hospice burn out

CANRN, MSN, RN · May 8, 2008

I was a nurse tech on a hospice unit and am currently in an ADN program. I loved working in hospice and oncology, but I saw a lot of burn out among the nurse's I worked with. I was wondering if anyone currently working this field could offer me some advice on how to prevent burn out because I would really like to pursue this area when I graduate. Thanks for any advice in advance.

One thing I have learned is, when your off BE OFF, turn off the cell phone, and use this time to give yourself some TLC. I learned the hard way, if you do not care for yourself, you can not care for others.

AtlantaRN, RN · May 13, 2008

if you do not care for yourself, you can not care for others.

AMEN!!!! Your time is YOUR time. We have a job that depletes us emotionally. you HAVE to have peace and time to refill your emotional tank. Whether it's reading, watching funny movies, time with friends and family....YOUR TIME IS YOUR RECHARGE TIME...

don't get caught in the "they need me"--you are not the only nurse and you have to learn to say NO. When I first went from the hospital setting to hospice, I had it in my head that i was the "only one," that "this patient knows and trusts me," but I was NOT the only nurse that was capable. Especially as I am salaried--the corporate portion was all too eager to reinforce this notion that "they want only you, Linda"...

Learn to say no, learn to take time for yourself because if YOU don't take the time to recharge your emotional balance, you will be running on empty and will get irritated with everything (at least that is how I get when i'm near meltdown mode).

"I LOVE the quote "if you do not care for yourself, you can not care for others"--this question was a bonus question on my final exam in nursing school and it is the Gospel Truth!!!!

linda

aimeee, BSN, RN · May 14, 2008

Linda is right. Being mindful of boundaries and having realistic expectations of what can be accomplished are a couple of other pointers.

Passion for the Job · May 24, 2008

I have been doing hospice for 7 years, part time. We all go thru the burn out of thinking, "no one else can take care of my pt like me." You truly try to do what is best for every pt while you are working. Try to think ahead of what the pt needs, meds for nausea, constipation, dyspnea, pain~and schedule the next visit for what is appropriate for the pt. Also a phone call should be made with any med changes in 24-36 hours. If you do all of these things with every visit, you can rest easy until the next day. (easier said than done, I know) But, this will help you close the door at the end of the day to know how you helped. Good Luck

shrinky · May 28, 2008

I agree, I have been a Hospice nurse for 8 years and have seen others come and go. They go because they get so involved in their patient's lives and give too much of themselves. There is a line that we should not cross over, but every once in a great while it can't be helped. My patients have always had the best care that they could get, but never got all of me. Also use other team members to share the burden so it is lighter. The support of the team family has helped me through the years, we support each othewr through the rough times. Good luck and continue to share with us.:heartbeat

southcarolina716 · Jun 7, 2008

I would say be picky about which company you work for...make sure they have a good staff with prn employees available to take some of the burden off of you as needed. The biggest reasons I see for burnout has been due to lack of staffing and support services(for employees) in place. A good company does not see requests for help as a weakness and will respect your time off. Know your body and learn the signs of when your job becomes your life not a part of it.

One Hospice RN I work with who avoids burnout swears that a week vacation every three months is the key.

Second · Jul 9, 2008

I have found it helpful to let hospice work remind me of the preciousness (if that's a word) of lifel as well as the fragility of life. Working in hospice helps you see that every day counts and that it is up to you to make yourself a good day each day. Working in hopice you will meet people who really grasp that-- they are fun loving adventurous people who know what to do with their free time and who are able to really enjoy their patients. There are many people who aren't meant for this work and they find out quickly If you have worked in Hospice already you know what the work is. DOn't be afraid of it if it's your calling.

doodlemom · Jul 9, 2008

Everyone else has said it: boundaries. Use the other members of your team and don't try to do it all. I think that is probably one of the biggest mistakes I see nurses do - they don't call the SW and CH for help when they should and end up being everything to everybody.

weavrvirgorising · Jul 9, 2008

I am a relatively new nurse but pushing sixty yr old, also new hospice nurse. Last week, I was confronted with the same sense from other nurses I work with. Words of advise I am trying to live. Define and stick to your boundaries! I am currently realizing that I am not indispensable. On my days off, the on-call nurse can do just as well with my clients, as long as they have a good report and comfort meds in the home. Meanwhile, I am relaxing by the lake...yes!!