I really do feel depressed about the situation

Published

I have been out of work for almost 2 months now. I left LTC for the reason of moving up however job hunting as a recent LVN graduate is tough and in my personal life, 'y father doesn't want me to join the field of home healthcare (He said it's a dangerous step to do which I understand) Now, I am about to finish another semester in school and I will be stuck at home. I miss wearing my scrubs, working the floor and just talk with my patients about how their life is. It's like, life for me is not the same anymore. Being a nurse is the only thing I wanted to do and that makes me happy. Sometimes, I literally randomly feel empty and people around me would think I am upset at them or that there is something wrong but all I really feel is someone to listen to how I really miss the field. I know my family would never understand how it truly feels unless they're on my shoes. They said, I got nothing to worry about because I am still living under their roof and they can provide everything I need but that is not the point, the point is waking up another daylight and not doing the purpose of a nurse. And I do not know how to make them understand it without them getting upset at me and I cannot even express myself anymore. I also just recently got out of the hospital because I got sick and I did not tell them because I know they will compare how their body works to how mine does, how their pain is to my pain and I felt like getting sick is a crime at my house and I wanted to move out but I can't even do that because I am out of a job. I really do feel depressed about the situation! Please pray for me.

Specializes in Oncology.

It sounds like you're going through a rough patch. I'm sorry to hear that.

You mention leaving your LTC job because you were interested in getting a different job (at least that's the way I read it), but it sounds like you really miss it. Can you see if you can get that job back?

What are you going to school for? RN?

I'd also be curious to know how old you are if you're willing to share.

Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I think that you probably should at least go back to LTC for now and when you are settled there, start looking for the kind of job you would like to try.. If you are going to school for your RN, stay in LTC until you are finished. Sounds like you are really missing nursing and that is what you should be doing.in some way right now. It will help you to feel better about yourself.

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

It is not an inappropriate state to be in, given your present circumstances.

But there's some good news: You're identifying your feelings and reaching out for support, which means you're working on dealing with your depression.

The other good news is that you are the member of a website where others can and will relate with you. Not the whole enchilada, but a piece of it, anyway.

Keep on keeping on and, as virtual supporters, we're here for you.

The best to you, NurseEnvision!

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

First, let me say that I'm really sorry you're going through this. It's a tough situation to be in and I do hope it gets better for you.

Here is what I would do if I were you:

1: Go back to the LTC position, if possible, and keep it until something better has been secured.

2: Find an affordable apartment and move out of the parents' home as soon as possible. With all due respect, they mean well but should not be a deciding factor in what you do with your career. It's absolutely wonderful that they are willing to help you with whatever needs you have. So maybe they can help you secure an apartment after you return to your nursing job.

Your post makes me believe that you are very young. As such, I picture an young nurse who's having a little trouble with standing up for his/her independence, (per your post, you are very concerned about what your father thinks and how he'll react), and parents who are not yet ready to even gently push you out of the nest. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do in life, but it must be done at some point so that you can gain the self-confidence you'll most definitely need to take care of your patients and yourself.

Take care and good luck to you..

Sounds like a pretty emotionally draining environment to live in. I echo the advice on moving out. Sometimes, it's not the job. Sometimes its the living situation. I'm sure your parents love you, but sometimes you just need some distance. Same thing happened with my mom when I was 17. My mom had chronic pain issues on top of anxiety and depression and living with her during that time was almost impossible. So I moved in with my grandparents and our relationship improved tenfold after getting some distance. Her anxiety was putting me on edge and it really didn't help us have the relationship we should have. You need to be able to make decisions and live your life without a peanut gallery at home. You're old enough to live your own life and yes they are allowed their opinion and I'm sure you welcome their advice (When you ask for it...), but you need to make your own mistakes and find your own way. That's the only way we learn and grow.

Like the other said... see if you can't get your old job back or look into getting on at another facility, once you've gotten settled in... get an apartment by yourself or with a roommate if you choose, and go from there! Maybe get into a bridge program and get your ADN or BSN. Might open some doors for you position wise. It's definitely hard to get in bedside at some hospitals for LPN positions. Even people who have connections. I had a friend who was a monitor tech for yeeeears. When he got his LPN and tried to get hired at his hospital for a LPN position and they passed him over for it despite his seniority. They did give him a position eventually, but it was hard for a bit. Now he's been offered a position in Arlington, Texas and he's moving there right after Christmas. So you never know what's gonna happen! Keep on keeping on!

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

You've given yourself a very good reason for not quitting a job until you have another one lined up.

I'm sorry you're feeling down. It sounds like you're dealing with some self-esteem issues along with an uncomfortable living situation. Like others have said, if I were in your place, I'd consider going back to LTC, maybe even your old job, and get your own place as soon as you possibly can. Parents can be wonderfully supportive, but it seems yours are encouraging you to remain dependent on them. You will feel much better about yourself if you can work and manage your life on your own.

Please consider talking to someone if your depressed feelings continue. Life is hard enough without getting down on yourself. Wishing you the best.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Find an affordable apartment and move out of the parents' home as soon as possible. With all due respect, they mean well but should not be a deciding factor in what you do with your career.
Parents can be wonderfully supportive, but it seems yours are encouraging you to remain dependent on them. You will feel much better about yourself if you can work and manage your life on your own.

I concur with these suggestions. Nonetheless, I get the vibration that socio-cultural factors are contributing to the heavy degree of parental input into the OP's career trajectory well into adulthood.

I am 20 and yes I am going back for my RN.

Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I'm with the others, go back and see if you can get rehired, or look for another LTC spot. Be upfront with the interview, you thought you were moving on but miss it enough to want to return.

Move out.

Specializes in Hospice.

We are getting perilously close to a tos violation. Depression is a psychiatric diagnosis, among other things. I agree with finding professional help.

Get a nursing job. Do Home Health if you prefer it. At some point, you might have to reassure your father that you are handling it well. Take Tae Kwan Do or other self-defense class, carry pepper spray, avoid horrible neighborhoods, go only during daylight hours. We sometimes do have to stand up to our parents. It's not easy, as they generally do have our best interest at heart. Even so...

If you do stay at home with your parents, you can save money, which is advantageous for when you actually do go out on your own. Do some kind of work outside the home while you live with your parents, and develop a little social life. It's scary for parents to grow older and perhaps less able to care for themselves. Especially if you are the youngest child, or the last child to leave, they want you to stay with them. Do they have other children? Grandkids? Are they able to go out and do they have a social life?

You are still pretty young. I can see where your folks would still feel protective of you. Are they ill and in need of much help?

Are you depressed? Sounds like it, but we can't diagnose here. Can you talk to friends, pastor, priest, guidance counselor, anyone else? Relative who knows you and your parents well enough to see both sides?

Best wishes in all of your undertakings.

+ Join the Discussion