So what happens now?

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

Yeah,

I have been there done that. The best thing for me was to get a new job. Is it possible you could change floors while staying at the same organization? Don't feel like a failure because things aren't going well. When work starts affecting your health its time for a change.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

I have been employed at the same workplace for the past 2 years, and have spent the last 8 or 9 months working on the rehab unit. I have reached the point where the mere thought of this workplace causes me to have physical symptoms, such as palpitations, GI symptoms, the urge to defecate, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, and feelings of queasiness. I might actually enjoy this place if the family members weren't so abusive, the patients weren't so cruel and demanding, and the staffing was more adequate.

You are not alone. I intend to find another place of employment very soon, even if the end result will be less money. While I need enough money to pay the bills, the decrease in pay would hopefully be worth the corresponding decrease in stress.

MedicalLPN, LPN · Jan 21, 2008

It could be possible to transfer to the surgical unit, I've floated over there before but still seems to be just as crazy. Thanks for your input, I'm just still totally confused about what to do.

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

Finding a less busy unit might help or a unit that has better team work or better staffing.

You are a relatively new nurse and I can honestly say it took me about 2 years to become comfortable with my job.

For the 2 years getting used to being a nurse I had dreams about not giving meds, heard IV pumps in my sleep, heard call lights in my sleep. I also found I got sick more often initially.

I just left a busy telemetry unit that I worked on for 2 years, if you like PM me and I can give you some suggestions on improving your unit.

As far as where to work that will depend on what you need to have a comfortable life outside of work.

Another idea might be talking to co-workers and then going to your unit manager if everyone is getting totally stressed out. Talk to co-workers and find some suggestions on how to make the unit work more smoothly. Do you need the doctors to talk to the problem patients or do they need a social worker who is more available. It sounds like you don't have or are not utilizing ancillary staff as much as possible.

EmmaG, RN · Jan 21, 2008

Is there any way you could take some time off? Catch your breath, sit down and calmly look at your options.

NO job is worth making yourself sick. You obviously need a change; if you can find a position within the facility, fine. If you have to leave altogether, do it. But please take care of yourself.

vernRN · Jan 21, 2008

If you see no relief in sight regarding staff issues,

then it sounds like a change in scenery would alleviate the issue. No job is worth feeling depressed and anxious over. Your health is more important!

Hi all. I've been an LPN night shift on a medical telemetry floor for about 8 months now. I worked there for 9 months as an aide prior to becoming a nurse, always loved my job. But here the past couple months, I've been going down hill.
I love the people I work with, but I stay so stressed out over work. I've become depressed, my anxiety has tripled, I have palipitations, GI stuff going on, and constant headaches. I litterally feel like I'm just about to lose it. We've been short staffed, keep getting these patients that need to be in ICU, and there's a bunch of politics going on as well. I feel totally stuck, I feel as though if I leave my job, I'm a failure and a part of me doesn't want to leave because of my co-workers but I can't seem to leave work at work and I'm carrying it with me everywhere.
I'm starting back to school this week to start working on my general courses to do the LPN-RN bridge program I'm hoping that will help get my mind off of work. Has anyone ever experienced this before? What should I do? I just feel like a total failure.

MedicalLPN, LPN · Jan 22, 2008

I can't really take anytime off, both because of a lack of PTO and financial reasons. I know you all are right as far as risking my health over a job but I guess I'm just afraid that the grass is always greener and anywhere I go will either be worse or the same.

MedicalLPN, LPN · Jan 29, 2008

Well everyone, after a lot of though I've decided to cut back on my hours a little bit, instead of working three 12 hour shifts each weekend, I'll be working 7p-7a Friday and Saturday and 11pm-7am on sunday. 32 hours a week is still considered full time where I work so I'll still get to keep my benefits. This past weekend was a little better, I floated to PCU on Saturday night so that helped break up the weekend a little bit. I think this will be good for me on many levels, I won't be as exhausted by the end of the weekend, and since I'd going to school during the week I'll be able to wake up early on sunday and study, do homework, etc. Thanks to everyone who has given me advice, I appreciate your input!