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
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Just now, SilverBells said:
What are good alternative nursing jobs for a nurse who only has LTC/SNF experience?
Remember you are a Post graduate leveL with BSN and MA. Think about your skill set then apply.I always thought it would be fun to work in the research division of a University medical system. It seems it would suit you education without a ton of bed side care. I think you are perfectly capeable of bedside care but be honest if it's not your thing
What are good alternative nursing jobs for a nurse who only has LTC/SNF experience?
If you think you like the LTC setting you could try a different facility, not all are the same, you never know.
If not, just think what you might like and start researching different type of jobs and see what interests you and what qualifications are needed. Even if some are stated that you don't have I would apply anyway cuz again, you never know.
Will just have to remind myself that I'm capable of doing things other than writing SBARs, entering orders, completing assessments/follow ups, etc for those skills won't be as needed tomorrow...
SB look into case management. Anything is better than the abuse you're receiving at that facility. It appears they're taking advantage of you. I don't like it. ?<---me fussing them out for you. ?
Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
Against my better judgment I dropped by a SB thread to see if there was anything different about it. Nope, same martyrdom, Pepsi, sleep disturbance r/t caffeine intake, and all the rest. Same earnestly well-meant obvious answers falling on ears that aren’t really interested. Same manipulation for effect.
Fool me twice, shame on me. Over and out.
Against my better judgment I dropped by a SB thread to see if there was anything different about it. Nope, same martyrdom, Pepsi, sleep disturbance r/t caffeine intake, and all the rest. Same earnestly well-meant obvious answers falling on ears that aren’t really interested. Same manipulation for effect.
Fool me twice, shame on me. Over and out.
What are good alternative nursing jobs for a nurse who only has LTC/SNF experience?
I transitioned from LTC after putting up with the insanity for 25 years. I went to dialysis nursing. It was a great change for me. I discovered over the years I have about zero interest in a management job and while other positions away from bedside may be more your thing and with your education you should have options there but if you want to keep your career at bedside for now dialysis is a great option. Plus the company I work for anyway does seem to really promote from within, a few management positions have been filled recently in my district and all were internal hires so there is ample opportunity for promotion if you decided to return to a management role at some point.
Better hours for sure, we open in the morning and close end of day. There's none of that "the next shift nurse called in, we can't find anybody so you'll have to stay." We are also closed Sundays with the rare exception of scheduling around Christmas and New Years. Sounds silly, I know but for me Super Bowl Sunday is the first holiday of the year, no need to worry about making it home in time for the game anymore and now that people are gathering again I can resume my annual Super Bowl party!
I know in many areas LTC nursing pays more than acute care, but in my area it's considerably less. So another benefit is my dialysis job offers better pay and considerably better benefits. The health care policy is half the cost I was paying at my LTC job for better coverage. The PTO accrues at a rate equal to what I was getting at the SNF and keep in mind this is just starting as a new employee PTO accrual compared to what I was getting after 25 years at the SNF, so yes...way better!
It's not a stress free job of course, no nursing job is but I have to say now that I've been doing it a year and am starting to feel more comfortable in the role the overall stress levels are way lower than in LTC.
Against my better judgment I dropped by a SB thread to see if there was anything different about it. Nope, same martyrdom, Pepsi, sleep disturbance r/t caffeine intake, and all the rest. Same earnestly well-meant obvious answers falling on ears that aren’t really interested. Same manipulation for effect.
Fool me twice, shame on me. Over and out.
I agree that some/much of the post is the same. However, I would like to point out that on May 11 I did mention I was working on diet changes. As of now, I've reduced my Pepsi intake from 15 to 6 and increased water intake to 2 bottles a day. Working on less chips and candy. I also did ask for feedback on good job alternatives since I don't have much time to look and want to speed up the process by only applying to jobs that might actually be a good fit. It is a slow work in progress
Last 3 days I only worked 12-13 hours vs 16-20 so that's also a bit better
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
16 hours ago, SilverBells said:
Will just have to remind myself that I'm capable of doing things other than writing SBARs, entering orders, completing assessments/follow ups, etc for those skills won't be as needed tomorrow...
The things you list while important from the business end of nursing are only a very small part of what nurses do. I still don't understand why your nurses are not writing their own SBARS, assessing patients and entering orders (State inspectors will wonder this as well!) .
I personally love all the hands on aspects of nursing so much so that I moonlight from my psych job just to stay in touch with bedside aspects of care. I also would never want a management position again. I work 8 hour shifts, usually leave on time and have lots of time for work life balance!
Against my better judgment I dropped by a SB thread to see if there was anything different about it. Nope, same martyrdom, Pepsi, sleep disturbance r/t caffeine intake, and all the rest. Same earnestly well-meant obvious answers falling on ears that aren’t really interested. Same manipulation for effect.
Fool me twice, shame on me. Over and out.
Against my better judgment I dropped by a SB thread to see if there was anything different about it. Nope, same martyrdom, Pepsi, sleep disturbance r/t caffeine intake, and all the rest. Same earnestly well-meant obvious answers falling on ears that aren’t really interested. Same manipulation for effect.
Fool me twice, shame on me. Over and out.
Yep. Shame on me.
At this point I really have no sympathy or concern for anybody but the patients that have to endure this kind of environment. If I knew the name of this place where SB works, I would report it to every entity that monitors LTC's. This is the kind of crap that the public needs to know about so they can AVOID at all possible costs.
SB. Here's what I see when I read your comments: ME ME ME. At work, your job is to advocate for patients. You are not doing that. You go through the motions at work and then the things you complain about sound again like, ME ME ME.
I would NEVER want anyone I know or love under your care. Because from what I see here, YOU continue to make that place unsafe.
Daisy4RN
2,238 Posts
You are right, it would be wise..
But, they don't care!
Good luck, stay strong!!