I am one of the luckiest women on earth. I have a wonderful husband of 27 years, 2 great daughters, a house with many of our bills paid. I have my health...well kinda.
I just want to throw some things out to you guys & gals, though I don't post as much as I used to, I've been a member here for many years.
I'm an RN and I work under the most horrendous stress imaginable. I have done this for many years and do it well. The last several months I have noticed that on the days that are extra stressful, such as 6 discharges in one day, many transfers into the unit, admission, patients going bad and having to be transferred out of the unit, patients having procedures and coming and going, meds having to be passed every 2 hours, unruly, unhappy and downright rude and MEAN patients, some that should have their mama's present at age 30, nursing assistants that sometimes look at you like you are from out of space when you ask them to do something because they are also so stressed out....you know, on some days like that I felt my stress level going through the roof. It started getting worse and worse the last few months. Then to make matters worse, they closed our unit due to low census and sent us to another floor to share the other half of the new floor with another group of nurses. We knew where nothing was, no one else knew where anything was, we didn't have enough of the things we needed it was complete chaos. Then mid day they change my patients to new patients totally and I had to start all over again with my routine. I pictured myself sitting in a ball in a corner somewhere mute, or worse yet, kicking and screaming somewhere. Somehow I finished up my day and got it all done and on time. I wanted to talk to my unit manager but she was gone for the day. Next day I went in and talked with her. I made it to work but felt like I had been on a battlefield somewhere and I didn't feel right.
I talked with her, she was understanding and suggested I go to the doctor then and there. I did. I was put on medical leave and an antidepressant (also for panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder). Made me an appt for mental health a week later, they changed my meds and I'm feeling better but I have been to a very, very dark place before I have reached this better feeling. I go back to work next week after being out on medical leave for 3 weeks. The severe stress event I had caused a deep depression.
I'm lucky to have a job with this economy....but I don't think I want to die from the job. I'm hoping with this new meds I can hack it.
Kinda makes you want to go to one of those dude ranches and just chill. Kinda makes ya want to take up doing things you really would love like being a ranger giving tours to places like National or state parks, or raising dogs or horses, leading a laid back life, just making enough money to get by. I have GOT to simplify my life.
You who know me know I'm one of the happiest most upbeat persons there is. But I'm not ashamed to say I have hit rock bottom but am climbing my way out. I don't drink, smoke or do illegal drugs....which would make things so much worse. But sometimes life will beat you up a little bit.
Now....where's that dude ranch....think I'll buy myself a puppy.....
Rhonda
Enjoying life with my wonderful husband Allyn,
Our 2003 Newmar Mountain Aire Motorhome,
& various other assortment of wheels
It is so good for you to talk about this. When we don't and we keep it bottled up it only gets worse. I have been to that dark place you talk about. I got through it just like you. You did the right thing and are rounding the corner. Please take care of your self. I will be praying for you.
I'm sorry to hear of this temporary misfortune. I gotta say I'm a bit surprised that it 'got' to you, to this extend anyway.
I know nurses, my daughter is a nurse, and a teacher(long story).
Also, I worked many years doing air ambulance work, and therefore ended up spending a lot of time with nurses, due to the fact that we were doing international flights and sometimes we would arrive the day prior to the release of the patient.
We were not allowed to take photos, but here's one that my co-pilot managed to sneak in. This was in a Lear 35A....
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
Rhonda, maybe it's time for you to find another kind of nursing job. It isn't worth your losing your health and/or life to live with the kind of constant stress like that. As you well know, it will kill you. I got really stressed out in my dental assisting job, having heart palps when I went to my pcp to have my heart checked. He asked about my job, suggesting it was caused buy job stress. Yep, he was right on the money. I decided then and there, that I would do something about that. I gave my boss a 2 week notice (he wanted 4 weeks! and I said no) and ended that job. I would do anything but dental assisting, but as it worked out, I've been retired since 98. Loving and living life in the slow lane.....................Leslie
Rhonda, i'm sorry you ended up facing this situation, but very glad you recognized that you had a problem and got the help. I hope with the rest and the meds you are able to return to your job. If you feel it coming on again please do as you did and get out of the situation. Maybe going into a different form of nursing for some time is an idea you should consider if it is at all possible. Maybe a different unit.
