Thanks for the encouragement

[virmm1]

I have been nursing 9 years and have been suffering from burn out. I just want to say thanks to all of you. Reading your posts has reminded me of why I became a nurse in the first place. It was to help as many people as I can while I'm on the earth. Its the times when we can do the so called little things, like retrieving someones teeth,taking the time to sit and comfort patients when they need it and making a difference in a pts quality of life that makes the BS we go through to do our jobs a little more bearable. I have been thinking of leaving the profession but honestly I would miss nursing. Thanks again to all of you nurses who have the heart to go the extra mile to make a difference in someone's life. You are an inspiration.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I tend to try to go the extra mile. Any suggestions on how to instill that desire in others?

Many books have been written on this subject, and many seminars given by people with MSNs and PHds, but I think it's just something we are born with and it's hard to give away.

If you figure it out, let me know. :rotfl:

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I tend to try to go the extra mile. Any suggestions on how to instill that desire in others?

Many books have been written on this subject, and many seminars given by people with MSNs and PHds, but I think it's just something we are born with and it's hard to give away.

If you figure it out, let me know. :rotfl:

[mattsmom81]

To be honest, someone that goes that extra mile seems the one everybody wants most to take advantage of...and ends up overloaded. If one is trying to avoid burnout, its imperative to avoid 'doing too much'. Learn to set healthy boundaries and be assertive in enforcing them. Take care of yourself first nurses....too many nurses give and give til they finally 'give out.'

[mattsmom81]

To be honest, someone that goes that extra mile seems the one everybody wants most to take advantage of...and ends up overloaded. If one is trying to avoid burnout, its imperative to avoid 'doing too much'. Learn to set healthy boundaries and be assertive in enforcing them. Take care of yourself first nurses....too many nurses give and give til they finally 'give out.'

[HOPE2BNP]

I just want to reiterate. I'm not a nurse yet either but personal experiences as a patient and the family member make me want to be one. Why, because its all you nurses out there that make being sick or hurt a little bit more tolerable!! You may not get to hear all that often how important you are to people but you are!

I don't know how hard or bad it can get (yet), but as someone who has been on the receiving side of care once before, and seen my mom in the hospital twice due to diabetes complications (and I am now going to pursue a nursing career myself), I want to encourage all who are burned out to know that you are truly appreciated by your patients!

My mom, who was in the hospital about 10 years ago, had a bad experience with two nurses being unable to find a vein in her arm (they simply poked and poked repeatedly until she cried out for another nurse!). Finally, when the third nurse came in, she was so soothing and gentle (and was able to find it on the first try!) that my mom said she was "like an angel."

As for me during my stay, thank God I had no such experience. I don't mind needles and I have good visible veins. :chuckle I do remember my nurses being the kindest ladies imaginable (I think I had three in all)! My friends were bringing me flowers (nice gesture, but without vases?) and 300-page books to read (after surgery, hello!!)...and my family crowded around my bed looking like a bunch of sad sacks!

So, I know this was their job, but I was actually relieved whenever my nurses came in to check on me (and give me a break from my family, ha ha). I appreciated every small gesture from my nurses -- things like bringing me a fresh cup of ice chips when I ran out (b/c I had no appetite), finding me an extra water pitcher to put those vase-less flowers in, bringing in a more comfortable chair for my fiance to sleep on, and being nice to him and not even minding that he was there the entire time (he stayed with me for four days and wouldn't leave the hospital).

So please, I know from personal experience that a good nurse -- caring, smart, compassionate, pleasant -- does a world of good for a patient!! You are very much appreciated, so hang in there and keep on smiling (your patients need it)!

[HOPE2BNP]

I just want to reiterate. I'm not a nurse yet either but personal experiences as a patient and the family member make me want to be one. Why, because its all you nurses out there that make being sick or hurt a little bit more tolerable!! You may not get to hear all that often how important you are to people but you are!

I don't know how hard or bad it can get (yet), but as someone who has been on the receiving side of care once before, and seen my mom in the hospital twice due to diabetes complications (and I am now going to pursue a nursing career myself), I want to encourage all who are burned out to know that you are truly appreciated by your patients!

My mom, who was in the hospital about 10 years ago, had a bad experience with two nurses being unable to find a vein in her arm (they simply poked and poked repeatedly until she cried out for another nurse!). Finally, when the third nurse came in, she was so soothing and gentle (and was able to find it on the first try!) that my mom said she was "like an angel."

As for me during my stay, thank God I had no such experience. I don't mind needles and I have good visible veins. :chuckle I do remember my nurses being the kindest ladies imaginable (I think I had three in all)! My friends were bringing me flowers (nice gesture, but without vases?) and 300-page books to read (after surgery, hello!!)...and my family crowded around my bed looking like a bunch of sad sacks!

So, I know this was their job, but I was actually relieved whenever my nurses came in to check on me (and give me a break from my family, ha ha). I appreciated every small gesture from my nurses -- things like bringing me a fresh cup of ice chips when I ran out (b/c I had no appetite), finding me an extra water pitcher to put those vase-less flowers in, bringing in a more comfortable chair for my fiance to sleep on, and being nice to him and not even minding that he was there the entire time (he stayed with me for four days and wouldn't leave the hospital).

So please, I know from personal experience that a good nurse -- caring, smart, compassionate, pleasant -- does a world of good for a patient!! You are very much appreciated, so hang in there and keep on smiling (your patients need it)!