Hi. I have worked as a nurse for 17 years (long term care, psych, med-surg,oncology, hospice, cardiac stepdown) and think am officially burnt out. I first suspected I was starting to burn out (gradually) 2 years ago but managed to somehow pull myself up thru the occasional "dips of doubt" (thru travel, rest, diversion with creative pursuits, exercise, spiritual retreats etc you name it.) For the most part it worked. I used to love nursing and arrogantly bragged that thank God I'm not one of those nurses that can't wait to retire . I used to job-hop but found my niche in cardiac nursing and a great hospital to work in where I was pretty sure I would stay until I retire (been here 7 yrs, my longest in any place). I still feel and care for my patients but before where it was easy for me to give my 101%, now even if I want to, I feel like I am just too tired or don't have enough to give anymore. I have always worked nights and did request to work days for awhile (to see if this would solve the problem) but it was more crazy- I had no time to talk to patients!.. My manager won't give me part time or per- diem status either.... on my off days, I hike and spend as much time outdoors and am really happy but when it's time to work, I dread it.I don't know what is happening and don't really know what to do (quit nursing ???.. I have checked out the myriad possibilities in our profession but honestly, all i can think of is to "peace out" of nursing for awhile.)... ..one thing I absolutely will NOT do is to jump to another job/field until my mind/body/soul is a little less wrought up....so I thought I would quit my job. take care of 'me" for about 2mos (i.e. rest, exercise, do all the things I always dont have time to do). then take about a year off to travel (Latin America mostly. and also to learn Spanish). I honestly don't know what comes next--either i rediscover my love for nursing or take the plunge and do something else. I am single have no debt, no mortgage, parents are still healthy. I have enough saved to pull this off. I know it's a risk in this economy but I think it's the right thing for me to do....what do you guys think?
