Think I need a new job! Feeling totally burned out! Sorry a little long

[Di]

I have been doing ER nursing for 15 plus yrs. and have really been "not feeling the love" lately, thought I just needed some time off. But have taken most of the summer off, one of the perks of my job is earning lots of "APL" annual payed leave. Hoping this would help the attitude, but after having another 8 days off I have to go back to work tomorrow and I am so depressed! Don't get me wrong, I love the patient care and love my hours and schd. just hate the politic's, paper work and the rest of nursing, of which the list is inlist! What do you all do when you are feeling totally burned out on your job! I think I just need a break, but hate to lose all that I have earned. Any change will mean a decrease in pay, time off and change in my schdule, which I love!! Man this sucks!! Trust me Dan (deweck)I can relate to what you are going through as far as job changes go! Any suggestions as far as getting "through" the burn out would be more then appreciated.

[AngusFangus]

I wish I had a good suggestion for you, but I'm finding myself in the same boat. In fact, I could have written that post. :-\

I would imagine ER nursing would be some of the highest-stress nursing there is. Could you switch departments at your hospital, and still be able to keep your benefits and perks?

Dog training has been my outlet. Meeting new people at the dog club who think the way I do has helped. Maybe a hobby that really interests you outside of work? Taking a class?

When I was starting to feel burned out in my last position, I went back to school and earned an associate's degree (my art school was non-accredited). That gave me something productive to do, something where I could feel successful.

[Di]

Sammi has kept me going so far! Love spending time traning her and with all my friends and their pup's! I really am thinking of getting serious with agility training with Sammi, I think she would do great and it would be something positive for me! Will think some more about this avenue. Sorry your going through this also, hang in there, hopefully we will both make it through with just a scar or two !

[Buddy and Bailey]

I so understand. I have worked 18 years as a cashier- I love my job but I so need a change but it's hard to start at the bottom again.

[BASEBALL18]

Sorry your feeling like this. I know life would be a lot harder with you guys! There are many of us that appreciate people in your profession.
I too could have written your same post. I work with special needs children. During my work day I take my breaks/walks outside rain or shine. I try real hard to stay away from the people who drag you down with their politics etc. The one thing that makes me feel the best is greeting everyone I meet or pass in the hallways. I know that their day/life may be allot worse than mine and someone speaking to them might lighten it up a little, make them feel better.
I also spend a lot of time doing hobbies, gardening, walking, friends, scrapbooking, dogs, horses they all help the stress level. I do a little each day and it makes those really long days more bearable. Good luck.

[imported_delmonico]

I know I have said this before, but I don't know how you folks do it, no suggestions, but a thanks for what you've done for 15 years no matter what you decide. I've needed folks like you to many times to feel otherwise, never met an ER nurse that was other than caring, some ER doctors yes, but I won't go on here.

[tricialeigh4jc]

Could you split your time between the ER and work at a smaller clinic? I have a friend who works as a critical care nurse, and she was feeling much the way you are with being burned out by the politics and impersonal nature of the large hospital. She ended up cutting back her hours at the hospital and working part time at a small local clinic, where there was very little politics and she got lots of one-on-one time with her patients. The time at the clinic rejuvinated her for the time at the ER.

[patm]

I understand completely. I have also worked in the medical field (RN, massage therapist, physical therapy) for many, many years. Right now I want so badly to take some time off - extended time would be so wonderful - but I know that I would feel the same way about work on the first day that I returned. I have also been at my job a while and don't want to lose schedule, benefits, and perks. We have had multiple, multiple changes in work over the last year and it is really getting to me. People are getting written up, susupended and fired - very depressing. I think some of it is my age - I know that going anywhere else would just have its own set of problems. I want to raise llamas somewhere and avoid work politics! I don't know what to tell you - but I feel for you.

[Labs4life]

I have to hand it to the health professionals out there. You do a difficult job as it is and you have office politics added on. My wife left the hospital scene years ago,just to get away from administradium. She works for a visiting nurse company and rarely has the problems the hospital setting had. Maybe that's something you could look into.

Hat's off to you and your profession. Nobody likes being sick or injured,in a hospital and politics. You guy's have to deal with all that!

[Chester B. Dickens]

Trust me Dan (deweck)I can relate to what you are going through as far as job changes go! Any suggestions as far as getting "through" the burn out would be more then appreciated.

Wish I could help you... Wish I could help me!