Looking for a little feedback and maybe just to rant a little. Been extremely overwhelmed with large volume and high acuity lately, I finally "cracked" the other night.
How do you deal with job stress? I've gotten increasingly worn out due to crazy nights with sick patients (and no breaks due to short staffing). The other night I had a heavy assignment and one patient randomly crapped out on me. Pt didn't die but came very close, and I don't think she'll recover (brought her up to ICU, was shocked she didn't totally code on me!)
It was pretty much the icing on the cake and I was completely worn out at this point I almost started to cry. 1) because i was burnt out and overwhelmed 2) i felt guilty and bad for the family 3) something about the situation "struck a nerve" and reminded me of when I lost my parent
I consider myself someone with a tough shell and my charge nurse actually came and relieved me for a couple minutes so I could get a quick mental break. A co-worker later texted me asking me if I was okay and said I looked sad. I guess I was. I'm pretty good about hiding my emotions but I guess I'm only human. I felt like crying on my drive home. I asked my mentor (who was nearby) for honest feedback; was there something else I could have done? I asked her to be honest with me, I don't like people to sugar coat things. I can't learn if I don't know. She said I did great and it seemed like I was keeping a close eye on my patient and the patient just decompensated. I trust her and she's pretty blunt so I don't think she would lie to me.
I have since had a couple days to recharge and de-stress, but things have been so hectic lately. It's actually effected my personal life.
Calling out is not an option, and I see the light at the end of the tunnel since I have a week off coming up in May. Besides the usual: gym/staying active, spending time with friends/family, what do you guys do to deal?
I feel like crap and I feel weak about how I'm personally coping with things. Guess I reached my breaking point. Any feedback?
NeoPediRN
945 Posts
Wine. Lots of wine.