Help! I am burned out and I don't know how to fix it.

Nurses General Nursing

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I work in critical care and I think I am burned out. It's pedi, and we deal with a ton of abuse cases. Lately I have been getting more and more frustrated with a couple of the doctors (who have bad reputations for either clinical judgement or their character- my patience is running so low), I get irritated with my completely innocent coworkers, I no longer feel motivated to accept more responsibility- like orienting a coworker, having a nursing student with me, or wanting to become a charge nurse. I simply want to clock in, clock out, and go home. And when I'm home, I just want to not think about work-- but replaying the most frustrating or heartbreaking moments over and over again in my head is inescapable. I've noticed that since my last day at work, about 4 days ago, I have been more irritable at home and in my personal life. This has happened before- maybe after work, before I fall asleep and am able to shake it off with good sleep- but it's just not going away like it used to and I am absolutely DREADING going back.

The thing is- the frustrating doctors are in every part of healthcare. Frustrating moments are inevitable. Where I work is actually wonderful- I have a great team and if I leave I will probably never work for a manager as awesome as the one we all have now. So, what's wrong with me? I'm considering getting a therapist to help me sort it out- but I figure until then, I must not be the only nurse experiencing such awful burn out.

Anybody else out there experience this and find the light at the end of the tunnel?

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
The thing is- the frustrating doctors are in every part of healthcare. Frustrating moments are inevitable. Where I work is actually wonderful- I have a great team and if I leave I will probably never work for a manager as awesome as the one we all have now. So, what's wrong with me? I'm considering getting a therapist to help me sort it out- but I figure until then, I must not be the only nurse experiencing such awful burn out.

Anybody else out there experience this and find the light at the end of the tunnel?

You're right. Mr. Ruby Jane likes to remind me that the grass is never really greener and that the devil I know is better than the devil I don't. Sometimes, though, just having a great team around you isn't enough.

You've already assessed that therapy would be beneficial. You might see if your system has an employee assistance program. It's possible you just need some brief, solution-focused therapy. In the meantime, take really good care of you. Before you throw in the nursing towel completely, you might try ambulatory care. Your skills would be highly valued in the school nursing environment. I don't always love my school nurse job....but I do leave at 3:15 every day and I never take any work home with me!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

The first thing I would prescribe is a good exercise program. Something that will help you clear your head and fatigue your body so that you sleep well at night. Lack of quality sleep can really play hard into stress management.

Next, I suggest getting in touch with your Employee Assistance Program. Most major medical employers have one and yours is exactly why. The work we do exacts a mental and emotional toll and these programs provide therapeutic assistance for a certain number of visits at no cost to you. Do it right away.

If you don't have a pet, consider getting one. If you have some PTO saved up, its time to use a chunk to get away from work for a while, with or without taking an actual vacation. If you do the above things and are still struggling, it may be time to switch to a less stressful specialty for a while or go to another employer that tends to see a different type of patient population.

Sending you love and light. The work you do is valuable and very, very difficult. Don't question yourself too much for having a normal human reaction to some of the horrors you have born witness to.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Excellent suggestions above...don't try to carry all the baggage and remember you are seeing the results of the "relative" few people who should not be blessed with children. Most parents don't abuse their children; you're just in the clearinghouse for those that do. You are the champion for those kids and it's your advocacy and intervention that gives them hope and healing. Try and keep a laser focus on your patients and the peripheral stuff will fade away in importance. Like waning ripples on a pond. Take the time, self reflect, and be kind to yourself. Best wishes to you!

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Thank you! All of your input means a lot to me. After reading this, I did call EAP and they are sending me a list of providers to reach out to. The suggestion about my dog--- you're right! I do have a dog and he is actually a therapy dog who visits patients at the hospital that my husband works at. When I read that, a little light went off like "Duh! Snuggle the dog." I am also going to make more of an effort to stick to my running plan.

I am impressed with the level of validation and compassion that I am receiving from this platform/community. Thank you so very much!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

You mentioned an excellent manager. You might want to clue her in; she may have resources. Such as a temporary gig in UR or some other project. Might be able to give you some kind of a break without you having to give up your job entirely.

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.

Since you mentioned your manager is a good one, maybe try opening up a little to her. Maybe it is time for an early vacation or a 3 days weekend to also help refresh. Excellent suggestions above.

Sending good vibes.

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