Kind of Off-Topic, but Here is why you have not seen me much lately:

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2007

Actually, I did notice your absence, just a couple of days ago. Glad to know you're on vacation, especially if you've been working a lot. Lots of discussion here on understaffing and over working. Enjoy your time off.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 8, 2007

Understaffing is a problem everywhere, it would seem, including where I am---------especially since our hospital was bought by a new corp, pennies are squealing like piglets. They are always looking to downsize, even though we have never been busier since our OB unit opened up officially some couple decades ago.

I find myself getting almost burnt out nowadays and that makes me beyond sad. I entered OB nursing wanting to care for people, really, simply and plainly. I find I am spending most of my time tending and caring for machines, not people, and chasing my tail as we keep getting new admits and have to almost draw straws to see who gets them because everyone is already maxed out. I feel almost resentful when a new labor patient shows up, which is not who I am! Now, I don't mind working hard, prefer it actually. Makes the shift go fast. BUT rending pee-poor care due to this? THIS is where I have issues and become depressed. It's also why I am considering changing roles a bit and working as a CBE for a gal I know who owns a flourishing Childbirth Ed business nearby. I want to find my soul again, before this company steals it for good.

Vacations are good for helping clear the mind and find my central being. Thanks for the nice reply, TNT! Glad to know I am not forgotten, rofl.

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2007

I want to find my soul again, before this company steals it for good.

You hit the NAIL on the head, Deb!

What you have described is exactly how I have been feeling for the past several years. Like you and many others here, I have also given my heart and soul to ungrateful (and greedy) employers for the past 37 years...and I, too have found myself literally unable to give anymore. And, what do they do?: downsize and reorganize even more, further compromising our ability to safely care for a patient population who has become sicker than ever.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation and the best of luck to you on your new venture!

CEG · Jul 8, 2007

I noticed you were gone. I want to be you when I grow up! Looking forward to see ing you back!

(I read more than I post in case I seem like a stalker, I am here alot:) )

bagladyrn, RN · Jul 9, 2007

Understaffing is a problem everywhere, it would seem, including where I am---------especially since our hospital was bought by a new corp, pennies are squealing like piglets. They are always looking to downsize, even though we have never been busier since our OB unit opened up officially some couple decades ago.
I find myself getting almost burnt out nowadays and that makes me beyond sad. I entered OB nursing wanting to care for people, really, simply and plainly. I find I am spending most of my time tending and caring for machines, not people, and chasing my tail as we keep getting new admits and have to almost draw straws to see who gets them because everyone is already maxed out. I feel almost resentful when a new labor patient shows up, which is not who I am! Now, I don't mind working hard, prefer it actually. Makes the shift go fast. BUT rending pee-poor care due to this? THIS is where I have issues and become depressed. It's also why I am considering changing roles a bit and working as a CBE for a gal I know who owns a flourishing Childbirth Ed business nearby. I want to find my soul again, before this company steals it for good.
Vacations are good for helping clear the mind and find my central being. Thanks for the nice reply, TNT! Glad to know I am not forgotten, rofl.

Glad to hear the reasons for your absence have been good ones!

Sorry to hear, though, that you are feeling pressured and stressed on the job. I've been there and did find a role change that made a big difference for me. I became a traveler and alternate between bigger facilities and smaller rural facilities in underserved areas where I can still feel I'm making a difference. I also have taken to switching my area on occasion - I'm currently taking a "break" from Labor and working High Risk Antepartum. Different pace and different needs being addressed - I get to spend more time addressing the psychological and emotional needs of my pts. as well as the physical.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

imenid37 · Jul 9, 2007

A good woman needs a good vacation! Enjoy yourself. I too feel a little crispy fried myself lately and in need of a bit of inner peace. When you put a lot of youreself into something, your dismay when it comes, does run deep. I give so much sometimes, I feel disappointed. Not because I don't want to give, but because I wish I could give more or give something else too. Of course, I 'd like a little time too to do some "me stuff" too, like exercise. Anyway, you'll be back soon enough and hopefully feeling better too.

crissrn27, RN · Jul 9, 2007

Enjoy your vacation SBE, "see" you soon!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2007

I guess you may have noticed my absence (or not lol).

I'm another poster who noticed your absence. I think I first noticed a few weeks ago...

It's nice to see you posting again, albeit less actively. :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 11, 2007

You are right; good nurses need good vacations and reminders of how hard we work, doing so much for so many for very little, often in return. I feel better already. Amazing what the beach does for my mind---no drug comes close. thanks for the very thoughtful and kind replies. It's good to be missed. Better, I am afraid, to take the time away, albeit missing YOU.

mitchsmom · Jul 13, 2007

Hope you are having/had a great time!

Keep us posted. ((hugs))