide to go elsewhere.

Good luck on your decisions....I wish you the best.

[kyliebear]

I recently changed facilities after being in the same LTC for six years. So far I am glad I made the decision to leave. My job started effecting my home life, self-esteem, and I just couldn't stay there any longer. I don't know if this new job will be better, but if i begin to experience the same situations, it won't take me six years to decide to go elsewhere.

Good luck on your decisions....I wish you the best.

did you go to another ltc facility, or another area of nursing? what differences have you noticed between the two?

[nurseangel47]

KylieBear, I sooo feel your pain and frustration.

Try hospice nursing. It is AWESOME! I, too, became tired of fighting the good fight. Now work in a non-nursing job. No pay compared to nursing salaries, but I am happier and more peaceful than I've been in a long time. Heck, I'm even off of blood pressure and blood glucose regulating meds now! My general physical and mental health has vastly improved since leaving the field of nursing. Miss helping folk but do NOT miss the physical/emotional/mental stress of it all.

Good luck in the future. Try to find a better fit for your particular nursing talents. I did, and left wherever I felt uncomfortable with the suits up above trying to run facilities from their ivory towers of an office environment while we good soldier nurses were out fighting in the line of fire for them to line their pocketbooks with outrageously high salaries and understaffing us to do so.

The need for good nurses is there. There are many specialty areas you may be more comfortable in than LTC. Give one a try. You've been there for long enough you can harmlessly change jobs now.

Go for something different. You've earned the change.:yelclap:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

{{{{kyliebear}}}}

Find another job. Not all LTC's are the same.

If you can afford it even consider a doctor's office. Less stress.