Does this sound like burnout or need for change?

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I have been a nurse for 10 years. I have only worked in two specialities. I worked med surg for the first 3 years of my career as a nurse and then I switched to postpartum/mother/baby nursing and I have been in this specialty for the last 6.5 years. I generally love my job and I have never felt the urge to leave mother-baby nursing but recently I have been feeling a little dreadful about going to work. I work nights and I don't know if that has anything to do with it, I have been patiently waiting for a day shift position to open to give it a try but nothing available yet. Lately I feel like I am getting tired of recovering c-sections, dealing with poor breastfeeding issues, moms dealing with pain and complaints, maternal complications etc. I love teaching and it is one of my favorite parts of the job but I just don't feel like I'm finding the "joy" of postpartum nursing like I used to. We have been very busy on our unit lately, taking 3+ couplets at a time and the patients are getting sicker and the work is becoming more challenging than usual. I make good money and I know it should never be about the money , but I know that it would be hard for me to find a job right now that would come close to what I currently make and I don't think I can afford the pay cut.
 

I am also constantly reminded that I'm getting older. Seeing the younger moms having babies and the excitement of a new baby leaves me sometimes feeling a pang of envy that I may never get to experience these moments again. I hate that I feel like this but it's something that I've been dealing with lately. Trying to be excited for my patients but also feeling envious.
 

I'm honestly not sure what all of this means at this point in my career but has anyone else ever felt like this? Any thoughts? 

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

IMHO, you are dealing with the mid-life doldrums.  I can't imagine going through life without it.  OB is a good place to be if you are feeling older.  Lots of paperwork bringing new citizens into the world but very little lifting!  A few counseling sessions with a therapist might help you re-arrange your priorities and gain new perspectives on whether you really need to make a professional change ot just make. few tweaks in your life.  Please let us know how things turn out for you.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

When was the last time you had vacation or extended time off? Sometimes just having time off allows one to decompress from work stress.

Consider calling your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  --helpful in guiding career options and discussions life goals, providing emotional support and counseling options.-- free service in many health systems.

HUGS...

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I agree with the above posters who recommended counseling. Something is off; it could be the role, the job, or it could be your personal life or some combination. It might take some time to really understand what is going on for you, but it is worth the effort. I switched specialties for a while due to an inner tension I had between my work and personal life. I am coming back now as an NP with a new perspective. 

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While I don't necessarily disagree with those recommending counseling, I have a different question.  You mention feeling older and being sad knowing you won't have babies again.  Are you potentially going through menopause?   If so, then these feelings could be hormonal.  I'd schedule a visit with your PCP or OB-GYN to assess and have labs drawn.  Hormone levels, thyroid panel, etc.  If any are off then they will need to be addressed before this will get better. 

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mdsRN2005 said:

While I don't necessarily disagree with those recommending counseling, I have a different question.  You mention feeling older and being sad knowing you won't have babies again.  Are you potentially going through menopause?   If so, then these feelings could be hormonal.  I'd schedule a visit with your PCP or OB-GYN to assess and have labs drawn.  Hormone levels, thyroid panel, etc.  If any are off then they will need to be addressed before this will get better. 

I guess it is a possibility. I'm 36 but it wouldn't be unheard of . Thanks for your advice!

FolksBtrippin said:

I agree with the above posters who recommended counseling. Something is off; it could be the role, the job, or it could be your personal life or some combination. It might take some time to really understand what is going on for you, but it is worth the effort. I switched specialties for a while due to an inner tension I had between my work and personal life. I am coming back now as an NP with a new perspective. 

Yes I have definitely considered counseling just to talk through what I'm feeling. I would have to give up on a great role just because of unfixed emotions etc. 

NRSKarenRN said:

When was the last time you had vacation or extended time off? Sometimes just having time off allows one to decompress from work stress.

Consider calling your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  --helpful in guiding career options and deccusssions, providing emotional support and counseling options.-- free service in many health systems.

HUGS...

I'm definitely overdue for a nice vacation! Haha.  I really think not getting out and exploring really makes a difference. It's those "small" things that often help reset our feelings and thoughts.  thanks for your advice! 

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subee said:

IMHO, you are dealing with the mid-life doldrums.  I can't imagine going through life without it.  OB is a good place to be if you are feeling older.  Lots of paperwork bringing new citizens into the world but very little lifting!  A few counseling sessions with a therapist might help you re-arrange your priorities and gain new perspectives on whether you really need to make a professional change ot just make. few tweaks in your life.  Please let us know how things turn out for you.

It's a very rewarding field! Which is why I hate that I have these feelings. It really does feel like compassion fatigue sometimes. Thanks for your advice! 

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Success89 said:

It's a very rewarding field! Which is why I hate that I have these feelings. It really does feel like compassion fatigue sometimes. Thanks for your advice! 

I think we all feel like this a lot of the time.  We picked a hard profession- physically, intellectually, spiritually an emotionally.  I would tell myself that it beat boredom.  All Type A's have to learn how to find their source of peace.  Therapists are available to help guide you in adapting to stress.  

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agree with the above posters.. 

Also I would really put a bug in my manager's ear to try to have my schedule switched to days.

As far as missing out on having a newborn baby to take care of...ewwww.  Milk, poop, diapers, daycare, teething, toys to trip over, doctors visits, crying all hours of the night, crying all hours of the night, crying all hours of the night... omgeeeeeeee...

Trying to make you smile here....

Hang in there!

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