Mentally Tired

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I need some suggestions...what do you all do when you are physically and mentally fatigued? I have been a nurse since June of last year, and it has been an overwhelming period of time for me.

I started off by being accepted into a program at my job that granted me leave with pay for the two years it took me to become an LPN. I worked my butt off because I was afraid to fail (had we failed, we would have had to pay back the tuition as well as the salary...a net of at least $50,000). While I was away from my job, eyes were still on us, because they were sponsoring us. I got excellent grades, because I wanted to be accepted into the nursing program by my own merit and not any side deals which happened for many of my co-workers. Had to come back to work immediately after graduation and then get used to working again and studying for the boards. After two weeks of being back to work, I took off a month to study at peace for NCLEX. Started orientation and now I am working in a clinic. I am mentally tired because the need is so great...we have a high population of clients that cannot read or write, immigrants and poor. Even though I live in the metropolitan area in NYC, this is a city hospital that takes in all of those that are unable to pay (not criticizing the clients, folks). The employees are people who get away with murder because we have strong unions that keep crappy people. My feet hurt, my body aches and the weekends are too short for words, especially since I have taken on a home care case on Saturdays because I am trying to pay off bills and begin saving money. I don't spend any of my extra money, it all is going to pay off old bills so that I can begin to live a bit more comfortably.

It is to a point where I don't really have a life after work because I am too tired to deal with people and their personalities. I don't like to visit people, and now, prefer to be at home where I can escape from folks. I don't even call my in-laws because speaking to them is too trying. Is life always going to be like this for nurses?? It is to the point that I want to cry each Sunday evening because here is the mess for Monday all over again. Long lines of people begging to be seen and administration turning a blind eye to the fatigued employees trying to deal with all of them...whew!!! I am exhausted!! Thanks for listening...maybe I needed to get this off of my chest!

[Jules A, MSN]

Wow, I'm overwhelmed just reading your post. As a short term fix, is there anyway you can take 2 or 3 days off in a row? Just veg, read magazines, watch silly TV, don't get out of your pjamas etc. it might give you a second wind to at least tide you over until you get your groove back. Best to you, Jules

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Wow, I'm overwhelmed just reading your post. As a short term fix, is there anyway you can take 2 or 3 days off in a row? Just veg, read magazines, watch silly TV, don't get out of your pjamas etc. it might give you a second wind to at least tide you over until you get your groove back. Best to you, Jules

I really need to do that. I took some sick days, but that can be a disadvantage for a person that is new to the job...it looks like a pattern is developing. However, I do need the mental break. School kicked my behind, and the stress of the job makes me sometimes think that nursing isn't my thing. Actually, I make that comment out of fatigue, but I do hope that this is not the picture of the rest of my working years.

[Fiona59]

I think you need to loose the weekend job for a while. When I first graduated I worked casual at four different facilities and wanted my loans paid off quickly.

Looking back, it just wasn't worth it to clear the student loans off that fast.

[burgandygirl]

well i can understand being fatigued and overwhelmed as a new nurse, i have been a lvn for 7 months now and its been the hardest 7 of my life. i feel the pressure to preform and learn and be the best new grad nurse as i can. I can only tell you this, find those things that make you happy and do them and turn off work and the pressures and just enjoy yourself for that time. Cut out what you dont need and let the weekend job go if you can. Read a good book, take a long peaceful drive on a day off just for you, get a massage and get your nails and hair done, anything you can do to just enjoy being you! I've learned to find the little things in life where i can take mini vacations from my stress.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I appreciate all of your supportive suggestions. I think that I will opt to take a few days off within a few weeks. I can't let go of the second job right now because I really have to pay some things off in a hurry; and also, I always buy my son't college textbooks at the beginning of the semester, and he started school today. After I receive my income tax, I can consider cutting down on the hours. But, I will take the time off and ensure that I don't drive myself crazy in the meantime. Thank you all for all of the advice and support!

[linzz]

Me too, I am also a new grad and I am just beat. I am also in a terrible job that I can't even do, so who knows if they will keep me. I think I too need to relax. I also have in law problems and have just had another new one dropped on my lap. Somedays I just think who decided that this should be my life. Good luck to you.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Last week, I had a flood in my basement, had to replace my boiler and my hot water heater needs more parts. Behind this, I had to take off three days from work (since I work in a clinic, I had a three day weekend). This cost me over $5000 and, yet, because I had six days in a row off, I am actually happy. Is life strange or what??

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Last week, I had a flood in my basement, had to replace my boiler and my hot water heater needs more parts. Behind this, I had to take off three days from work (since I work in a clinic, I had a three day weekend). This cost me over $5000 and, yet, because I had six days in a row off, I am actually happy. Is life strange or what??

I hear you.

I am actually beginning to enjoy school far more than the workplace. I would find my job more pleasurable if if weren't for the politics, management, and abusive family members. Luckily, I always have 5 days off in a row.

[linzz]

I don't have many hours at the end of March and the start of April and I am so glad and I need the $$. How twisted is that!