I need a vacation-- is it too early for burnout?

Nurses Stress 101

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Specializes in Flight Nursing, Emergency, Forensics, SANE, Trauma.

So the past two weeks, I've noticed I haven't been my normal perky self. I'm that stupid sunshiney nurse with rainbows coming out of every orifice; I parked my unicorn in 15 minute parking-- #sorrynotsorry.

I feel more short tempered, I've cried two times this past week, once at work when I just couldn't do anything right it seemed and once because I woke up with nightmares about work (after the Orlando shooting and Stanford rape case: I'm both bisexual and a rape survivor). I feel like it's taking me a tad bit longer to do my tasks and cases are getting under my skin a little bit more.

I read through the stickied posts about burn out and stress management. I've been working nonstop for two years since my last vacation. Our workplace has been so short staffed and I've picked up so much bonus time. Is two years a realistically unreasonable time to start getting burnt out? Is burn out a permanent thing or can it come and go through your career? Am I just being weak? I'm so disgusted with myself right now that I'm even asking these questions.

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2 years without any time off is crazy. Use your PTO (or vacation days or whatever your system uses). I get that it sucks to know your coworkers are short staffed, but a week or two to destress and do things you enjoy will work wonders for your spirit. If you truly can't take vacation, try to find something that you do just for you. Something peaceful and healing. :)

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Specializes in Flight Nursing, Emergency, Forensics, SANE, Trauma.
2 years without any time off is crazy. Use your PTO (or vacation days or whatever your system uses). I get that it sucks to know your coworkers are short staffed, but a week or two to destress and do things you enjoy will work wonders for your spirit. If you truly can't take vacation, try to find something that you do just for you. Something peaceful and healing. :)

My amazing hubby just surprised me with a vacation planned to an all-inclusive, and (blissfully) adult only resort in the Yucatan, Mexico next month. I cried with happiness. Hopefully some beach time, sunshine, and these critters will help rejuvenate my soul. [ATTACH]22462[/ATTACH]

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Yay! Enjoy your vacation!

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"I'm so disgusted with myself right now that I'm even asking these questions."

PLEASE do not feel disgusted with yourself that your putting your self care as a priority. If you don't take care of you, how can you take care of your patients? Our profession is unforgivable in the sense that you always need to be on your A game. If you feel that you are not on your A game and its interfering without your happiness and ability to take care of your patients in a way that you'll feel happy with? Thats called burnout my friend and don't let tell anyone tell you that it takes predetermined length of time to reach burnout. Take care of you! You have ONE life to live. We have chosen to spend ours in the service of others, you deserve to nurture yourself also.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I had not taken a vacation for 3 years. This year I took a month off and went to Thailand. Until I was away, I didn't realize how exhausted I actually was.

A vacation is just what you need.

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