New Nurse Burn Out ??

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi All.

I'm a relatively new nurse, I started in June of 2022 with my RN. I currently work in a small hospital on a medical/surgical unit and float to the ortho/post-surgical unit. I have a pretty good ratio of 3-4 patients so I can't super complain there. I do however feel really burnt out. I just started anti-depressants because I have no gumption for my life/career anymore. I get so irritated with the frequent flyers that stay 3-6 months at a time, my hospitalists (we only have a core 4-5) can get on my nerves, and my management makes me angry with the constant changes in rule. I'm a strong nurse, I get along with my patients, and I know what I'm doing butttt I don't know if I just don't like nursing or if I need to find a new specialty. I like the variety of med surg but get so angry at work. I really like my coworkers but wonder if it's time to switch to a new job. Basically looking for advice, a push to switch jobs or something. 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I think from your post that you need to give yourself a little time for things to shake out. Your complaints are pretty non-specific, you say you get along with your patients but if you're getting annoyed with the frequent flyers that's likely to come through to patients. And what do the hospitalists do that get on your nerves? And having no interest in your life/career anymore definitely sounds more global than just due to work stresses. Hopefully if you find a balance with your medications and focusing on healthy choices when not at work, like eat and sleep as well as you can, and find hobbies and interests outside of work that you enjoy, maybe you will find these things more tolerable. It hasn't been much more than a year, even if you feel like you're a strong nurse, you're still just developing your practice. Perhaps another specialty will eventually be a better fit, but I wouldn't necessarily jump ship while you're generally unsettled/unhappy. Good luck!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Maybe give your antidepressants enough time to work and re-evaluate. Irritability and lack of joy are signs of depression. Good luck ?

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