New grad nurse! My mental health has taken a huge plummet since starting bedside! It’s taken a physical and emotional toll on me.. what do I do..? I feel embarrassed to say anything to my manager because we are short staffed right now ):
ICU/PACU RN for nine years, do not EVER feel embarrassed or less than for feeling you need to speak up about how you’re feeling! I wish I’d had the self awareness to have done so earlier in my career!
Idk what type of area you’re in but 100% if you don’t say anything you will crash and burn. It’s not an “if” but “when”. Instead of thinking of this as a setback take advantage of knowing who you are. Find areas that better meet your needs. As a new grad I realize you may need to bide your time and finish new grad residency or whatever but always be on the look out for jobs and network.
Don’t try and tough out a job ruining your mental or physical health. Just bc you can do something doesn’t mean you have to. Sure things might get better but chances are if you’re feeling this way now, it’ll be the same, you’ll just get better at pushing down your inner voice and eventually patient care and your overall well being will suffer. I hate you’re feeling this way and I hope it works out for you!
You need to speak up. Whether it's to someone you work with, a friend, family. If your mental health isn't taken care of, you can't properly give your best to your patients. Never try to hold it all together ❤️
I realized, late in my career, that a hospital will find staffing or move patients. That being said, YOU are more important than staffing. You have years to live, being aware of your limitations is a healthy boundary that needs to be established early and it CAN NOT be broken for ANY reason. Your physical and emotional well-being are precious so invaluable. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, take care of yourself and speak up for those who feel like they can not say anything.
I made that mistake of staying quiet because I didn’t want people to think I was weak or I could not handle the work biggest mistake I made. After 8 months I ended up in the hospital with panic attacks feeling hopeless and with long time suffering from anxiety and some form of PTSD Speak up
You need to let your manager know, if she is a good manager she will help you. Your mental health is everything. Every job should be looking out for their nurses and if your job is not then it is time to find a better job for your self.
Hi there! Been a nurse a long time! It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed both physically and emotionally in the beginning and bedside is super stressful.
Tips for you!: do NOT take on additional shifts until you feel more regulated. It’s not your responsibility to staff the unit… it’s your managers job.
It’s important to communicate with your manager about how you’re doing and to take steps to improve your issues/concern so you can continue to provide adequate care to your patients.
You have a very hard job and burnout is something even new grads experience. Be kind to yourself and be sure to connect with family/friends for support and do things you enjoy.
….and if you find you are unable to mitigate your issues, it might be time to change jobs. There are lots of jobs out there for caring nurses and companies that will treat you with respect and not burn you out.
Good luck!!
My nurse that was training me made me feel like crap since I told her that it was too much, she actually yelled at me in front of the other nurses and what all there. I didn't come back even though we had a good case against her, I didn't pursue it.
