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
It seems as if even if I do make some progress, for some it might seem like nothing. If you read my posts closely, I am trying to make some positive changes such as diet changes, working fewer hours, etc. Keep in mind that I am trying to break habits that are over a year old. Change takes time. With that said, I know myself and I know that I advocate for my patients continously. One of the reasons I do work long hours is to make sure that I am doing the best for my patients. Some here on Allnurses.com may not believe that and that is fine. Because there is nothing I can do to change that, I will not worry. For now, I will only worry about what I can do something about. This has brought me peace
At the same time, I recognize that my posts do sometimes come across as being focused only on myself. I acknowledge that is problematic. I can only say that those posts are usually made when I am venting. Sometimes when we vent, words come out the wrong way. At the same time, I likely "vent" a bit too much. Obviously this needs to change. I can understand how it might come across as unprofessional and lacking in compassion. With that said, I can assure you that, although I am definitely not perfect (I have faults in more ways than one) , I am not lacking in compassion or empathy. I have difficulties sleeping when I know a patient is not doing well; I don't think that would happen if I didn't care. I have things to work on, but do express gratitude for those who have offered words of encouragement
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
54 minutes ago, SilverBells said:
At the same time, I recognize that my posts do sometimes come across as being focused only on myself. I acknowledge that is problematic.
We are all here for ourselves, focusing on what we think, what we have done, what we know, what we feel or believe.
In the very least, SilverBells, your communication skills are superior to the naysaying hatchet members. You acknowledge their submission and then give your perspective. Others barge in and criticize and give their opinion or perspective as if they are omnipotent, self-actualized beings and we should all want to follow and be like them.
A few have said they will not grace your threads with their presence as a sort of punishment, only to return, make their presence known, criticize, and leave again.
For now, I will only worry about what I can do something about. This has brought me peace
This is exactly what you need to focus on, what brings you peace! We all try to better ourselves personally and professionally and it is very good that you are working on both, (esp cutting down on those Pepsi's LOL). Many come here to talk about themselves and vent with other nurses and not only is it NOT problematic it is perfectly OK and can be helpful as well. The only other thing I would add to try to help is that you really should not be going home and worring about your patient's. Although I know it can be hard at times you should try to leave work at work! Again, wishing you well!!
Only worked 12 hours last 3 shifts in a row. Pepsi down to 4-6 a day. No candy for 3 days in a row, less selective of certain tasks. Allowing others to do more of the admissions and assessments, while I'm working on being more hands on. Strangely enough, I've found myself less stressed out working on the floor instead of as a manager. Regardless, I'm making progress and improvement.
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!
Hppy
I get it. I hate to say it, but it seems like in the past year and a half, I’ve maybe lost some sense of what nursing priorities should be. In that sense, I actually think it is good for me to work the floor every once in a while. It helps to keep things in perspective, as well as see if what I am asking for is reasonable or realistic. It’s also good to do things for patients that they actually care about. Patients do not care about SBARS or charting; they want their needs to be met. SBARS and charting are tools to assist with this but don’t replace actual patient care.
Other nurses are actually starting to do some of these other things as well, because I’m starting to let go a little bit. I no longer rewrite every SBAR turned into me and don’t try and complete every admission assessment. I actually take too long completing admissions, so sometimes it’s best to leave them for someone who does them faster. I’m great at entering orders, but am recognizing the need to let others learn to do it on their own. Meanwhile, if allowing someone else to enter an order while I go complete a physical task (such as getting a UA, etc) actually helps things to be more efficient, then that’s what I’ll do.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
19 hours ago, SilverBells said:
Only worked 12 hours last 3 shifts in a row.
Your last two posts reminded of a supervisory position I held at a community mental health facility as a NS for medical services and the methadone clinic, back in '02 and '03, SilverBells.
I was hired for 35 hours a week and usually worked 50 -60. If either LPN in medical services or the methadone clinic did not work their shift, I usually had to fill in for them. I carried a caseload of 135 clients, set up and supervised two medication programs with a lot of various other responsibilities. I also had to do all the bureaucratic BS like attend administrative meetings.
I was hired by one medical director Doc, and had to train two rent-a-docs and finally the permanent Doc.
Then, one Friday, there as an All Staff meeting scheduled for 12:00 to 4:30.
A four and a half hour BS meeting on a Friday afternoon.
This is a cartoon of my response I drew at the time:
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
My hubby who has been a manager for a long time, gave me advice that has always stuck with me.
A manager is someone who accomplishes things through others. A good manager knows they can't do it all themselves. They assign, they delegate, they coach, and they offer advice. If it was up to you to do all the work, then you wouldn't need employees.
SilverBells, BSN
1,108 Posts
It seems as if even if I do make some progress, for some it might seem like nothing. If you read my posts closely, I am trying to make some positive changes such as diet changes, working fewer hours, etc. Keep in mind that I am trying to break habits that are over a year old. Change takes time. With that said, I know myself and I know that I advocate for my patients continously. One of the reasons I do work long hours is to make sure that I am doing the best for my patients. Some here on Allnurses.com may not believe that and that is fine. Because there is nothing I can do to change that, I will not worry. For now, I will only worry about what I can do something about. This has brought me peace