I finally moved on and THANK YOU

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

About six months ago, maybe more, I posted one of my rare threads about my personal burn out.. heck we all do here. At the time, I was still recovering from my daughters MVA, the brain injury and my exhaustion working in an ICU and dealing with her recovery (I had work at work and work at home with her recovery). I had burnt out and simply didn't care anymore, I was really lost.

After 15 years of doing ICU, and dealing with a sick teen, I didn't know how to get away. I wasn't ready to go and take something new on with all that, and yet had to go.

Anyone that was so point blank honest with me and told me to go for my patient safety, my home needs, my sanity... it was tough to hear, and I appreciated all your blunt and kind words. They were tough to read, and I read them over and over.

So I just wanted to say, that sometimes it's easy to knee jerk and be snarky here... sometimes someone really is looking for advice and simply needs to hear the tough words and needs them put softly because they are hurting.

I've finally healed and I'm leaving bedside ICU care for and EPS job. For all you wise folks that knew I was done then, I heard ya... and I'm finally ready, so thank you for your time, your "words" have stayed with me.

I'm ready to grow and move on... took a touch longer than I would have liked.. but with 15 years of a safety net, I had to wait for some healing and the right time.

You all do make a difference in what you say here and I wanted to give a sincere thanks to all your help, time and well wishes.

We're going to be just fine. Sincere thanks.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

Have followed many of your threads/posts, Zookeeper. Most of the time, what I got from your responses was that you loved your coworkers and ICU but were getting burned out on the "patient satisfaction" management-driven way that hospitals are going. Most of what I got from your posts were not negative views, but rather honest views from a veteran nurse who has been there and done that.

I was sorry to read in central about your dd accident. She is lucky to have a Mom like you. Unfortunately, working in a stressful environment AND having a stressful home life is an exhausting combination.

I hope you will find some peace and happiness in your new career!

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Have not been following your threads but I hope your quality of life, peace of mind and ability to be content improves with each new day.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i don't remember your threads, and for some reason my server is really slow when i go to look them up. so i'll just say i'm sorry about your daughter and very happy for you that you've moved on. i hope eps keeps you happy for a good long while.

i've been burned out a number of times -- probably am right now -- and i can sympathize. in my case, it's "customer service" that has me frazzled and fried. i was much happier when we took care of "patients" rather than "customers" and probably need to figure out how to say "no icewater, you're npo" in a way that makes everyone happy. (is there a way?) on the other hand, maybe i just need a job where patients are unconscious and families are absent. mostly the families. i can deal with the patients.

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yes, best of luck!

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Hope you find satisfaction and peace in your new role.

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Awesome. I wish you the best in your new position =)

About six months ago, maybe more, I posted one of my rare threads about my personal burn out.. heck we all do here. At the time, I was still recovering from my daughters MVA, the brain injury and my exhaustion working in an ICU and dealing with her recovery (I had work at work and work at home with her recovery). I had burnt out and simply didn't care anymore, I was really lost.

After 15 years of doing ICU, and dealing with a sick teen, I didn't know how to get away. I wasn't ready to go and take something new on with all that, and yet had to go.

Anyone that was so point blank honest with me and told me to go for my patient safety, my home needs, my sanity... it was tough to hear, and I appreciated all your blunt and kind words. They were tough to read, and I read them over and over.

So I just wanted to say, that sometimes it's easy to knee jerk and be snarky here... sometimes someone really is looking for advice and simply needs to hear the tough words and needs them put softly because they are hurting.

I've finally healed and I'm leaving bedside ICU care for and EPS job. For all you wise folks that knew I was done then, I heard ya... and I'm finally ready, so thank you for your time, your "words" have stayed with me.

I'm ready to grow and move on... took a touch longer than I would have liked.. but with 15 years of a safety net, I had to wait for some healing and the right time.

You all do make a difference in what you say here and I wanted to give a sincere thanks to all your help, time and well wishes.

We're going to be just fine. Sincere thanks.

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Thanks for your post and comments. I'm also SUUUPER burned out and need a change. I haven't figured out what yet. I've got my application in to some desk jobs. I've been interviewed a bunch but haven't had any offers. =(

Here's where I wrote about it on my blog:

http://bedpans.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/burnout/

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

So glad you posted this! I never forgot that "burn out" post and to be honest, since you were so honest I don't beat myself up as much for thinking things that are born out of stress and exasperation with the relentless pressures of work and home. Sometimes they align as a perfect storm of hell. Thank you. :)

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Specializes in PICU.

Wishing you happiness and peace in your new transition.

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