MidlifeRN

IF you had brains you'd stay in the newsroom

I agree with everything you've stated. The job took a toll on me to the point that I got so depressed that I had to leave. I picked this profession because I care about people, as do most who have chosen this profession. After spending 8 yrs in Med-Surg. 2 in ICU. I finally had to come to terms with the reality of the conditions. I have thought for a long time there should be a nationwide strike, then what would all the consumers, doctors and administrators do? This is the only way things are going to change...We have worked hard in school to obtain our licenses. Why are we any different from other professionals. If this were going in a corporate office it would be the top story on the evening news. People not being able to take a break to pee! Doesn't that sound rediculous! Sad but true. Does the American public know that there lives are on the line? Guess not otherwise we would'nt be in here BITCHING!!!!

Thanks so much for your support

Hi, I am new to this forum and was relieved to see that there are other nurses out there suffering from bipolar disorder. Prior to my diagnosis I was a med/surg nurse. I was skilled and had all the compassion necessary that made me a great nurse, though internally I was not handling it well at all. I worked off and on for 8 yrs. The illness made it difficult to stay with any position for more than 2 years. I was finally diagnosed 4 years ago, but the nightmare was not over. I found a Dr. who ended up having me on a handful of pills which made my illness worse. I literally spent 2 years in bed and much of that time I was suicidal. Last February I had to admit myself for 4 days in order to see a new Dr. immediately. I am stable now and have a great Dr. In June I had "awaken" to find my life in a shambles. I had to claim bankruptcy, my house was a wreck and I had gained 35 lbs. In Sept. I enrolled in an RN refresher course to boost my confidence. I have done well in the classroom, but still suffered from panic attacks before clinicals. I did so well my clinical instructor wrote up a recommendation that I would do well on a med/surg unit or ICU. Due to financial situation I need to start working soon. I don't know if I can handle the high aquity level of the pts considering the high pt. load. I need your advice what should I do?