Mississippi's nurses are resigning to protect themselves from Covid-19 burnout

[NRSKarenRN]

Mississippi's nurses are resigning to protect themselves from Covid-19 burnout

'It feels like we're fighting an unwinnable war': Nurse on decision to resign.
 

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..."It looks heroic," Atherton, of Singing River Ocean Springs Hospital, told CNN. "But that's not what it is. It's sweaty and hard and chaotic and bloody. And it's hard to live in this every day and then go home and live a normal life."

Mississippi now has at least 2,000 fewer nurses than it did at the beginning of the year, according to the Mississippi Hospital Association's Center for Quality & Workforce. The staff shortages add to the growing strain on the state's hospital system -- both due, in large part, to the Covid-19 pandemic....

 

 

[toomuchbaloney]

22 minutes ago, dogmombyday said:

 

this was more rambling than I intended but I am so tired.

You're welcome to ramble here. 

[CampyCamp, RN]

I left the hospital in PA. I can't do another covid surge in the ICU. I took care of a lot of entitled people who were absolute jerks to staff last time. With so many of these people consciously refusing vaccinations, I expect more of the same. I feel bad for the nurses and innocent patients left behind. I always thought if this sort of thing happened, I'd be giving it my all until the end. But it's gone. I've already given it all. And been called rude names, harassed by patients pushing the call bell or throwing off their bipap to demand water v when they know the answer is no because they desat dangerously without bipap, and had patients call me a liar as I'm opening the intubation tray on their table. Done. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

5 hours ago, dogmombyday said:

I have seen more than enough death to last me the rest of my career in the last year and a half.

I'm right there with you! My unit is a bit smaller than yours, but last week we lost two women and a man all in their 50s, and not incredibly unhealthy, other than COVID. Right now the patients we have on ventilators are 40, 48, 49, 54 and 76. The only one likely to make it is the vaccinated 76 year old. So many of these people are in disbelief that they've gotten sick, no one thinks it's going to happen them. Take care of yourself, we'll get through this! 

[HarleyvQuinn, MSN, RN, NP]

7 hours ago, dogmombyday said:

 

this was more rambling than I intended but I am so tired. So, I guess, if you’re reading this and you think it’s “not that bad” or “no one you know has died from it” or whatever excuse you use, please know that it is, actually, that bad. And while no one you know may have died, I have seen more than enough death to last me the rest of my career in the last year and a half. 

 Please take care of yourself and remember that you're not alone. What you are going through is extremely hard and anyone would struggle with it. Believe me. I'm pulling for all of you and know the toll that this sort of work can take on the mind, body, and soul. Don't hesitate to speak with someone if you need to whether that is someone in mental health or a spiritual advisor. We all need to stand with each other in this time. As you said, our profession and healthcare are facing a crisis that can result in a great many people leaving due to the strain and trauma. 

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

Dogmombyday, Go ahead and ramble. You have the right here.

I wish the public could see you explain all of these details up close. All they see is a covered body in a bed with the face blurred out (or a photo of a vented patient if the family gives permission). They don't notice the chest rising and falling quickly as the patient is assisted to breathe. They don't realize how debilitating this disease can be. Thank God my entire family is vaccinated.