Depression from nursing, looking for input?

I was hoping to get some input from others who have been in my shoes before.

So my situation is that after just 3 years of working as a nurse on an oncology/medicine/palliative care unit the sadness of seeing what my patients and families go through has really taken its toll on me. Also the negativity, high work load/stress and lack of care from management adds to it. Just 2 days ago after about 1.5-2 years of dealing with this I finally admitted I was depressed. I am seeking counselling now and have an apt to see my family doc re: meds if he thinks I need them, but am also exploring the idea of changing units or jobs and was looking to get some feedback.

I am wondering from those who have dealt with this before did moving units or changing jobs help relieve your nursing induced depression? I am exploring the option of a cardiac surg unit or possibly clinic work or whatever else comes up. Sometimes I just want to quit nursing and find a simple job, but financially thats not realistic.

This thread will probably be closed for "seeking medical advice".

You have 3 years experience as an RN. Rather than getting depressed by your experience.. use it to your advantage. Your experience opens many doors.. go open one.

Sorry you're struggling with this. I'd strongly suggest keeping your appt. with your MD and if possible find someone to talk to about ways to possibly change your perspective about the kind of care you're providing. And definitely look for another position before leaving nursing altogether. Or cutting back some onc hours and picking up some in another position. Make sure that self care outside of work is a priority. :)

I certainly hope it doesn't get closed for that reason. For the record I'm just seeking opinions thats all.

You have started to admit that you have a problem and you will see professionals. That is a good step towards you getting better. You have some experience, which should help you if you would like to explore other options.

As somebody with life long depression I can tell you that working in high stress environment, on call, long work shifts did not always work for me. Ultimately, I decided not to take jobs anymore that require on call or are so stressful that you do not sit down to eat and so on.

It does not hurt to explore other work options and look around. You can start by updating your resume and looking at job boards. With the input of counseling and doctor you will probably come to more clarity about your current work situations. While I worked fulltime for most of the times I also worked part time 32h/week and started to work 8 hour shifts instead of 12. Especially the 8 h shifts and the 4 days a week helped me to attain a good balance for me. While I enjoyed 12 h shifts because I was only working 3 days a week it was not good for me in the long run. When I was not feeling well it was still very doable for me to get through a 8 hour shift as opposed to 12. Financially I was not always able to work part time but enjoyed the times I worked only 32 h.

How sad that a nursing job can suck so badly that meds might be necessary in order to tolerate it.

My advise is to try another unit or specialty. Also, maybe start laying the groundwork for an exit from the profession.

Nursing has many different areas to explore. I agree with your thought that changing to another area may be beneficial. There are several areas in nursing that I know I could not tolerate for long. I thank God we have skilled nurses who found their calling in those areas because all areas need nurses. I was lucky to find my calling early, in PACU.

Check the specialty discussion threads and investigate ones that pique your interest. No job is perfect but I bet there is an area that will be satisfying.

To be blunt, I am sick and tired of the human misery that I witness in my specialty. Thursday was my last day at one workplace, and I'll be starting a non-bedside case management position next week.

I know the grass is not always greener on the other side, but this new job will give me the flexibility that I desperately need in my life. Hopefully it will also be less depressing...

Good for you!

I always said it takes a very special heart to work with the dying. I did not want that to be part of my daily work. I strongly recommend you change your specialty, while continuing counseling. I knew my whole life I wanted to work with mothers and babies, and even though I also have days when I break down and cry about how cruel life can be, but most of my days are filled with a lot of joy. more joy than i can explain. I am terrified of death and inspired by birth. I commend you so much on the work you have been doing. I think you should give yourself a chance to work with the healthy or the slightly/acutely sick. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

I felt that way even in nursing school. Go outpatient. You can still care deeply but the intensity is blunted.

To the OP:

I worked in hospice and palliative care for around seven years. By the time I left, I was spiritually and psychically depleted. I took a little time off and then took a job doing non-bedside case management for a Medicaid MCO for three years. I've been grateful for this job too but, it's still nursing, it's still exhausting and it's still Healthcare. I tried everything; meds, spiritual support, having more fun, getting more education etc etc. In the final analysis, it's not just being a nurse that drains you, it's also working in ANY avenue of the Healthcare industry. After ten years of nursing, I've decided that if I want to live a long, healthy and happy life, it's NOT going to happen if I keep working in Healthcare. I'm leaving.

I know it's easy for me to say but any job that makes you need meds, is very unwise. I was a single mom for many years and did what I had to do. Now, I refuse to use myself up to the point of such existential numbness and misery.

I wish you the very best in everything you do. I know the social and ego rewards of nursing can be powerful. But ultimately, we pay a terrible price for them.

I think it's good to switch around specialities for a lot of us. I wish I had stayed in the ICU a few years less than I did, but felt trapped because that is all I knew. I have switched to PACU/pre-op and am really enjoying it. It's much less stressful and I actually see my patients get better. I like the pre-op part especially! I am now even thinking of going back to school or getting out of the clinical setting all together. I still enjoy caring for people and my patients, but am witnessing less death and dying in this setting. I no longer dread going into work.

Point is, it is okay and even beneficial for your career to change specialities as a nurse.