Feeling really down.

Katnip, RN · Apr 16, 2006

When was the last time you had any time off away from the job? I'm not talking about a few days a week. I mean a whole week.

If you can't take time off, at least on your days off try to just go away and leave the job behind.

What are your passions besides work? When was the last time you pursued any of them?

It's rough to lose so many people in such a short time. I think you need some time to step back, regroup and recharge. Then when you're refreshed you can take a look at your job. Maybe it's time to move on to something new, and maybe not. But be kind to yourself.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 16, 2006

When I went through a slump like that I too had many people pass away in a very short period, management flexed its muscles and made moral low and my job less autonomous and more difficult, and basically I was not alone in feeling I was simply a body (just like my CNA's and my residents too) or an RN for paperwork!

I was very depressed, then to add to it all...my son was getting in trouble at school, and my hubby who is a paramedic was getting overwhelmed and having to work almost 2 hours overshift...and seemed to be doing far more to help others than I was! I felt empty, worthless, and most of all "why do I bother!".

I went to my MD, and got on a low dose of paxil which helped TREMENDOUSLY for me, and once I got a little more out of the depression state (and I used books and exersizes to help me), I was able to focus more on what was bothering me...because frankly I was starting to think I was on perm PMS! I really didn't know why I was so sad ALL the time!

I also found that I had hit the 'glass ceiling' of what I could do in LTC, and as much as I loved the staff and residents...I needed a change. I discussed agency with many other nurses, looked into it for months (very nervous to change!) and chose to take it on!

Now, I am so happy and feel that I am really making a difference in a way that fulfills my talents and spirit (because with administration mettling in every aspect with threats and intimidation...I was no longer feeling helpful at that facility I was working in).

I get different cases, different ages, using my technical skills I haven't used in a long time...I am smiling, I am friendly, I make my patients laugh and find reason in getting better...and YES...see many of the residents I use to take care of and help them though the fears of being in hospital acutely ill! (which to me is soooooo much better...I am really THERE for them when they need me most!).

Just thought I would share what I did...everyone is different..but I will tell you, three other nurses and a few CNA's from that facility are doing what I did...and I work with many of them again and we are very happy!

I just had to grow, and I had grown out of that facility, as much as that was hard to accept. I just asked myself...is this where I want to be 5 years from now, 10 years from now...till I retire..and it was always NO not really.

johnson0424 · Apr 17, 2006

When I went through a slump like that I too had many people pass away in a very short period, management flexed its muscles and made moral low and my job less autonomous and more difficult, and basically I was not alone in feeling I was simply a body (just like my CNA's and my residents too) or an RN for paperwork!
I was very depressed, then to add to it all...my son was getting in trouble at school, and my hubby who is a paramedic was getting overwhelmed and having to work almost 2 hours overshift...and seemed to be doing far more to help others than I was! I felt empty, worthless, and most of all "why do I bother!".
I went to my MD, and got on a low dose of paxil which helped TREMENDOUSLY for me, and once I got a little more out of the depression state (and I used books and exersizes to help me), I was able to focus more on what was bothering me...because frankly I was starting to think I was on perm PMS! I really didn't know why I was so sad ALL the time!
I also found that I had hit the 'glass ceiling' of what I could do in LTC, and as much as I loved the staff and residents...I needed a change. I discussed agency with many other nurses, looked into it for months (very nervous to change!) and chose to take it on!
Now, I am so happy and feel that I am really making a difference in a way that fulfills my talents and spirit (because with administration mettling in every aspect with threats and intimidation...I was no longer feeling helpful at that facility I was working in).
I get different cases, different ages, using my technical skills I haven't used in a long time...I am smiling, I am friendly, I make my patients laugh and find reason in getting better...and YES...see many of the residents I use to take care of and help them though the fears of being in hospital acutely ill! (which to me is soooooo much better...I am really THERE for them when they need me most!).
Just thought I would share what I did...everyone is different..but I will tell you, three other nurses and a few CNA's from that facility are doing what I did...and I work with many of them again and we are very happy!
I just had to grow, and I had grown out of that facility, as much as that was hard to accept. I just asked myself...is this where I want to be 5 years from now, 10 years from now...till I retire..and it was always NO not really.

WOW!! you just described exactly what I am going through...When I got into LTC I thought"This is it,,this is what I want to do, I found my niche". well 3 years later I am in the same slump as you and although I have more on my plate(NP School),,I am going to the hospital for something different..I am scared to death but I need to get out of the "junk" of LTC...I love my patients and my co workers but everywhere I have worked I have had good/bad! Maybe like someone else said you should try taking a vacation if that doesn't work tap into something you always have wanted to do in nursing...and go there...if u miss LTC you can always go back to it

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Apr 17, 2006

1. Try to take some time off.

2. Do something just for yourself...manicure, haircut, whatever you like best.

3. Know that although it's very sad to lose so many patients in such a short period of time, their passing was probably much easier because you were there to help care for them.

nckdl · Apr 20, 2006

Thank you for all your replies, I have thought about leaving ltc but in my area as an lpn there aren't much opportunities but i keep looking every day. I did get a haircut yesterday on my day off, which made me feel a tad better. Most of my problem stems from being on 3rd shift, I NEED to be around people, it's funny but it's like a drug, i feel so good being around people every day. I guess i chose the right position but the wrong shift. Thank you.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 20, 2006

OH sweety, so glad I could help...I was so depressed and confused really...but soooooo glad I took up my courage and did what I did.

Yes LTC will always be there! But you...you can change to different things and always go back to what you love...IE the reason we did nursing huh?

I am so in love with my job now...and get this...I said about two thousand times...."I will never go back to hospital EVER AGAIN!".......hmmmmmmmm

I still keep in touch with my staff...in fact I am invited to too many parties for various things (births, engagements, weddings, and such) from them I need a new calander just for that!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! And via them I can send messages of love to my residents (which I do still see in hospital when they need me most!).

It all turned out...but the first thing...to take the chance! Like diving into the deep dark...you never know..and for me...I put my mind to it..researched, kept my emotions and mental state in check..and dove in!!!!!!

Try agency maybe for a while??? I am SOOOOOOO happy I did!!!!! and get this...my old facilty as of this week is taking on agency from my employer! I may be able to go back agency for a while!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!

You never know... but sometimes that is the chance worth taking!