Emotionally and physically drained, Nurse Burnout

Nurses General Nursing

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I graduated on December of 2018, and started working on med-surg/onc unit on March. So I'm about 6 months in and it finally hit me yesterday that I am physically and emotionally drained. I know myself. I know I need a break here and there. So I knew 6 months would be a good time to take a break. So I requested to use two PTO (in 2 months advance as per policy) so I can get about 5 days off in a row. But it got rejected. So I encouraged myself to keep going and told myself maybe another time.

I was always warned about nurse burnout. But it came without warning for me. Well.. now that I think about it, I think my body was telling me but I was just ignoring it. I promised myself I won't cry in nursing school and never as a nurse. I told people my job is going great, it's hard but I can do it. Saying this out loud felt like it really was okay. But once in awhile when I get really stressful days my period starts, or spotting. And one day during morning report, I got really dizzy and pale, my BP was 80/60. But I felt better so I decided to stay and work. Now that I think about it I think my body was telling me to take a break...but my manger is telling me otherwise.

I have been crying past two days at home, emotionally and physically exhausted. I didn't feel like this even two weeks ago. I wish I am back to myself again. I am not suicidal or anything, but I kind of wished I would get in a minor car accident so I could take couple days off..

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Specializes in surgery.

Unfortunately, you will experience this many times and you do need a break! Go to your doctor and describe what you are feeling and get some time off. Or just slow down working. Med-surg/onc is a very heavy area, I do work on a surgical floor and it doesn't take me too long to reach the point where you are right now. It is very challenging to take care of all the needy patients especially when you are new on the floor!

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Please see your PCP for a general check-up and for evaluation of your situation.

Where are you in your orientation process? Are you finished or still involved in some sort of residency program?

What is the reason that your rather meager and conservative PTO request was denied?

You get credit for perseverance, but in persevering you might also be incorporating some unreasonable human expectations. I'm referencing your determination to never cry as a nurse, etc.

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