Does this feeling go away?

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I'm a new nurse in a very busy Level I ICU.

I have noticed especially since I came off of orientation and am on my own, that I come home completely drained emotionally/mentally even after just one shift. I feel so completely useless my first day off, and frankly I don't want to be around anyone but my husband and sometimes I would rather him not even be home.

I've always been an introvert, but I feel like this job is making me more of an introvert on my days off.

I'm turning down social events left and right on my off days because I know I need a day or two to recover by myself. I feel like when I get off of work I have nothing left to give anyone after being pulled in 399 different directions all day and someone always being in my face needing something.

I'm thankful my husband is low maintenance, but I would eventually like to have a family and I cannot even fathom the idea of coming home to needy children with the way I feel after work.

Is this just part of being a new nurse? Or do most nurses feel this way after working? Or maybe I need to find a new, less intense specialty in the long run.

I just don't want to give everything to my job and give my family the "leftovers."

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Better get use to it. That's what nursing does to ya. On my days off I want to stay far away from people. Best of luck to ya

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Pretty normal.

I think it will improve for you over time, but yes, you will usually need a day to recover after a work-stretch.

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Well guess it's good to know what I'm experiencing is "normal."

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I felt the same way as a new grad in ICU. Icu drained me and it just wasnt a good fit. I switched to a lower stressed specialty and feel much bettee now.

Give yourself some time to adjust and if you dont adjust maybe you can look into something else

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I felt the same way as a new grad in ICU. Icu drained me and it just wasnt a good fit. I switched to a lower stressed specialty and feel much bettee now.

Give yourself some time to adjust and if you dont adjust maybe you can look into something else

Do you mind if I ask what you do now?

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I've only ever worked ICU so I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing any type of patient-care nursing is draining. I can't imagine any area of nursing that deals directly with patients (i.e. the public) that is not stressful. I had my share of crying spells and frustration in the beginning. Give it some time....I love the ICU and can't imagine being anywhere else now. You'll know if it's a fit for you after you get over the initial shell shock.

And remember, taking time to care for yourself and replenish the soul is important whether you're single, married, kids or no kids. We all need it.

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I think any ICU nurse has felt this way at one time or another. I worked part-time when I was having my babies, and my husband and I would rotate various shifts so that one of us was always home with them, avoiding day-care costs. Even after all my years of experience when I have a rough shift I come home and shut myself in my bedroom for about 20 minutes before I really speak to anyone!! My husband learned the hard way that I needed this time to decompress!! I think it takes time for any nurse to feel comfortable, I was hired as a graduate nurse into ICU back in 1981, I had a lot of obstacles to overcome, and most likely did not really feel comfortable until my 5th year as a ICU nurse. When we would get pulled to the floors I hated it because the convenience of monitoring my patients was not there. ICU nurses like to actually see their patients and this is sometimes difficult the way floors are set up. I recommend you stay with it, see what areas you feel you may be weak in and ask for extra education from your unit manager, ask your co-workers what they think your strengths are etc. There must be some positive things that you have not thought of!!! Yes, I still have days when I am emotionally, mentally, and physically drained!!! It is the job we do, giving our all to others and it is very demanding and hard, but rewarding in the end. If you feel that you really need to get out then you should seek what other areas of nursing you may find rewarding. Mother baby is a much happier area although it does have difficult times as well. Patients on the floor are more sick now than they use to be, so even though it may seem less stressful, it can be as stressful as ICU. Try to learn some relaxation techniques to apply at work when you are feeling stressed, I agree with Guttercat, this is just the normal part of nursing that we all have to deal with. Only nurses understand!!!

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If you don't mind my asking, how long have you been a nurse? Is this current ICU position your first nursing job?

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If you don't mind my asking, how long have you been a nurse? Is this current ICU position your first nursing job?

Only a few months. Yes it's my first job. I mentioned in my original post that I'm a new nurse and haven't been off of orientation very long.

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Sorry, I wasn't sure if "new" meant a few months or a year. And I wasn't sure if you maybe had another nursing job prior to going to ICU. Regardless, my advice is to definitely stick it out a while longer in the ICU if you can. Many people would love to be given the opportunity to be hired as a new grad right into an ICU or other critical care unit but find it very difficult to. Count your blessings :) Also, having ICU experience is a plus on your resume, and the longer the better - shows commitment. Only you will know when either you start to find yourself handling the stress better or when you find that things seem to be getting no better or worse.

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Sorry, I wasn't sure if "new" meant a few months or a year. And I wasn't sure if you maybe had another nursing job prior to going to ICU. Regardless, my advice is to definitely stick it out a while longer in the ICU if you can. Many people would love to be given the opportunity to be hired as a new grad right into an ICU or other critical care unit but find it very difficult to. Count your blessings :) Also, having ICU experience is a plus on your resume, and the longer the better - shows commitment. Only you will know when either you start to find yourself handling the stress better or when you find that things seem to be getting no better or worse.

I totally agree. I am very thankful for the opportunity as a new grad. I'm going to try my best to stick it out at least a year.

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