feel terrible, "I don't care anymore"

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I've hit a wall with my work and I feel very bad about it which then feeds into guilt and then hating work even more and so the cycle goes on. I work full time days outpatient, usually leave work on time, have fantastic co-workers, all the good stuff. I have identified no reason "Why" I should just feel uncaring anymore. I feel a patient complaint or request for me to do something for them that is beyond my expectations of "minimum requirements to get the job done" is a burden.

I work with geriatric patients who get sicker and older and hurt more and more no matter what the crazy, expensive to the healthcare system interventions we do for them. I feel bad, but I feel like screaming if someone starts talking about their psychosocial issues or whatever else is going on. I used to be like, "Awe, let's see what I can do to help..." But now I feel like saying, "Oh spare me!"

It's not a good space to be in and I want my badittude to vanish and the caring nurse to come back. Has anyone else hit a sudden wall like this? HElllllllllllp!!:uhoh21:

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Maybe a little touch of burnout?

Have you had any vacation time lately? If not, a week or two away might do wonders. Even if you don't actually leave home, doing things you may not normally have time for or just sitting around doing nothing in particular might help.

Then, too, sometimes we just need a change. If you don't want to give up your job, see if you could take a month's LOA and do something different.

Good luck!

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Thanks for responding. I guess it could be burn out. My job is not a difficult, stressful, ICU or ER type job though. My last real vacation was 6 years ago. Since then, I've spent my meager paid time off doing (LPN then RN) school finals, both NCLEX's, two surgeries, school issues, family death, moving six times, etc. Life Happens, sometimes that means real time off doesn't. Until I get sick again and require more emergent surgery or something?!!

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

Given all the stress, there could be some mental health issues as well. I'm obviously not qualified to advice in this field, but it's something I would consider.

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I agree about the burnout, change of scenery, mental and physical health issues. Do not try to solve it all at once, but try to honestly look your patients in the eye, and kindly find a way not to let them overload your senses. Put the question to them, about what are they doing to help this latest situation they have found themselves in? It cannot all be solved, but thank them for sharing, and keep them on track about their most current issues. ;)

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What if you took a LOA and did a travel job, close to home, just to taste something different and get some perspective back. You might find yourself wanting to go into another area away from geriatrics. I know that at my school the instructors put us through our paces at nursing homes for our first 2 rotations of clinicals to "weed out" those unwilling to "clean toosh." Obviously, if they are using this as a weeder there must be a great deal of stress associated with the journeys of the elderly. Maybe its time for a change. Change is good.:balloons:

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

have you seen your doc about your stress? I went to mine with work related stress thinking I was on the road to burnout.Quite rightly she did lots of tests and found out I was type2 diabetes! Since then have been on diet and feel a bit better. The work stress is still there however but I feel a bit more able to cope.

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When I felt that way years ago, I changed jobs, became a travel nurse; I was satisfied for a while, then came back to the same feeling; even though I had assignments I enjoyed, it was just rough to get stuff done; I decided to go back to school, get a different degree, and continued nursing as part time. The school times made me feel a lot better, and once I got a new job with my degree, and I quit nursing, I was back to normal.

Then 3 years later in my new job, back to the same feeling, but by then I had an idea what i really wanted to do, and now, I just simply love my job. I would suggest maybe take some time to analyze what is it that you want to do in life, and maybe you will make changes that will make you feel better; took me a while to figure it out, but now, I don't even mind working late.

Cheers!

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Thanks peeps! It's good to hear there are others who have had a similar feeling. I'm pretty new to nursing (5 years), and I really do think a change is in order - but worry about it being too soon in the career for a burn out. I've applied, interviewed and been accepted to a new job that I start in 2 weeks. Orthopedics. I think it will be fun having a change of patient exposure. Folks of all ages... and the best part, helping the docs fix the patients and get BETTER and go away!:p

Really, I appreciate your imput so much.

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Specializes in rehab; med/surg; l&d; peds/home care.

Hey there my dear friend!!!

I am sorry to hear you're having some burnout. It sounds like you need a break. Do you have any PTO you can take off?? Maybe you can take a quick weekend away with hubby??? I have found that when I used to get stressed like that, that I NEEDED a quick break. I don't know how many days "full time" is for you, but maybe you could re-arrange your days, or something, to get yourself a break.

Also, you didn't mention, but are you taking your breaks at work? I mean, really going to lunch, sitting down and eating a GOOD meal?? You know what happens when we don't treat ourselves good. Our bodies start to break down, and I think your "burnout" is because you are not taking enough time away from work. It doesn't matter if your job is not in critical care!!! ALL nursing jobs have their share of STRESS, and that WILL affect you eventually, if you don't have an outlet.

Maybe a hike outside? Or a favorite activity? Maybe just take some times away with hubby, even a night out, or one day a week you could take some "me" time?? A nice bubble bath? Or how bout a massage!!! I wish we lived closer together, cause I would be up for that!!! I haven't talked with you for a while, but I've been thinking of you. Maybe if these methods don't work you could talk to your doctor about it. Are you sleeping good at night??

Take care, my friend. You need to take care of yourself to be able to care for others. I know you already know this, but sometimes we all need to be reminded. Take some time for you!!!! You deserve it!!!

Love you!!!!

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