Serious burn out and in need of change.

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Specializes in Wound care certified.

I have a wheelchair bound husband with muscular dystrophy and an eight year old who is displaying depression and anxiety symptoms. She recently told her teacher that she is scared her daddy can't take care of her anymore. My husbands health is declining and the school has recommended therapy for my daughter. I just up and quit my job do to the fact that they were bullying me and I was working 50-60 hours a week. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. I finished my shift and resigned immediately. I have been nursing for seven years and have worked on med/surg in the hospital and done wound care in LTC/skilled rehab facilities. I am wound care certified. I am a recovering addict who has completed the peer assistance program. I have to find a job with more balance. I have got to be able to care for my family, myself, and then my job. I'm not sure what area I need to look into. Most areas require experience or some kind or certification. Someone please help me. My family relies on my to support them. I am having a hard time forcing the smile and brave face for them.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

This may seem out of place here but I feel you need spiritual support. Is there a church where you can go to share you burden? You need to take care of yourself, remember that on airlines the flight attendant says you must put oxygen on yourself before helping someone else.

As far as career advice, you might try a wound care center. I am sorry you have been bullied, that is something that should never be tolerated. Good luck and God Bless

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Hugs to you! I'm so sorry for what you're going through - I cannot even imagine what it is like to deal with all you have on your plate, and to add working as a bedside nurse on top of that must be SO difficult.

You have a lot of experience, and there are so many things you can do in nursing that don't involve horrible schedules and 50-60 hour work weeks. My advice is this: go onto a job search website such as monster or career builder and search for "nurse" positions in your area. Look through them - most of these will be non hospital positions such as working in an office, doing insurance paperwork, home care, etc. You have enough experience to switch to these jobs, and the fact that you are wound certified would make you VERY attractive to home care agencies (you make your own schedule with home care).

Good luck!

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I have no advice. But I will pray to my Almighty God who specializes in helping the hurt, and those who are burdened. His strength shows up in weakness. I pray that he gives you guidance on your career and give you peace in your situation. Sending hugs your way.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Gosh, what a pickle. OP's pain is clearly evident in her post.

If your husband is not receiving appropriate disability benefits - take care of that immediately & contact the MDA to see what type of support they can provide. This process can take a while in come areas, and may require a lot of effort. The toll of chronic illness is huge - on the entire family (BTDT). Please connect with social services in your area to obtain appropriate counseling and support for your daughter. The school may also be able to provide some additional support if they understand her situation.

I agree with PP's suggestion of Home Care as an alternative practice environment for you. In addition to the increased schedule flexibility, you will be much more attuned & sensitive to those patient needs due to your own situation. It will probably be a good fit. But please make sure that the home care agency job provides the benefits you will need as well as mileage reimbursement - many of them function with all PRN staff,and do not provide benefits at all.

Hugs to you (((((jendaniel))))).

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