Its probably time for me to leave

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I posted a few weeks ago about feeling burnt out, and the feeling has continued. I'm considering leaving after one year. I feel sad about it, though. I feel that maybe I just couldn't hack it, or that maybe I'm not a good nurse. I just cant handle every day being a race to get so much done, driving hundreds of miles a week, on call every other weekend, and just no consistency. I feel like I have no life. I'm so emotionally drained. I realized yesterday I've just stopped caring. I miss working 3 12s. I miss the flexibility. I miss having energy. I know that burn out is fairly common. But I feel guilty, and I feel like a failure. I really love the idea of hospice but I think in practice it's just too much for me.

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Have you considered a reduced role, perhaps with another employer? Would be a shame to leave the specialty if something could be adjusted to make it manageable for you. Best wishes on whatever you choose to do.

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If I could find a 3 12s or 4 10s on call gig, I would jump at it. Those are hard to find. I think I'll end up getting a hospital job and then find a casual position. I think case managing is just not for me, but casual would definitely be a good fit.

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Specializes in Private Health Advisor and Writer.

I think it is easy to feel like a failure because as nurses we are taught that no matter what, we can never give up. This is a part of our culture, one we should put behind us. In almost every other career on the planet people are actively encouraged to find their passion, do what they love, and above all else.....quit a job that is a bad fit. No where but in nursing do you hear people questioning whether hating your job is a good enough reason to quit!! Go find something you like and chalk this up to a learning experience! Good luck to you.

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