My former job got to me, and I finally had to face my depression and anger and also seek help. As for your patients, well i'm sure some of them are not only stressed by their medical problems, but maybe some were caused by stress in their lives. I've seen news reports that say that with the economey and jobs market many more people are having health related problems appear.
Feel better, try and take it easy on yourself, and go camping for a weekend if you can.
Wow, Rhonda! That's quite a situation you have. I think you hit the nail on the head, when you mentioned your wonderful family. You have a lot in your life like material possessions, family, and a job. Those are three things that many folks don't even have. I would continue to count your blessings, and focus on what you do have in this life now. That is what I do every day to make this life worthwhile. Take care, and enjoy your time off!
I have a sweet tender nature, however I enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions.
Fulltiming RVer & homeowner.
That's why I highly recommend vacations!!! You have one of the highest stress jobs and I'm glad you sought help! One of the things I used to do to beat stress was think about retirement....I started even planning to move to Mexico!!! Got books on it and studied on it on my off time.....LOL not going to do it but it sure help beat the stress! Best of luck to you....
"I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose"
Dee & Bob
1990 Fleetwood 5er
2 cats - Donner and Dasher
12 grandkids
It's called "job burnout". It happens to many people in different professions at all different levels. When I spent the 8 days in the hospital 3 years ago I learned a lot about nurses. They take abuse from EVERYBODY-patients, their families, doctors (who can be some of the cruelest human beings), and even other nurses. All this time they are taking care of something or someone, with very little break from it all. You are not alone. I take anti-anxiety meds when I go to bed at night. The attacks started before my heart failure was diagnosed and I thought I was crazy plus the fact I couldn't breathe when I lied down. Started to wean off them but the everyday stresses of life sometimes put me right back to ground zero. It's a small dose but wards of the anxiety when I go to bed at night.
You need to put YOU first every once in a while. This will be extremely difficult because as a nurse, wife and mother your instinct is to take care of yourself last. Go out to dinner with a friend every once in a while, send your husband off with the kids so you have some alone time, or do something you really enjoy and DO NOT FEEL GUILTY. Women have a very bad habit of feeling like they don't deserve to be #1 every once in a while. It's not being selfish-it's a matter of self-preservation.
It might be time to consider a new line of work. You can always go back to nursing. I have often felt like you. I haven't hit rock bottom yet-I somehow manage to pull myself out at the last minute. Like you I have a wonderful husband and son and have my health conditions under control. You are not alone.
I so feel your pain sister. Been there done that. WHen I married SKip and moved here, I quit a job that I loved to take one just a few blocks from home. I hated every minute of it.
One of the last evenings I worked, I had 72 clients. My staff for the evening shift was the charge nurse(me) usually had 2 charge nurses. 1 med tech, usually had 2, which put me giving meds for half of the building. And 2 nurse aides that were agency aides and had never been in the facility. I called every person on the schedule and not one person would come in to help. Not even the DON, or the Adm.
I made it through the night, only by the grace of God did no one die. I left in tears, knowing that my patients did not receive the care they deserved. I cried all night. Was at the facility first thing the next morning, put in my notice and told them I would not work with staff like I had the previous night. The DON made a face and asked me what I was going to do about it. I informed her I would call DHS, and any other number that I could find and would report them. Needless to say, I was not put back on the schedule and took a job that I drove 1` 1/2 hrs each was and was super happy.
DO not put your license on the line. It is not worth it. There is every kind of nursing job you can imagine out there.
Take care of YOUR SELF first! I will be praying for you.
When it comes to the point you have to be medicated to get thru a day at the job...it's time to go find another job (not saying career change)....do what you gotta do to keep afloat....but be looking for a better work environment....it's out there just waiting for you...be patient..but know it's there and be looking out for it
Summer
2009 36RD5S Cedar Creek
2006 310RBDS Pilgrim
2005 Dodge 3500 CTD 4X4
Scottie 1962 Model (looking for good trade)
Austin 16
Coondog Moonshine
Wiener Beagle Candie
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