BertRN07

First of all, thank you for reading this! I've been working in a burn ICU since I graduated three years ago! For months now I've been feeling that I'm not up to par - not up on the knowledge, not as organized. These feelings were recently confirmed by my NM. I just can't handle the stress of the job - taking care of sick patients, crazy admissions, code situations, endless paperwork/documentation. I just can't do it all. Plus I don't get along with the dayshift - how can I work in an environment where I don't feel comfortable?? I know critical care isn't for everyone - I think I'm done with it. The question now is - what do I do? Going to a med/surg floor isn't something I'd like to do. I always wanted to get into pediatrics but after taking care of sick kids who don't feel good I don't know if I could handle Peds.... Any input would be awesome!

Hello there- just stumbled on this thread. I've worked on a burn unit for 3 years now. We have pts of all ages, so I have a bit of peds experience. I'm looking for a change of scenery. I think Starlight might be more my pace; I'm just not sure what a peds homecare rn does. Also I'm curious as to how much traveling is required. Anyway insight is much appreciated!!

So I've worked in a Burn ICU since I've graduated in 2007, three whole years. Lately (maybe the last few months), I've been having this feeling that maybe I don't really have what it takes to be a critical care nurse. I've been feeling like I just can't get myself organized (I'm the opposite of anal-retentive), like I don't have the knowledge I feel I should, that I don't have the critical thinking skills I should have developed. Basically, it seems like I leave work feeling extremely stupid. I don't really particularly enjoy going to work... I sometimes feel like I don't even want to be a nurse anymore - it seems like the serious responsibility and stress of the job is getting to me too. There's so much to be done, I just feel like I can't get it done.... I just don't know what to do.... Am I just being crazy or what?!?! What exactly is burn out??? I appreciate any advice/suggestions.....

Welcome to the wonderful world of burns... =) All I can say is fluids, fluids, fluids!!! And some major wound care too!!

We label our lines at the port closest to patient & also we label our maintenance line @ every port with this awesome pink top so it's easily spotted!

I'm no CCRN, but I was in the same position as you - All I have to say is DO IT!! I started in the BICU as a new grad approx. 9 months ago - There are times when I want to cry & pull out my hair, but that would be the case no matter where you go. There's always going to be good days and bad days... You get to focus on 1-2 patients plus with burn nursing you get everything, especially psych experience!!! Hehehhee... Good Luck!!

Wow - hdigh, you really summed it up nicely!! I totally agree - Being a burn nurse can be hard, but I can't see myself doing anything else right now... Lots of pain meds, lots of pt. education regarding what's going to happen can make the situation better for both the nurse and the patient. Anticipated guidance i believe is the exact word.

I've only had one code so far (Thank God) - It was the scariest thing ever. I felt as if I was an outsider looking in... I had to push meds. Boy my forearm hurt the next day =( It's not so bad b/c the MD heads the team and tells what needs to be done... =( Scary scary stuff... Really does get the adrenaline pumping though

I am SOO understanding what you feel - I too wish nightshift got more respect... We always end up getting screwed w/staffing and day shift doesn't think twice of us.... I didn't see my Nurse Manager for a month after I came off orientation... Not to mention that I feel like we're neglected sometimes... =(

I am a new grad & was just hired into the Burn ICU/Burn Unit... No special training needed beforehand, but I had a Burn Theory Class & was given lots of materials about Burns... Will take ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support) in December. We have a nurse educator specific to our floor & who specializes in burns that handles education for all staff, including new hires... Hope this helps...

I hope you did well on your pharmacology test.... :)

I just started @ SBMC in September - I'm starting off with $29/hr before my night shift differential...nycNurse2b - I'm curious as to what you ended up doing - Did you go to NYC or SBMC?

I'm working in the BICU @ St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ... It's going well so far... How about you?? *Michelle*

It's getting better a little bit with each day... I guess it's just normal to be anxious/scared of it to start off. There's just soo much too learn - It's going to be a challenge that's for sure! Thanks!!

We have techs too - All I have to say is Thank God they do what they do!! They are awesome at what they do - Burn Dsg/Wound Care... I could never do what they do! I agree - I'm a new nurse & the Burn Techs helped me get acquainted to HT & all that goes with that...