I’m an empath and I need help!

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Hi! I’ve been an RN since 2010.  I work Tele, Med/Surg, ICU and now I’m in PACU. I used to love PACU - compared to ICU is was waaaay less stress. I’ve been there 2 years and now I dread going to work. I’m an empath and I get overstimulated by all of the noise and constant interruptions. So now I’m grouchy and don’t want to be there. Every little thing seems to get on my nerves - including my patients and co-workers. 
 

To cope, I’m quiet and keep to myself. It’s a way to protect myself. 
 

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to a: cope with all of the noise and chaos, and b: feel calm and cheerful?

I’ve tried cognitive behavioral therapy, reframing, meditation- these don’t seem to work long term. 
 

I’d appreciate any suggestions. Quitting my job isn’t an option right now. I’ve wondered if a job away from patient care might be better for me. 

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

So we can't give medical advice, but I would encourage you to talk to your provider about options for treating your anxiety so that you can cope with the stimulation of your environment. There's more things out there than just benzos and antidepressants for anxiety, that'd be a good conversation to have your PCP.

I know you say you can't quit now, but I was reading your post and the first thing that popped in my head is Home Health or hospice. You have plenty of experience to do either and the nice part is that you are with one patient at a time, something to consider!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I also thought that a home health job might be a better fit for you right now. I'm sure that being bothered by all of the distractions must be a big challenge in a unit filled with all the bells and whistles. Wish I had more advice, hope you can find something that works for you!

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Specializes in Psych.

I hear you. I am an empath with ADHD. I work telephone triage now and love it!

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Thank you! I’ve thought about telephone triage nursing! I’ll have to research that.  

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I’ve worked in home health for about 7 years after I was burned out doing bedside hospital nursing. That’s the great thing about being a nurse is the variety of jobs. I would recommend putting a resume on Indeed. There’s are various jobs daily that pop up. I’m also an empath. Good luck!?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 1/28/2021 at 12:06 PM, CrzyCatLady86 said:

Hi! I’ve been an RN since 2010.  I work Tele, Med/Surg, ICU and now I’m in PACU. I used to love PACU - compared to ICU is was waaaay less stress. I’ve been there 2 years and now I dread going to work. I’m an empath and I get overstimulated by all of the noise and constant interruptions. So now I’m grouchy and don’t want to be there. Every little thing seems to get on my nerves - including my patients and co-workers. 
 

High what you are describing is not charactaristic of a person who is an empath.  Being an Empath or empathic has nothing to do with response to loud noise and interuption. This sounds more like an individual's inabilty to cope with certain stressors. 

"The term empath comes from empathy, which is the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of others outside of your own perspective. ... You actually sense and feel emotions as if they're part of your own experience. In other words, someone else's pain and happiness become your pain and happiness."

We can't give medical advice here but whenever I have problem that effects my abilities in this way I start with my physician as a simple medical problem might be the answer. 

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