Nursing Burn Out is a Real Thing – One Nurse’s Story
Do you suffer from nursing burn out? You have heard of this before; when a nurse or person is just done? They are burned out! I personally did not know what that was in all my years in the nursing field until one day I was driving to my job and said “what am I doing?” “I don’t want to do this anymore!”
I want to explain how you can handle this if it happens to you and describe very valuable tools so you won’t leave tire tracks behind you when you leave!
Here’s a little background story on me. I am a graduate from a fine nursing school in New York and also started in the field back in high school as a CNA then LPN. I landed a great job in Florida as I just moved there. I was placed in my favorite field, Labor and Delivery! I also learned that out of state facilities have nurses do so many more tasks and skills than I was able to do in New York and I flourished in the field!
Over the next several years I moved to North Carolina and took part in progressive care within the maternal child field. I was able to build my skill set and also complete graduate school. I landed a job in Virginia working in a hospital to open a new birthing center as their Director.
New York is my home and I chose to return to offer my talents to the facilities here. I was the clinical nurse specialist of a great hospital on Long Island. Shortly after I started, changes started to occur. New York was not ready for the type of nursing care I was implementing, so it was changed to a modified approach to having babies. My philosophies happen to be very different. Needless to say, the match was not there, but I stayed.
Later , I reduced my time to per diem once I sought another direction. I found an opportunity to apply my skills building these philosophies and practices teaching other nurses at a major home care company in NYC. I thought it was wonderful, and refreshing. I was respected and successful. Everything was good!
Then again back to that hospital trip feeling that I could not walk into that building again. I thought to myself, “should I keep driving?” “Should I go back home?” No! The separation or change of positions MUST be done in a professional manner. A formal resignation and notice must take place. If this is not done, your reputation will receive a bad mark. The nursing industry is very small. People and management move. If this is not done properly, someone somewhere will remember.
That is what I did. My separation was clean to pursue and build a new milestone! As the years passed, more and more opportunities opened up which allowed me to be what I am today; an experienced Registered Nurse with many fine chapters.
Please remember that my approach to nursing burnout applies to agency work as well. Never just no call no show to a shift or assignment. Never try to pull the wool over our eyes, and be honest. Never lie on your resume because it will follow you along the way.
Creative and kind recruiters can help professional nurses carve out a wonderful career path. For a unique and personable approach to finding work, call our offices today! My team of recruiters and I will work together to find you the best opportunities out there!
Thank you for sharing Nancy. As a recruiter I see this everyday . A nurse will come in looking for per diem work on the side. They assure me that even though they work nights they can get to a job or interview by 9am. Sadly they end up falling asleep on the job or just not showing up at all. They have the best of intentions but need to be guided To the right opportunity that will fit their schedule. At horizon, we are always available to nurses to assist.
Great blog Nancy. I think everyone experiences burnout at a point of their life. I remember when I was working in an assisted living facility how mentally and physically exhausted I ended up towards the end. That’s why I sought out a different career path. Healthcare can be an extremely rewarding, but strenious field because not everything always turns out the best for those you are caring for. I always make sure to ask any candidate that applies what they are looking to do because I want them to be happy with the position I place them in!
Nancy, this is a great article. Nurses that work for agencies, should NEVER no call no show, not only is it unprofessional – it could put patients in danger. Nursing may be a small field, but recruiters have long memories
Job burnout is something that is effecting young professionals as well where the job market is especially tight. Many friends have told me how lucky I am to work at a job I love, and theyre absolutely right.
Hi there. As a nurse myself, sometimes it can be very demanding that I would just like to give up. Sometimes we just have to tough it out. Fortunately this is what I wanted to become and I realized this during my high school days and thankfully I survived nursing school. I’ve had my fair share of hectic shifts and I’d like to share this article on tips how to manage – http://www.uratex.com.ph/industrial_and_institutional/tips-nurses-can-cope-night-shifts/. The job is challenging but I like its rewards. I sure hope I don’t experience burn out.