NECEY71

If Possible Take A Loa. You Sound Extremely Frustrated And Burnt Out. For Good Reason. I Have Been In Nursing Only 13 Years. I Am 36. And I Think, Can I Still Be Doing This In 10 To 20 Years? My Gut Says, Yes. But, My Instinict Says Not If I Am Still Running The Floors. That's Hard Work Physically And Mentally And I Am Tired Of Politics Devastating Patient Care! Right Now I Am Investigating Nursing Careers In Other Areas: Consulting, Education, Possible Np Programs, You Name It. I Am Not Sure What Will Come Out Of This, But, I Trying To Salvage A Dream That Started When I Was 14 Years Old. I Loved Travel Nursing, So That May Be An Option. Just Changing The Scenery And People You Work With Can Be Uplifting. Plus A 12 Week Assignment Gets You Out Of There Before You Get Sucked Into The Politics. Good Luck Whatever You Do And Find Something You Are Interested In. It Isn't Written In Stone That Once A Nurse We Always Have To Be A Nurse.

Live, Eat And Breathe Ways To Avoid Burnout!!!!! Whether It Be A Completely Different Specialty Or Relocation To Another Climate/culture. Do Not Take Every Extra Shift. Do Not Do It For The Money. Do It To Live A Joyful And Happy Life. If You Aren't Happy With Nursing Then It Just Wasn't Meant To Be Your "niche."

When I graduated from nursing school and obtained my RN licensure it was hit the road running for me!!!!!!! I wanted to try everything. I worked LTC, med surg, telemetry, cardiac (post CABG), shift supervision, ED, a little peds here, a little ob there. I am now in my 7th year practising with an IM physician who has taught me and give me a lot of autonomy. It has been a great experience! But, so were all my others. I loved travel nursing, because, of the variety and being able to stay out of the politics that soon begin to seep in if you stay too long. I have been a nurse for 13 years. I want change, variety and to learn new things at new places. Some people think it isn't good for your resume to "hop" jobs. But, you know what, it's my life not theirs. If they are happy working and retiring from the same job they have been for 35 years, great for them. But, for all of us wanderlusters, we have to be challenged a lot and often. You will know where you fit the most. If you don't feel it in your gut then that is not where you are meant to stay. Good Luck!

Unfortunately, this lack of work value is everywhere. I have worked in many nursing areas, from long term care, hospital, to outpatient clinic situations. On a staff of let's say 10 aides, there is usually only one good apple. The other nine are rotten, lazy, cynical and could care less about the patient. These people are immune to the call lights and do not feel they are responsible for assisting patient's with their activities of daily living. Some of the aides can be brought around by positive affirmations when they are successful at caring for a patient. A "thank you" can go a long way. However, in most cases, you have to document everytime they are non compliant with their workload and deliver this to their superior. If the behavior continues, you do this again and again until...well, it is no longer your fight. And then it is time to move on. As a nurse, you need to work in a positive environment that supports good patient care. A place where employees take pride in helping their patient's get on a bed pan, ambulate to the bathroom, brush their hair, anything that you yourself need to have a good quality of life. This may sound like the unattainable, but, it isn't. I have been in your situation. Pulling your hair out for the rest of your career is NOT worth it. Have some respect for yourself and learn that you deserve success in this career.