Wonderful Nurse, stuck in a rut!

sheldon09 · Jul 3, 2006

If she truly burnt out, she may want to think about changing careers or try something different that is not as demanding

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jul 3, 2006

I know a wonderful nurse that is so burnt out. She has been a nurse for 20 something years. Always she has been loving and caring to her patients even the mean ones. She is so burnt out and I would love to know something that would put her in better spirits.

Maybe she needs to pay more attention to taking care of herself - including learning how to play harder. Does she have depression that needs to be addressed? A week at a good spa is powerful therapy. Sounds like this woman needs to give herself some TLC and restore her batteries but first, need to diagnose the problem. It is so kind of you to ask.

chadash · Jul 3, 2006

I know a wonderful nurse that is so burnt out. She has been a nurse for 20 something years. Always she has been loving and caring to her patients even the mean ones. She is so burnt out and I would love to know something that would put her in better spirits.

I hate to see a nurse with these characteristics leave nursing. I think that there must be some sane, balanced way to deal with this. If she could take a leave of absence: a true sabbatical to assess what is important to her, how she should apply the passion she has for her patients. I don't think time off alone does it, it must be combined with some way to reassess.

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 4, 2006

With her experience, she would have no trouble finding another job that is completely different from the one she has now. Perhaps travel nursing, to see the country? Or working at a resort or on a cruise ship? Twelve weeks of nursing in Hawaii might do the trick. If travel nursing is out of the question, then I would definitely see about taking a couple of months off to see if that doesn't help to lighten her spirit.

prmenrs, RN · Jul 4, 2006

I suspect you are asking what you can do or say to let her know she is appreciated. If you are a friend, you might help her spend a day off in a nonstressful, fun way so she can "re-group". Take her to a movie or a restaurant she likes. Laughter helps. If you are a co-worker, make sure she gets her break, and enjoys it! A funny card, a special flavor coffee or some treat she's not expecting would be supportive. If you are family, do a chore for her. Spend sometime @ her place, bring flowers and a new album. Take her kids somewhere for an afternoon or a day so she can have some "alone" time. Give her and her s.o. a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, and babysit if necessary so they can have a date.

Obviously, I don't know more than what you've written, so I'm just guessing. I'm sure you have some ideas.

She may not think she's burnt out, so don't try to solve that problem for her, she may resent it. Just be a supportive friend. Don't even talk about that issue unless she brings it up and ASKS for advice. A good friend is also a good listener.

Good wishes for you and her.