Flipper 911, Let me tell you something..I understand where you are coming from! I wish others would be alittle more supportive of you here. Most of us have been there at some point. I don't know..maybe you are approaching burnout and maybe not. You came here for support from other nurses, possibly hoping that they could relate to you and offer advice for the "NURSE" . Yes, our duty is to our patients! We are human just like them, dealing with emotions and illness as well. It really amazes me that most do not consider how the nurse feels and copes. If there was more support in the work place instead of division and gossip between nurses, we would be better off and healthier mentally and physically. I agree, we must have outlets outside of what we do. We are bound by a lisc. and expected to be responsible for most, if not all things in a days work with our patients (and families). And of course, there is the responsibility for the things that are not even under the nurse's control! There are alot of excellent nurses who are frustrated in this profession and it is not all their fault! Sometimes the best thing to do is find something else. But for those nurses who do love nursing and do need help-I hear you and understand. I want to be one to support. I would like to initiate a project regarding the health and wellbeing of nurses for a change! Best to you Flipper :)