In the last two days words “retirement” has been mentioned at least four times from four different nurses. One mentioned “I am so burnt out that I cannot stand to walk in the door some days and I know that I am burntout but I will still be working when I am 80” Another one stated she loved what she did but she was worn out with the BS that comes with the management of the job.
Nurse burnout syndrome is fixable – you need to reconnect with what brings you joy, balance and set boundaries for those around you. This week alone I have broadened my boundaries more than usual, simply because I knew that the people I was helping truly needed the help. It has cut in on my days and my time but when it was over – I felt good that I had helped someone who really needed me and the skills that I had.
I have had conversations with nurses, this week who had cried on the way to work, and within minutes of walking past the time clock and punching in someone was giving the most depressing list of things she did not do the day before. She only had 11 and a half more hours to go.
Within two blinks of an eye and a busting bladder full of urine y thanks to some form of grace, you are in your car, ready to escape the madness screeching tires out of the parking lot headed back home. Knowing that there was something you forgot to fill out, forgot to report. The blisters on your heels tell you how busy your shift has been and the growling stomach says you skipped lunch. Without a doubt when you arrive to your next shift someone will remind you of all the things you did not do – the angel on one shoulder says go back to double check your work – the devil on the other says haul ass…and you listen.
As you walk into the door at home a welling meaning person of your family ask “what is for supper” the first thought that ran through your exhausted mind was to apply your forehead to the counter top but that would take effort and you were too tired to bang your own head. The good thing about the whole day is you only have 20 more years to work under these conditions.
My friend it is time to find the joy again that brought you to this profession. 20 more years of tears, blisters and anxiety will prevent you from ever retiring because you will be so stressed out your heart will give in.
The title that you carry on your badge does not define who you are – no matter how many letters you have behind your name or how many years of school you have – as you get older nursing is hard work and stressful. From the latest survey – the average age of nurses who retire is around the age of 62 and if they are still working 12 hours shifts on the floor it is around the age of 50.
Most nurses stay in the field because they do not think they can do anything else after working in patient care for 20-30 years.
Do not get me wrong – I have enjoyed many years as a nurse and the people I have come in contact with. The things that my patients have taught me about them and about myself are priceless. What got my attention this month was it was time for me to start working with a retirement counselor and begin making plan for the next 20 years.
Time for a Change! Turn over your bedpan, IV pole and stethoscope
As a nurse I have spent my whole career handing out medication that help the body in one way and damage it in another. I am not against medication, but wonder if the world could be offered natural health with rich supplements that the body craved.
Nurses are looking for something – they want to supplement their income, they want to weed their self out of medical field but they still love the people contact they have as a nurse. What to do….
I can show you how to market online with the skills I have learned over the past couple of years. I went from zero to over $500 a month in less than 90 days. That is no BS – I really did. I did not have one house party – I did not chase one person down the isle in Wal-Mart. I never begged one person to join or sign up. They came to me and ask “how can I get what you have.”
It is so rewarding to see the results people have by making a small change in their life – by changing just a small direction in their life or life style.
As a former burnt out nurse who loves helping people transitioned from nursing without giving up your day job. I still work full time and part time on my business using a smartphone and social media to stay in touch.