I don't think I can do this anymore...

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

mc3 time for a long vacation or a change in specialties? Maybe remind yourself that it's not you it's them? Sometimes you have to care a little bit less and just provide the "service" with courtesy and emotional detachment in order to save your sanity and keep earning a pay check?
eriksoln, I'm not being sarcastic but are there other kinds of patients?
Maybe it's too much T.V that makes people believe that a pill or an operation will fix them instantly?
What I experience of lot of in LTC is that many people think death is a result of negligence rather than the disease process or old age. People also seem to believe that conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's are reversible. They will ask when their very old, demented, peg tubed relative will walk, talk, be able to eat po again. I ask them what have they been told and they usually have been given accurate info but they still seem to believe that a particular drug or therapy will reverse an inevitable process. I guess is psychological, some sort of anticipatory grief but it makes the job very difficult when you are dealing with angry people who abuse you because you can't cure old age or terminal illness.

Yeah. I've been trying very hard to get away from M/S. Its not for me. They like me there though cause I am efficient, but its an unhealthy match for me to be there. I get toxic dealing with medical patients. Too much of the type of pt. I described.

The economy has slowed down my efforts to leave the M/S field. People see on my application that I have experience in M/S plus a little more and want me there. I've had HR offices string me along, acting as if I am being considered for an ICU position, then come up with some excuse that they "Prefer you take a M/S position, just to help us out for a few months, then down the road you can transfer." Unfortunately, I think I waited too long to decide to go back to being a staff nurse instead of traveling. Now, at least until the economy improves, I am stuck on M/S humoring pt's with no chance of getting better because in their minds..........them getting better is everyone else's problem.

Nccity2002, MSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

Dear Mc3,

Please reconsider your decision. The beauty of nursing is in the fact that we have sp many options to choose from, that prevent us from becoming burn out. We all know that changes can be scary, but it seems to me that this is a good time for you to make a change. Consider taking that long waited vacation that you had been dreaming about, clear your head and get back on the game.:icon_hug:

HealingBalm · Nov 5, 2009

Wow I actually came on here to write something just like this! I've been a nurse for 4 years and I'm starting to feel the same way. I'm thinking maybe I should have done pharmacy. I would be better off financilly and maybe I wouldn't have to deal with so much drama. I used to do ER and yes I did meet some very nice people but most of them were just like the ones you spoke about. Now I do NICU and the patients are much better but the politics are still there. It could be working with so many women, working 12's or working nights that has me feeling like this and not necessarily nursing but i don't know. I love helping people but trying to do that while complying with all the rules and regulating agencies, policies, one doc or one charge nurse wanting you to do it this way and another wanting you to do it that way is too much pressure. Also the thought that two yrs down the road someone can hit us with a lawsuit and I have go to court about something I barely remember has always scared me. Most of the nurses I know that graduated around the same time as me feel the same way and end up hoping around to different types of nursing hoping to find something better. I just started a new job and its okay so far, hopefully I can stick it out. I'm hoping to get out of the hospital and off of nights sooner than later though. As a matter of fact I need to go get ready for work now!

You have poured out everything that I have been feeling for the last few years. With staff cuts, and more responsibilities placed on our shoulders, no wonder nurses are leaving the profession. I feel very sad that you are relatively new to nursing, and already experiencing burnout. I have worked the night shift for more years than I care to remember. Working nights can be a convinience but it can wreck havoc on the circadian rhythm. We (night shift) people tend not eat well, or get enough rest. So much to do and a small window to get patient care done. I suggest that you make a list of what you enjoy doing. Maybe a complete career change? Do you love animals? You could look into working for a veterinarian. Love cooking or baking? Just remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This too shall pass. HB

SoundofMusic · Nov 5, 2009

I'm sorry, OP. I don't know what's wrong with people nowadays. I'm so disenchanted now with anyone over 50 it seems. I've also never seen such attitudes. They know they can do it, too, w/ the way our healthcare system seems to work. This litigious, PressGaney type environment has shot it (nursing) all to hell.

I've only been a nurse now for 2 years, and already the light is burning out. After 2 YEARS! I used to get excited about so much, but now it's just waiting to get from one day off to the next.

I myself want to get to grad school, but may have to wait a bit. It's very hard.

