Exhausted Med-Surg Nurse

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Can I talk to you guys here without being bashed? I've been in Med-surg for almost 2 years now and at the year and a half mark, I took up travel nursing in the hopes that maybe the change of scenery and hospital would make me like the work more. But honestly, all it did was make me absolutely sure that I don't like it anymore. When I started, I felt like I was learning so much and I wasn't sitting around all day but now... I love travel nursing because I get a nice change of scenery but the med-surg aspect of it is exactly the same and I hate that. I'm trying to maintain my morale and not come off as "lazy" so I keep a smile on my face and keep moving but honestly, I'm physically exhausted and don't feel like I have it in me anymore. I'm kind of at my breaking point.

Med-Surg/Telemetry is all I know but I get so tired of running around like a chicken with my head cut off for things that just don't feel important. Going into a room every ten minutes for water, ice, a blanket, asking the patient if they want anything else and hearing them say no and then they call me 5 minutes later because they "thought of something" just makes me feel exhausted and annoyed. I know a lot of people are probably going to try and tell me why these things are important and to remember the reasons why I chose this profession but my body has taken a toll and I'm really disliking every moment of it. This isn't why I chose the profession.

I've been thinking of getting into Labor and Delivery where I'm not assigned to 4-6 patients a shift, but I don't even know if its going to make a difference or if I'll still be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I really really don't like that feeling.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I salute you for hanging in there as long as you have.

Personally, med/surg is not my cup of tea. I do not have the patience, multitasking skills or fast pace required of med/surg nurses. Hopefully you will find a specialty of nursing that you enjoy. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Med/surg, Onc.

I think that I'd hate labor and delivery, I love my crazy med/surg floor. Which is proof that not everyone likes every place. That's the great thing about nursing. There are so many different things to do! If you can, shadow an L&D nurse to see what their day is really like.

It definitely sounds like you need a change, and that's okay!

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We have travelers in our home health agency. One has an RV and goes from one cool place to another, we're a semi rural destination and a neat place to explore. And with home health you really get to experience the area. It's takes some courage to work in new places, you can't be afraid of getting lost but it has a sense of adventure to it as well.

The wages can be pretty good and we're not running.

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We have travelers in our home health agency. One has an RV and goes from one cool place to another, we're a semi rural destination and a neat place to explore. And with home health you really get to experience the area. It's takes some courage to work in new places, you can't be afraid of getting lost but it has a sense of adventure to it as well.

The wages can be pretty good and we're not running.

Hey Libby, I love the traveling part of it. But I just absolutely hate the med-surg. I'm not sure if I'm ready for home health as I'm not sure I know enough to teach people in their homes.

Idk what to do...I'm sick of running around all the time and I know you have to be happy with what you're doing but I'm so not happy and it's beginning to show.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

It's time to branch out. How about PACU? Time limited encounters, 2 patients max.

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How about PACU? Time limited encounters, 2 patients max.

I'm actually considering PACU. I just got back from work, only 4 hours, and already all I want to do is cry.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Also consider the Cath Lab. They want teachable people with tele and cardiac knowledge.

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Also consider the Cath Lab. They want teachable people with tele and cardiac knowledge.

Something worth thinking about. I also thought about Dialysis.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

I thought about that but chronic dialysis is fast paced and the patients are notoriously non compliant.

My friend left the hospital for in patient hospice and has found her niche.

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I've thought about hospice. I think I'm going to try for labor and delivery and work on paying off my debt so that I can focus on other aspects of my life.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

I was originally a med/surg nurse and switched to L&D. I always work my tail off and did ok in med/surg....but it was NOT for me. Some people thrive off of those types or work environments and some people are just exhausted by them. It's ok to be exhausted by it and move on.

Changing departments made a massive difference in my energy level, mood, and work morale. I love being able to focus on fewer pts at a time vs med/surg. Even when I work mother/baby (usually 6 pts, which was my avg med/surg load) I'm not run NEAR as ragged.

L&D isn't for everyone - it has its own stressors for sure, and even I don't want to do it forever, but it's been a very good change for me. I hope you find a better fit soon!

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