What is "burnout" and how do you cope?

Rokufox · Jul 25, 2015

I never knew a career could break your spirit like nursing. If I had known that, maybe I could have chosen another path.

Rokufox · Jul 25, 2015

I can so relate. I hate everyday I walk off the floor. I get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I'm so sure I could have done it better if my hands weren't tied behind my back and had just a bit of help from the CNA's. Our CNA's do NOT do vitals, HS care. Their duties are to put the RN and CNA's name on the white board, weights(that always seem to be exactly the same as last nights wgt) pass linen for days and the I&Os. If you should happen to need help while they are adding up that cup of coffee and sip of water (that is old and I gave it to the pt last night before I went home) the pt took in, I get the evil eyes with sound effects. It's not worth it. I use to think the CNA were the hardest working, then it was as if one day they were told it didn't matter. I've been in nursing since '81, to tired of this. The past 2 wks the Dr are having temper tantrums, families are upset and the pt are upset because we have Pepsi products and not coke. I miss the day the day when you walked into a room and told the pt you WILL turn, cough and deep breath and we Will walk. Your going to get better and get out of here. No pneumonia, no skin breakdown. There is so much we could do if they just untied our hands.

Especially situations where the CNA tries to tell you (the RN) how to do the job (which is a huge problem where I work). Not to mention certain providers that make you want to cry before you start your shift simply because you know they are on that week...you think if anything, they'd be nicer to the nurses since they are the ones actually taking care of the patients. Alas, not so.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 26, 2015

Especially situations where the CNA tries to tell you (the RN) how to do the job (which is a huge problem where I work). Not to mention certain providers that make you want to cry before you start your shift simply because you know they are on that week...you think if anything, they'd be nicer to the nurses since they are the ones actually taking care of the patients. Alas, not so.

If you're a passive person, I can see why the CNA tries to tell you how to do the job. Passive doesn't cut it. Nursing requires a proactive approach. The CNA may have a point, for instance, if she's telling you to turn the patient so he doesn't get a bedsore, or to plan ahead now you're going to deal with the feces before you give the SMOG enema.

As for the providers, they may be nicer to you if you're proactive enough to have your ducks all lined up before you call them for a problem. KNOW what questions they're likely to ask and have the information at your fingertips before making the call. Make an effort to say "good morning" to them, smile and remind them of your name. Providers are people, too. If you're not getting along with your colleagues, that's on you to figure out how to fit into the team. It's not on the team to figure out how to accomodate your passiveness.

WCSU1987 · Jul 27, 2015

I been dealing with burnout found ways to relax me. However, work schedule has been chaotic just feel dead. Working 16 hour's and only getting 4 to 3 hour's of sleep due to a quick turn around back to work. I can only blame myself.

I picked up the extra shifts because need 40 hour's to pay bills. Also trying to put in for a more stable shift. Trying hard to be selected for the position a 12 hour 7p to 7a 3 night rotating weekends shift. So be working one weekend and 2 day's during the week. 4 days off will be heaven!!!