Just had an emotional breakdown at work.

[unikuelady]

I just had an emotional breakdown at work. I couldn't stop crying, I yelled at co-workers who didn't deserve it, cried in front of several doctors and was barely able to care for my patients, I made a idiot of myself to my manager.....down....down....down until I realized that I needed to leave. I didn't see it comming....it just hit me all of a sudden. Yes there are alot of things going on in my personal life....last child left the nest...another pregnant...etc that I know we all have going on. Then at work we got started late with report, MD's wanting information NOW!, orders not put in from previous shift, drains backing-up in patients rooms.....supplies missing...etc. It was just too much. I ended up leaving early due to my request and insistance of my manager. My replacement arrived 30 min later. I was still crying..barely able to give report to her and finish my charting.

Now (several hours later and at home) I feel so ashamed, How can I face the people that I work with? I have been given several letters and awards of recognition during the last couple of months for being an excellent Nurse in my department. I feel like I have let everyone I work with down. And my patients down. I didn't cry in front of my patients or feel I compromised their care-but felt I could have if I had finished the shift.

Has this happened to any of you? How did you handle it when you went back to work? I've only been a Nurse for 5 years now and I feel so exhausted.

[RN-PA, RN]

Thanks for the update, unikue-- glad to hear that things will likely get better for you with the changes you're making.

[TracyB,RN, RN]

Hmmm, what timing. I also cried at work the other day. I cry when I get mad. And boy, I was ticked off. Brand new group of patients that I knew zip about, on top of a p***-poor report, along with having to fix just about everything the previous shift didn't. . . tubings weren't changed, accuchecks weren't done, bubblers gone dry, etc, etc. I just wanted to scream. But hey, a few tears were shed, meds were late, but it all got done. Of course, I got 2 hours OT in the process, but still. . .I didn't want the OT. I just wanted everybody to do what they were supposed. Oh, well, chalk it up to healthcare. :)

[rileygrl11, BSN, RN]

OMG!!!!! You are so not alone! I broke down this week at work before my shift due to a confrontation (stupid political crap) and had to go home because I could not stop crying. Worst of all, when I went to the locker room/report room to get my stuff, both shifts were in the middle of report. Nothing like crying and having 2/3 of the staff see you like that.

It has happened to all of us. Take care of yourself and here's a HUGE HUG!!!!

[Audreyfay]

I've had meltdowns. I quit counting...after 27 years of nursing. I just know that when it happens, that I have to start looking at what I need to change. As time went on, I learned the steps progressing to the meltdown and made changes before they happened. I'm so glad everything worked out well. You obviously are a very special person and great nurse. I'm so glad that your co-workers and manager were understanding and supportive. I've usually ended up packing my bags and moving for other fields. Good for you! CLAP CLAP!

[momrn50]

Melt downs?? You bet!!! Most recent one, 3 admissions and a transfer from another floor, 5 deaths in 4 days, 2 irate family members who want to know what happened to mother's pink nightgown, an MD who wouldn't talk to a certain nurse, but waited till she was gone to give orders on an admit on her shift, a supervisor who doesn't help, and a narcotics theft...all in one wonder ful day...melt down???? Of course, then you just jump back in....hard old job isn"t it???

[kitty29]

Glad I'm not alone either, lately because of family stuff, I feel like I'm crying every day. I hate it, doesn't solve anything I just get red puffy eyes and a headache.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

unikuelady, glad to hear you're talking some proactive steps. Glad also that you've good some good people working there, your manager spent two hours trying to work with you. That says a lot.

We care too! Best wishes!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by Clarisse

Just had the same episode, I almost destroyed my marriage, but the last minut, I asked my husband I need help. Right now, I'm taking care myself too. Talk to a proffesional, it doesnt help and it saved my life. Our work is very stressful,if nobody tells me I did a good job, I give myself a pat in the back.

Best wishes to you too!