Stressed Nurses: What keeps you going?

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Nursing is a very stressful job, but I don't have to tell nurses that, do I.

Share your secrets.

What makes you keep coming back day after day?

Here's mine:

I nearly walked out one day, I was so discouraged with trying to keep up with all the patients who decided to have crises the moment I walked in the door. I didn't even get a chance to get Report on some of them before someone was crashing! So I got on the phone to one doc, explained the situation, and started asking for labs, tests, and medications, when all of a sudden the doctor said, "You know, I cannot believe you're asking me for all this."

Great, I thought. Here it comes. Another jerk. :(

"I think you're an EXCELLENT nurse," he continued.

I almost dropped the phone in shock. But I came back the next day because I felt like I finally had an ally instead of an antagonist in that doctor.

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I suppose what keeps me going is 1st of all my faith in God to get me through the day. I PRAY contantly all through the day! I am always thankful that I survive yet one more shift at the end of my day and that my patients(most the time) survive too!!

Also, it is that one or two special moments with a special patient or family that really needs you or that you connect with. Or a nice or rare pleasant comment from the difficult doctor. Or the one shift out of 20 that was not as busy and was pleasant... that helps with the next 20 bad days.... just think about the little positive things that happen.

Also, a day or two or more off always helps me to get destressed. For some reason, I keep coming back after all these years.

Zantac and antianxiety meds might help some too...;)

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I just take time off when it get too tough. I mean I RESIGN. I realize that a lot of people don't have this option. Thank the Lord that I do. It takes me a few months till my brain resets its self. Then I realize how warped I was becoming due to the stress. When it is particularly bad I will start to become withdrawn, irritable, have sleeping difficulties. This will eventually lead to depression. I am careful not to let it go that far, at least not lately.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

My need for money keeps me coming back day after day. My main stress reliever is getting a paycheck.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.
My need for money keeps me coming back day after day. My main stress reliever is getting a paycheck.

Two things keep me coming back:

1. Debt

2. Payday.;)

However, I DO like learning and stretching my thinking, and I DO like helping folks!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I like exercise and golf Golf GOLF

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I continue to work as a nurse because of the flexible working hours, the paycheck, and the opportunities to learn new skills, since I only have about 1.5 years of experience. To be honest, payday is the brightest day of my week. I am beginning to dread coming to work due to the abusive family members, backstabbing coworkers, demanding patients, and high stress level. I must bear some personal responsibility; after all, I continue to return day after day...

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I have to fund my IRA.

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Nursing is a very stressful job, but I don't have to tell nurses that, do I.

Share your secrets.

What makes you keep coming back day after day?

Here's mine:

I nearly walked out one day, I was so discouraged with trying to keep up with all the patients who decided to have crises the moment I walked in the door. I didn't even get a chance to get Report on some of them before someone was crashing! So I got on the phone to one doc, explained the situation, and started asking for labs, tests, and medications, when all of a sudden the doctor said, "You know, I cannot believe you're asking me for all this."

Great, I thought. Here it comes. Another jerk. :(

"I think you're an EXCELLENT nurse," he continued.

I almost dropped the phone in shock. But I came back the next day because I felt like I finally had an ally instead of an antagonist in that doctor.

Awesome :)

It never fails; just when I'm at the end of my rope and ready to bail... something happens to remind me of why I really do love this job (in spite of all my bitching about it lol).

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Awesome :)

It never fails; just when I'm at the end of my rope and ready to bail... something happens to remind me of why I really do love this job (in spite of all my bitching about it lol).

All important, intellectually challenging jobs are inherently stressful. Its how YOU handle the stress! Quitting may be a realistic response for some people. But a lot of people need to learn to play smarter. Meditative activity (whether its music, exercise or real meditation) has to be incorporated into every day and considered as essential as eating and sleeping.

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Specializes in ortho/neuro/general surgery.
My need for money keeps me coming back day after day. My main stress reliever is getting a paycheck.

Yeah, ditto. Honestly, we all do need money and health insurance.

I always give myself something to look forward to, even if it's just my next weekend off, or something like the next vacation days or a kid's recital or the next family birthday, I always have something to get me through the negatives.

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Specializes in Emergency.

My mortgage.

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