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
Which isn’t to necessarily make any excuses. Just wondering. I’m questioning if perhaps I’m too young, inexperienced and insecure for my current position, although I do have days when I do quite well. Regardless, I still think things aren’t working or sustainable any more.
I need to figure out something, but not sure what. I should not have to be in so much distress all the time.
I don't think there is anything wrong with you, just that you have been saddled with too much work, probably 3 people or more. The other manager is probably more assertive. I suspect the day you did patient care and he did SBARS was because he refused the assignment without another nurse or CNA so you got the short end of the stick. You said you were there 20 hours, when did he leave? Why didn't they split the floor between the 2 of you? I would think that would have made more sense and been more manageable.
You can do it! You can find a better job. I'm rooting for you!
Pulling my hair out today. I am manager, nurse, CNA with new admission, postponing discharge, wound rounds, state was here, 5 grievances, call ins, and on and on
I worked a couple of shifts like that when I was in LTC. All staff call ins or no shows, nobody to mandate because they were all already working doubles, absolute chaos!
The difference is on those very rare occasions it was truly all hands on deck. Every person in the building with a nursing license was working the floor. Paperwork was for a change not a priority, other than MARS and TARS being signed off I doubt if anything besides the very bare bones necessary documentation was accomplished.
State showing up though, boy that must have caused a few in upper management to get a few more gray hairs! 99.9 % of the time even an unscheduled visit by state is pretty much expected and planned for with all sorts of staff on the schedule. Heck an upcoming state visit was about the only time we were ever truly staffed well.
Unless your DON, ADON, other Unit Managers, MS coordinators and anyone else with a licensed title behind their name was also working the floor somewhere in that building you were hung out to dry on your own. If that is the case then yes, it is most certainly time to leave that job.
..... The difference is on those very rare occasions it was truly all hands on deck. Every person in the building with a nursing license was working the floor. Paperwork was for a change not a priority, other than MARS and TARS being signed off I doubt if anything besides the very bare bones necessary documentation was accomplished.
..... Unless your DON, ADON, other Unit Managers, MS coordinators and anyone else with a licensed title behind their name was also working the floor somewhere in that building you were hung out to dry on your own. If that is the case then yes, it is most certainly time to leave that job.
I worked one place where many, MANY of the ancillary staff were required to hold CNA certificates. Like clerical staff, therapy aides, dept heads (SW, Rec Dir, etc), even the LNHA, all had CNA certificates. It was so that in a staffing emergency, they could be avail for direct hands-on pt care duties. It did happen once during a sudden DOH drop-in visit. I believe that it was a Corporate requirement.
I find it suspicious that there was a facility-wide 'blue flu' employee activity that just coincidently coincided with a surprise state drop-in visit. Hmm .....
Ugh, I know the answer is to look elsewhere, but just not time. I knew I wasn't going to become wealthy working as a nurse, but as much as I hate to say it, I'm not compensated well enough for all this.
But I am thinking there is a difference between high expectations and impossible expectations...
15 minutes ago, SilverBells said:
Ugh, I know the answer is to look elsewhere, but just not time. I knew I wasn't going to become wealthy working as a nurse, but as much as I hate to say it, I'm not compensated well enough for all this.
I think you have hit the nail on the head here! None of us thought we would get rich working as a nurse. At most places we are not (IMO) compensated relative to the amount of responsibility and stress we endure. But, if your employer's expectations are impossible it is time to look elsewhere, you can find time if it is a priority to you. You are too young to stay in a horrible environment. I worked in a SNF for a very short time and left for all the reasons you state. Your admin will throw you under the bus in a New York minute (to save their butts) when it hits the fan, and it will! I got out before they got the chance. Wishing you the best!!
As my an old don I used to work for was want to say "Empty Beds Do Not Generate Revenue!"
That's very true. I just think it would be wise to ensure adequate staffing before taking so many people all at once. New patients are great, but everyone suffers when they can't be cared for
SmilingBluEyes
20,964 Posts
YOU said a mouthful! Good luck on moving on.