I say if you can take a break and it won't hurt you financially, DO IT. Your health, your soul, your mental health is so worth it. Life is short -- be as happy as you can with your situation.

systoly · Nov 5, 2009

Dear mc3,

I think your situation hit home with a whole bunch of us. I am very sad to hear about six years of hospice experience possibly get lost. Most of what I know about end of life care, pain control, analgesic equivalencies, managing several dying patients and their families, and more, I was taught by hospice nurses. Please take good care of yourself.

newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 5, 2009

I feel the same way. I've only been a nurse for just over 3 years and I feel pretty darned close to burned out too. I work as a per diem float at my hospital and was getting called off a lot so I started looking for a second position. To my complete surprise I found an opening for a casual position working primary care in a community setting so I'm hoping to combine these two jobs into some kind of perfect mix--hopefully some low stress work and some bedside work to keep my skills up. The low stress job doesn't pay nearly what the bedside job does but I'm hoping my sanity is worth the pay cut. Keep your eyes open for something different--explore unusual possibilities.

ONCRN84 · Nov 5, 2009

Count me into this conversation. I've been a nurse for almost 3 years and I'm fed up. I continually search the classifieds for something different. I've researched different career tracks, getting my MSN, etc. I've also considered working part time at PetSmart or something. I'm trying to get my husband to move back to our home town so I can go back to my maternal child health job full time and pick up shifts at my hospital, but he's not having it.

Hang in there. There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Nursing has made me hate people, but it's also taught me a lot about human nature and myself.

jessiern, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

Nursing has become such a toxic environment. I've only been in direct patient care for 5 years now (2 years as a tech), but I find that just in that time pt and family have become more demanding and intitled. I am severly burnt out as well, but due to finincial obligation I can't afford to get out. And, like so many, just can't find another position.

If you can get out, I say go for it. This job, and profession, aren't what it used to be, and frankly isn't worth your sanity. My husband and I are scraping pennies trying to pay off debt so I can get out of it. Just hang in there, and don't let it beat you down too much while you make your getaway.

cynicalnurse · Nov 5, 2009

it sounds so wrong but...i am happy there are nurses out there that feel the same way i do!!! 5 years in and i completely hate it. between the threats of lawsuits over ANYthing, overly demanding people, catty coworkers, the hours and crappy schedules i am OVER it!

sarajasmine · Nov 5, 2009

I don't know how long you've been in Nursing, but I understand 'Burnout'! I've been in Nursing for 27 yrs. One option is to work for an agency-different assignments. Occassionally, you want to work there for a while. I did M/S Nsg then, ICU-Tele, but as I have gotten older I am not into the adrenaline rush of trauma and codes. I have found that working in Mental health is interesting. Not alot of emergencies or dying...just trying to get people to take their meds or deal with elabling family members. I understand what you're saying-I sometimes feel I've done enough, when I get hm I don't want anyone to ask me for anything, but then I feel guilty! Maybe check out different specialties and see if they are willing to train you for that specialty. Forensic Nursing is on the rise. My email is sarajasmine@ att.net if you need to talk!

Best wishes for all that is good,

Jane Scribner, RN

mc3, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

Oh my gosh. I never expected all the responses I got! I am sitting here with tears running down my face. Thank you all so, so much for your understanding, caring and suggestions. I think you're right. I'm caring too much and it's worn me out. I will take the time to rest and nuture myself (and I like the idea of working at Petsmart!) and reconsider where to go from here. If there's anything I learned in my hospice work, it was to enjoy each day because life is too short. You all just reminded me of that, and touched my heart more than I can say. I loved my hospice work, and hope to get back to it someday but perhaps in a different capacity.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my :redbeathe.

mc3

RadRNMSN · Nov 5, 2009

This may seem ridiculious, but I've been a nurse for 4 years and reached burnout after only 2. I was an ER nurse and saw EVERY kind of patient. After a year and a half and almost reaching my breaking point, I started to work in intervential radiology and cardiology. I started on my MSN in education and just recently finished. While studying for my masters, I took a staff development position. Boy I learned the grass is not even a little bit greener on the other side. Soa now I was out of patient care and could take a breather, but now it was just a horse of a different color. Administrative politics, paperwork, TJC compliance readiness, etc., I found myself longing for that interaction with the patients.

So In August I gave my notice and I have been out of work since Sept. 1. I got married Oct. 10th and I finished graduate school Nov. 1. Now I'm going back to my job in patient care as a radiology/cath lab nurse. While I'm not going to use my degree right yet, I need to spend some more time with patients. I came to this conclusion only after I took the time off.

Time off is well worth it. It allowed me the time to collect my thoughts and reflect on what I really want. I'm going right back to the hospital I used to work at and it will be interesting to see how the nursing administration will react to me with my MSN going back to the cath lab. There are educator positions (one of which I applied for and have scheduled interviews which I have cancelled) and I know they will look down upon my decision, but you know what, I'll be happy. That's the most important thing to me and my family (my husband and my dog, hehe.)

So take some time, rediscover yourself, set goals, and do whatever your heart desires because you deserve it!