Exhausted from Covid

[gonzo1]

20 year nurse, working full time ICU during Covid. I'm emotionally and physically exhausted.  Wanted to do FMLA for a break but got a lot of pushback.  Now I just want to quit and never go back.  So lost as to how to proceed.  I have almost perfect attendance.  

All the nastiness from patients/families who can't get meds that don't help is a cause too, and then there are the hitters and kickers.  I am old enough for retirement.  just thought I'd work a little longer.  Now I cringe at the thought of my next shift.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

On 1/10/2022 at 1:12 PM, hherrn said:take this job and shove it" ala Dolly Parton.

I am only familiar with the original version written and performed by Johnny Paycheck in 1977 - I did not know Dolly had covered the song. I would love to hear it ! Spotify here I come!

[amoLucia]

Thought Dolly Parton sang the "9 to 5" song.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

On 1/12/2022 at 2:21 PM, Been there,done that said:

No way they can keep your PTO. You earned it. Keep us posted.

I left a job and had to hire an attorney to get my PTO they ended up having to pay me 2 1/2 times the amount owed for every day I went unpaid

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

3 hours ago, amoLucia said:

Thought Dolly Parton sang the "9 to 5" song.

Dolly did “9 to 5” Johnny paycheck did “Take this job an shove it!”

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Thanks to everyone for the support.  Checked with the Texas labor board and if a company posts that you don't get PTO if you don't give 2 weeks notice then they are in the clear.  Of course, my company had it posted.  PTO is actually determined state by state, not federal.  

I thought of all the things you all suggested after I had quit, but its alright.  I feel much better and I am now on Medicare.  I'm way old enough for SS, so I'll get that.  It was just time and I'm going to give myself 6 months of R&R and then if I want I look for another job, but only part time.

I can say that I had a wonderful run, learned so much about myself and others.  Nursing has been very good to me.  Yes, I had a couple of evil managers, coworkers, and got fired a couple of times.  Who hasn't?  I have nothing but joy in my heart for my almost 20 years, but I sure don't miss it right now. 

I love Allnurses and plan on hanging around for a while.

[amoLucia]

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!  Ensure your eligibility for COBRA healthcare insurance will cover you for the interim. There are specific 'windows of eligibility' that require your timely application. Don't jeopardize your finances and your COVERAGE (so super important!). Just FYI:  be prepared for some sticker shock, as another poster posted.

Don't let your old HR drag its feet with your paperwork. Are you applying for unemployment?

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Thanks for your concern.  I'm actually okay.   I quit without notice, I could have retired years ago, but I loved nursing so much.  It was truly my hobby.  It was a second career for me.   

My husband and I are already signed up with SS and medicare.  We are going to be okay.  I truly appreciate your advice and care.

[jessnas11, LVN]

On 1/11/2022 at 1:52 PM, Emergent said:

I was there last July. I had battle fatigue. I quit and took time off to mentally recover. In October I started working 2 days a week at a farm store as a cashier. Soon I'll be adding to that working as a home infusion nurse, for walkie-talkies who need occasional infusions for their autoimmune diseases and other, similar situations. 

If you're old enough to retire, definitely do so! I'm now semi-retired and loving it!

I had to come find you because I feel for you. I can't believe people, especially nurses, can be so rude to you about the whole shield thing. Ugh. You be you and do what makes you happy! ?