Make me love nursing again!

Nurses General Nursing

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After 8 years, I'm embarrassed to say, I think I've become a victim of burn out! Med/surg, ICU, clinical coordinator, ICU, agency, SICU.

A number of circumstances have brought me to a point in my career where I'm "taking a break." Not all great (sick loved ones, a lap chole for me) but I'm at a place financially where I don't have to work for another few months (don't get too jealous, have bills out the wazoo, but no mortgage, no rent, no dependents, etc.)

Trying to find something educational/inspiring/creative/just-plain fun to do with the time before I hunker myself down w/ another full-time gig. Perhaps something that will remind me how great it feels to be a nurse again...

Any suggestions?

I know what you mean about wanting some time away. I did the same. When I went back, I tried a different area in nursing. I did home health. It was a nice change of pace. A lot of independence and I felt like I was treating the patient in his own setting. I have also done home IV therapy.

Specializes in CV-ICU.

Have you considered a personal inventory/assessment workshop for nurses? I attended a 3 day one last year (my employer paid my way) :D and it really helped me regain the perspective and energy to work in the CV-ICU high stress area I love.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I have taken 2 "sabaticals" from my career -- both times to go to graduate school. It was expensive both times, but well-worth the price and effort. Learning more and moving up the career ladder paid off in the long run by keeping me growing and learning.

Graduate school may not be for you ... but maybe some form of certification or continuing education, conferences, etc. could help refresh your career. Learning something new often has that effect on people.

llg

Originally posted by Jenny P

Have you considered a personal inventory/assessment workshop for nurses?

Sounds interesting. Do you know the name of it specifically or where I might find more information?

Originally posted by llg

I have taken 2 "sabaticals" from my career -- both times to go to graduate school. It was expensive both times, but well-worth the price and effort. Learning more and moving up the career ladder paid off in the long run by keeping me growing and learning.

Graduate school may not be for you ... but maybe some form of certification or continuing education, conferences, etc. could help refresh your career. Learning something new often has that effect on people.

llg

I actually started a graduate degree (a master's in jurisprudence...health law) but it just wasn't the right time for me (4 yrs ago). Not an option right now ($$$) but hopefully again in the future.

Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

Wish I could, believe me, but I haven't been able to convince myself lately.....

Specializes in CV-ICU.
Originally posted by jadednurse

Sounds interesting. Do you know the name of it specifically or where I might find more information?

This was a nursing personal mastery program through the hospital network here.

I have received brochures for similar programs offered by national companies in the past; and there are also special spiritual retreats for nurses that offer similar programs.

It cost about $150-$200 through the hospital system, and I earned 24 CEU's for it. I definitely reccommend it to others; I will probably go again and would gladly pay my own way too.

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