Stressed out, no energy. What do you do?

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:nurse:Hi Everyone,

Just to give you some background information. I have been a nurse for a little over a year. Of course, we all know nursing is very stressful, and I am definately stressed out, at least when I get to work. On top of that, I am back in school full-time for my master's in nursing and working 12 hour shifts.

When I am not at work I feel like a different person. When I get to work, I feel weighed down, stressed, anxious and extremely tired. I'm even getting my thyroid checked.

What brought it more to my attention yesterday when a couple friends at work said they loved me and was worried I was sad. In a way I do feel that way, because I am discouraged I feel so tired at work. It is like I have to press through the day. I get plently of sleep at night. I wake up feeling good and energized but when I get to work, it al goes away and I feel stressed. One friend asked me if it was worth it yesterday to feel stressed and stay in this environment. Actually, I love my job, have great coworkers and a great manager. I don't have any problems at work, other than just the way I have been feeling the past couple weeks.

Was wondering if anyone has ever went through this before and if so, what did you do? I feel like I am in a funk at work, and it must be obvious because my friends are asking me if I am okay. Of course, I'm all smiles with my patient's and actually, the more time I spend with my patient's, the less I feel down.

Do you think I am in a funk? Need a vacation? I don't know, I do think a vacation would help. But I figure there has got to be another nurse out there that has went through this "funk" as I am calling it. Any advice or opinions will be appreciated.:nurse:

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

It sounds like you are going through a funk. I think a vacation is in order! You need something to recharge your batteries.

Also remember why you are doing this. That always helps me.

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Thanks! I do think a vacation is in order. I will be going early September and maybe just enough time to lose a couple pounds. I think going to the gym will help too? I think that is why I feel good when I get up, thinking about the day ahead and the patients I will help. I just all the sudden get weighed down when I get there. I am hoping it will pass.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I felt the same way about 2 weeks ago...it was just a lack of energy, feeling down, getting cranky with demanding patients, feeling like I couldn't even summon the energy to pretend to care about the fact that someone wanted real food right then(although it was 1AM and the cafe closes at 7PM.)

Then my finance and I went camping with her best friend and her husband...2 hr car ride, smores, snuggling in the tent that night on a comfy airbed, breakfast over a fire, swimming that afternoon, and a hike and a big fire that night, getting up and coming home at 3 the next afternoon, eating pizza with her fam, and going to bed early...

Realized I didn't think about work once! The next shift, I felt like "good nurse who wants to get everything and really care about their patients again"....so, I would say you need a break!

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You sound just like me. A vacation is defintely in order and what always helps me get throughmy days is listening to my favorite songs before going to work full blast in my car :) Music is cathartic - at least to me.

And remember, if you don't want to be miserable - don't be.

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i use to feel this way as well. It felt like two different lives that started the moment i stepped foot into my job. Kinda odd but what has worked for me is a good workout before work, it gets things flowing and kinda tires you out a little bit.

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Maybe the lighting at work? I know some lights like certain florecents tend to bring people down. You might look into that or some other factors at your work place. Just something to think about.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Get your vitamin D level checked. Believe it or not this is becoming a very common problem for the American population. It causes extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, muscle aches, etc...patients often go to the doctor thinking they have fibromyalgia or a thyroid problem but are actually severely vitamin D deficient.

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I have the same lack of energy, feel terrible and it seems to be worse at work. My problem is burn-out.

Some time off and a vacation is in order for you. Hope you will feel better soon. :)

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Wow! Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it and definately going for that vacation and other advice as well! I am getting lab work also so hopefully it is easily resolved, thank you!

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Well, I've decided to take a week off....and it's not even my vacation. I'm hoping it helps!

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