Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

I recently graduated NP school (yay!!!!), and started my new job, which I adore (even better).

There's one little hitch....I can NOT get well!!!

First, I caught pneumonia, which was no small surprise. You diagnose 50 cases, you're BOUND to catch it, then I took sinusitis, and NOW, a month later, I have bronchitis. It just morphs, it has never gone away entirely. I'm beginning to wonder if my father is not right and I don't need to take the old 22-cent remedy. (That's a bullet, for all you non-country folks) I sound like a frog on helium, I hack constantly, I have had 2 rounds of shots, I'm on my second round of abx, I got sent home from work early, and I'm at my wit's end.

Question, no medical advice, but if I ever get well, short of wearing fallout gear to see patients, how can I keep well? What do y'all do? Vitamins? Is it bad respiratory-wise all over, or just in the South? I know down here, you get this mess, and it STAYS got. Thanks for reading.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, I have no suggestions, but you cracked me right up.

I'm one of those annoying people who rarely - like every 15 years - get terribly sick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Every time I've started a new job, I've been sick, sick, sick!

You're being exposed to all kinds of new germs. It will take time to develop immunity to them. I know it's easy for me to say, but just give it time.

Take good care of yourself, and congratulations on your recent accomplishments!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Congrats Miss. NP.

Are you getting enough rest? I haven't been sick yet which is abnormal for me considering that its cold as heck in Michigan. I always take a little extra vitamin C along with my multivitamin. Make sure you are getting enough rest and drink warm fluids. Where do you live? Is it cold?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

You're probably worn out, thus lowering your immune system. I prescribe rest, acidophilous, and a healthy diet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hey Congratulations!!! No doubt you are exhausted and worn down. Give it time and you'll snap back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Vitamins - especially vit C.

And are you sleeping? That's important for recovery too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCU (Cardiac).

My first year in nursing I got sick about three to four times that year. I practice good hand hygiene at work and try to drink lots of water (sometimes it is hard to do that at work, though). I also take airborne when I feel like I am getting sick.

I am sure you will build immunity soon.

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Personally I love Therflu. A cup of that and 10 hours of sleep, I feel better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Oh, it's freezing here, which is unusual for Alabama. It was 14 when I went in this a.m., and the wind chill was 0.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

I keep my 2.2 liter water jug with me, and I wear the hand sanitizer out. I try and sleep as much as I can, and this job is only about 15 minutes from home, so no long drive. That's a blessing. I may double up on my MVI, since I can't have OJ. Thanks for the advice, all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Thats about the same here. Stay warm, get some rest and drink plenty of fluids. I'm getting ready to drink some theraflu. Its kinda weird that for something warm it has a lemony flavor but its actually good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment