Last May..... I hit my breaking point which ultimately led to me being out of work for 3 months before being able to return. I had all the warning signs leading up to this. Going through personal issues at home, worrying about finances, kids, lack of time, and total disregard for my mental health. As Nurses I find that we get so immersed in solving every problem, putting out every fire, and we neglect our mental health. We neglect personal care, we work through breaks, we barley touch our water bottles. We jump to every patient and we multi-task and make time for everything but ourselves. We spend most of our time at work with our peers and patients. Even more so than our own families. We have to find a balance.. I wish I did. Back in May, things came crashing down for me, I wont get into all the details but I thought I was Superman. Impervious to bullets, stronger than sleep, and fixer of all things. The warning signs were there.. My energy was low at work, I was g
So Am I a Burnt out Nurse?As a nurse, I have experienced the versatility that this profession offers, from working different hours to choosing various specialties. However, I have come to realize that while I still enjoy my specialty and working with my coworkers, I also crave a more balanced life. In 2022, I made the decision to try travel nursing. It was an incredible experience. I had the flexibility of working three 12-hour night shifts, which allowed me to have more personal time. The financial benefits were also significant, as I was able to earn almost triple my usual earnings. But it wasn't just about the money; it was about the time I gained for myself and my loved ones. During the COVID pandemic and its aftermath, travel nursing changed me. It provided a work-life balance like no other, allowing me to prioritize my mental health, spend quality time with my children, and explore travel opportunities. I became happier, financially secure, and my morale reached an all-time h