Stressed Out and Sick to My Stomach

[westieluv]

I recently started a new position in a LTC/AL facility. I have since developed a very painful medical condition that has caused my doctor to restrict my hours. The facility only has one other nurse who works my shift and no one else is willing to work our shift, so the management has changed that nurse's schedule against her will to accommodate the changes and she is furious and threatening to quit. She has been at this facility for a long time and is very well liked, so the other staff members are treating me a little differently and being kind of cold to me.

My thing is, I did not ask to have a painful physical condition, and it is not my fault that they don't have enough other staff to pick up the slack. Telling myself this does not help, however. I am blaming myself and feeling guilty and I am a nervous wreck and can't even eat right now. I have to go back into work and I feel like just running away and never going back.

I think I'm just looking for someone to reassure me that this is not my fault, that I cannot help it that I have this condition, and that I need to stick up for myself more and not feel guilty. I have never been the one to take care of myself first, I am one of those people where everyone else's needs come first. Now I feel like a big dirtbag for causing all of this, even though I didn't actually cause it.

Did I?????

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

You can not change that you have developed a chronic condition; it is up to management to find someone who can help with those particular hours; as far as the co-workers, screw 'em; take care of your health and keep doing what you can; you have the power to take control of your health and do what you have to do.

Best wishes.

[Libby1987]

It doesn't matter if you're a PITA princess, if you can't or won't work the hours, your coworker can say no and your employer can call a staffing agency or hire one of the many available nurses searching for a job.

[Aurora77]

It's not your fault but it also isn't the other nurse's fault. I'd be annoyed too if I were her, not at you but at the situation. This is a management problem if there is no one else who can work that shift. Take care of yourself!

[Ndoht, BSN, RN]

It is not your fault. I recommend start looking for jobs at other places where they are able to accommodate your condition. Once you get an offer, leave. This facility does not have good management, and getting so much stress from it is not worth it.