Promoting Mental Power During Shifts That Provoke Mental Pain and Mental Strain

[SilverBells]

As nurses, we all need a bit of "power" or energy, per se, to get through our shifts. This includes both physical and mental power. 

Lately, I've been finding that my mental power has significantly decreased.  I still want to do well for my patients, but honestly,  the more they complain, yell, and demand, the less I want to do for them. I'm worried this is dangerous thinking and want it to stop so I can make sure everyone's needs are met. 

Really, my brain is so overwhelmed by all of the requests I get on a daily basis. Whenever I get asked to do something else, I'm not motivated to complete it right away. Instead, I put it off for a bit because it just makes me want to shut down, not help.  

I'm sure things haven't actually changed or worsened lately.  I just don't have as much tolerance for it anymore. I actually come into work later and leave earlier now just to get away from it all for as long as possible.  The increase in sleep hasn't helped, though--my body is greedy and always wants more. 

Any tips to get through work shifts when your brain is in pain? I just want to make sure I'm able to care for everyone and want to move away from my brain wanting to shut down every time someone needs something 

Thanks

[SilverBells, BSN]

Successfully went 10 hours at work with no pop, only water.  On purpose 

[FNPtobe2020, MSN]

On 5/28/2021 at 6:05 PM, SilverBells said:

Successfully went 10 hours at work with no pop, only water.  On purpose 

How are you doing SB? You’ve been MIA the last week! Hope all is well!

[SilverBells, BSN]

On 6/8/2021 at 5:26 PM, FNPtobe2020 said:

How are you doing SB? You’ve been MIA the last week! Hope all is well!

Thanks! All is well.  I graduated this week,  along with having some other out of town events to go to, so no time for Allnurses.  Nothing really new to add either.  Work is still about the same.  I continue to struggle with diet changes, but overall am doing a bit better.  Thanks for the comment though! ?

[NurseBlaq]

Congrats SB!

[SilverBells, BSN]

Thanks! I've also slowed down on posting on Allnurses.com as it has seemed to improve my quality of life, surprisingly.  I still might contribute every once in awhile, but have found it beneficial to not to rehash the same thing over and over again.  Plus, I'm trying to focus on only providing posts that are beneficial to the site as a whole and might actually be appreciated by other members ?

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

2 hours ago, SilverBells said:

Thanks! I've also slowed down on posting on Allnurses.com as it has seemed to improve my quality of life, surprisingly.  I still might contribute every once in awhile, but have found it beneficial to not to rehash the same thing over and over again.  Plus, I'm trying to focus on only providing posts that are beneficial to the site as a whole and might actually be appreciated by other members ?

Glad you're doing better.  Please keep in touch to let us know how your doing.  Wish you the best!

It's been six months since I left my toxic job and can't tell you how wonderful I feel now without the stress and disrespect.  Have been working on my health and biking and walking the dog.  Time went by in the blink of an eye!

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

12 hours ago, SilverBells said:

Thanks! I've also slowed down on posting on Allnurses.com as it has seemed to improve my quality of life, surprisingly.  I still might contribute every once in awhile, but have found it beneficial to not to rehash the same thing over and over again.  Plus, I'm trying to focus on only providing posts that are beneficial to the site as a whole and might actually be appreciated by other members ?

I am glad to hear you are finding balance - There are anumber of informative hobby forums in the breakroom that might interest you. Gardening, cooking, animals etc....

Hppy