Overwhelmed but scared to disappoint...

[CGauvinRN]

I graduated a year ago this month, started working right away, 2 days orientation then on my own, a few months later I was promoted to RN supervisor for 7-3 shift mon-fri. I again had about 3 days orientation then on my own. I've been doing ok I guess but I've recently found myself very overwhelmed, 120 bed subacute facility and I'm a perfectionist, I can't leave until everything is done, I'm doing 10+ hrs a day, by the time I get out I'm exhausted, withdrawn, and have splitting headaches. I get home and isolate myself in my room, not spending the time I should with my 5 and 6 year old daughters or my amazingly supportive husband. I'm terrified to disappoint my boss so I don't say anything about how I'm feeling but it's getting worse and I'm getting more anxious/depressed. I know as a newer RN I have a lot to learn, I don't even know what I don't know yet. Any advice on how to improve this situation I find myself in? Anyone else have a similar prob that can give me tips on how to manage my stress and balance my overwhelming job and my family?

[itsmejuli]

You and your family are priority number one always. If I was in your shoes I'd be finding another job.

[Marshall1]

Find another job or set limits - if you are being asked to stay over tell your boss that is cannot be the "rule" that overtime has to be the "exception" because of your health and family. Employers - especially those that are in a real need - will take advantage of whomever they feel they can count on the most.

And remember, the day you die there will STILL be things in your "in box" and on your "to do" list so at home, at work or for yourself - you can only do so much and its never going to "all" get done. NO JOB is worth giving up time w/your family or your health. Yes, everyone needs to do their share but as the other poster said - family should be first. Time goes faster than you think.

Good luck.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

If you are scheduled to work 7a-3p then you really need to stick to that or you will crash and burn. Nursing is non stop 24/7, something always needs to be done but that doesn't mean that YOU have to do it all. Set limits and real expectations for yourself. Prioritize your shift.. What is expected of you each shift?? Do you take pts?? Lists can be a great way to set limits and prioritize your day..

Start with the must do's.. Learn to delegate, other staff and CNA's can get or do things for the residents also. Some things will be passed on to other shifts or to be completed the next day..Soon you will have a system that works well for you. This part is the hardest, you can not do it all and you will not be perfect in everything.. Start each shift telling yourself you will be safe and attentive but not sacrifice time for yourself or your family..

Once you clock out close after your shift end, stop by the coffee shop and get yourself a treat, unwind then continue home. You may find unwinding before you get home you are more refreshed and less likely to hide from the world and your family.. We can only give so much :) If you are not able to free yourself and balance both work and home, maybe a different job will be a better fit for you.

[CGauvinRN]

Thanks everyone I think that making a list of must get done this shift and delegating more will help a lot, I'm gonna give it a try, I'm willing to try anything. I love being a nurse more than anything and I can't imagine doing anything else but I love my family more and I'm no good as a nurse or a wife or a mother if I'm burnt out, again thanks so much for the advice! And ill def try the winding down before going home too I feel like that might really help, just to get my head straight and reenergize, can't believe I never thought of doing that lol

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The nursing supervisor position has been available at my workplace for a few months. HR has had to advertise it externally because no internal employees want it. There's a reason no internal employees want it!

I would ask for a demotion to a position as a regular floor nurse. There should be no shame in your game for doing this if it will alleviate your stress level. Or if worse comes to worse, seek another job altogether.

Good luck to you.

[LTCnurse11]

There is no way I would ever have taken a job like that without experience. 1 year isn't even enough time to know how to manage tasks let alone run a subacute unit. Wow. Good luck.

[atlnurse477]

What a difficult situation, but actually, the choice is just yours. I don’t think your boss will be disappointed if you will just discuss to him/her your situation very well. Work will always be there, it will not be hard for you to look for a job considering your attitude towards work., so don’t be afraid of losing it. Health and family should always be a priority!