preventing burnout

I am an RN nursing student graduating in May. In June, I start my first job on the surgical floor of my local hospital, working the evening shift. This is a second career for me. I was in the teaching profession prior to nursing school, plus raised a family. I am starting my nursing career at the age of 52, and want to work at nursing until retirement age. I am concerned about the rapid bunout rate of nurses that I keep reading about-especially in hospital nursing. Does anyone have any suggestions about I can "take care of myself" well enough so as not to have burnout happen to me? I am really excited about nursing now, and eager to start working.

Burnout occurs in nursing. Acceptance of this fact is important. Do NOT allow it to discourage you from pursuing the profession.

I suffered burnout as a MOM, but would NEVER trade that profession for anything else. I LOVED raising my children, and would do it all over again if given that opportunity. :)

In nursing, you recognize your limitations, respect those limitations, and give as passionately as you are able to the profession. If you can do this, then you have given the BEST of yourself in any given day's work as a nurse. At the end of that day, evening, or night shift...clock out, take some deep breaths, and leave it behind you when you pass through the EXIT door. Go home and love yourself and your family completely during your off hours. I wish you the best in your endeavors of becoming a nurse. Then, after you become a nurse, know when to "clock out" from the job, and "clock in" to life outside of work. :kiss

Nighty-night all!

Burnout occurs in nursing. Acceptance of this fact is important. Do NOT allow it to discourage you from pursuing the profession.

I suffered burnout as a MOM, but would NEVER trade that profession for anything else. I LOVED raising my children, and would do it all over again if given that opportunity. :)

In nursing, you recognize your limitations, respect those limitations, and give as passionately as you are able to the profession. If you can do this, then you have given the BEST of yourself in any given day's work as a nurse. At the end of that day, evening, or night shift...clock out, take some deep breaths, and leave it behind you when you pass through the EXIT door. Go home and love yourself and your family completely during your off hours. I wish you the best in your endeavors of becoming a nurse. Then, after you become a nurse, know when to "clock out" from the job, and "clock in" to life outside of work. :kiss

Nighty-night all!

:) Good luck......... keep good records........and enjoy

:) Good luck......... keep good records........and enjoy

I've found changing jobs whenever you feel it necessary. Move to a new area, learn what you can, then move on. I also think working two or more jobs part-time helps. If one job is getting bad, you only have to deal with it two days a week. Chances are, things on your other job are going okay and can provide you with some positive experiences. Don't put all of your professional eggs in one basket.

Edward, IL

One thing to avoid when you are new is OT. Take all you holidays off, refuse overtime. Use you sick time if you are sick. I have watched new people eagerly try to be a good sport and say yes to every request for them to work over. The nicer and more compliant you are the quicker you will burnout.

Change jobs or specialities if needed, good sense of humor, couple pair of good shoes & support knee socks, & take vacations when you get a chance...even if they are mini ones...just tinkering around in your yard etc....you & your body will need the R & R.

These are actually good suggestions for any profession. Keep them coming.

read a very good book about this. i talked about the stages...in recognizing that right now you are in the honeymoon and i can't remember the other 5 stages, but one is disillusionment and depression. the previous ideas given will help.......