The truth about EAP Counseling

Nurses General Nursing

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Has anyone ever used the employee assistance program? I will be using it and wondered if anyone has had negative/positive experiences? Is there anything I should watch out for?

Thanks so much :)

I have had nothing but positive experiences with it. I have used it for both financial and personal counselling. It's completely confidential and think of it this way -- you're already paying for it, so use it.

Thanks for your reply! Anyone else have any experiences with this?

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Ours is excellent. And many people need to know, if something horribly traumatic happens on a unit (unexpected death, workplace violence occurence, etc.) the EAP should be used for all employees involved in the incident. Debriefing is but one of the services available for use and is a benefit too few take advantage of.

I had a pretty good experience with them after a horrendous outcome in a laboring patient's situation.

I do have my own therapist, that I see, because he came highly recommended and we have a repoire I can't build with anyone else.

But I would encourage any employee seeking help to get it, either through EAP or private means, if necessary.

Is there anyone at work you trust enough to ask about the experiences at your place of employment? If so, you could ask...

I do hope you get the help you need and resolve whatever is going on. Best of luck.

Thanks SmilingBluEyes,

Yes, I am going to use the service to help sort out the burnout I am feeling. I have come to realize that nursing is just not a good fit for me. I want to exhaust all means to make sure leaving nursing right now is the best option for me. I just don't want to the EAP to have my employer's best wishes and try to sway me to stay working in such a difficult environment.

Thanks again..and I am glad to hear that this program has helped you!

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I think using the EAP is more than appropriate for your situation. I am so sorry for what you are feeling; surely you know, you are not alone. Wise, smart and savvy of you to seek help before it eats you alive.

If this program does not seem to suit your needs best, you do know you have the alternative of seeking help on your own. I pay for my own counseling, expensive, yes, but a good investment and my issues are private from my employer and others who need not know them. My therapist is worth every dime, I tell you.

So if the EAP is not helpful, just know there are behavioral health workers out there who take fees on sliding scales, and are good.

I really wish you resolution and peace, whatever decisions you come to later on. But do take care and get some help, ASAP. (((Hugs)))

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I used them before and the counseler was excellent and helped me tremendously with referrals for personal problems. I was worried about confidentiality and all she told my employer was that I would be out of work through the EAP and end of discussion.

Good luck.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I echo what Deb said.

A year ago this month, I was in pretty much the same place as you: burned out, and no longer certain nursing was worth all the stress and pain. The EAP therapist helped me understand that my job situation wasn't all my fault, that nursing was still where I belonged, just not in the area where I was working (med/surg), and that I had CHOICES. As it turned out, I exercised my choice by voting with my feet---I walked out nine days before Christmas---and have never once regretted it.

By all means, try your EAP, and if they're not a good fit, you can always find another therapist. It IS confidential, they will not share any information with your employer without your permission. Good luck to you; I hear your pain, and hope you find some peace within yourself soon

You all are Godsends...thank you for your support! :balloons:

Specializes in Utilization Management.

I too had a good EAP experience. My counselor was wonderful and helped me over a real rough patch.

I also agree. It would be a real shame to see another nurse bite the dust due to burnout. I'm sure that a good counselor or therapist could help you sort out your feelings and figure out what is best for you.I have had only a short dealing with an EAP a long time ago and they wanted me to seek therapy which I have and now i am in a much better place.

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

eap covers many issues people are unaware of......examples of services available through carebridge, a large eap group.

work-eap issues:

drug / alcohol abuse

married life & parenting

separation & divorce

interpersonal relationships

stress & depression

eap workplace concerns

legal concerns

financial issues

health & wellness

self-esteem

emotional well-being

the 'legal' addictions

personal growth

physical / sexual abuse

sensing self-destructiveness

work-life issues:

finding child care

prenatal guidance

child development & parenting

schooling options

the educational development of your child

children with special needs

personal financial management

help with elders

adoption

relocation & residence

time management & life balance

retirement planning

college planning & guidance

continuing education

health, diet & fitnes

please use this confidential service.

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