How do you deal with bedside burnout? I am a nurse of 13 years. I moved into the L&D world and its made me realize I need a bedside care break. What are some recommendations from my fellow nurses that have gone through this stage?

I went into nursing education by receiving my MSN and applying to nursing schools. I started out teaching clinicals and in the lab - now I teach in the classroom. Best decision I ever made.

Burnout is so real, and I appreciate your honesty in recognizing that you need a break. I’ve been there too—pushing through burnout for months (maybe even years) before I finally took a pause to truly care for myself. That intentional break allowed me to return feeling renewed, and I stayed for a few more years before eventually transitioning out.

What helped me most was being really intentional with self-care—not just the “bubble baths and spa days” kind, but the deep, necessary work of setting boundaries, prioritizing my well-being, and reassessing what I needed to thrive in my career.

If you’re feeling like you need a bedside care break, it might be helpful to explore options that give you a breather while still using your skills—whether that’s a temporary role in education, case management, public health, or even a PRN position that gives you more control over your schedule. Some nurses find relief by switching to a different specialty that feels less emotionally or physically demanding.

Whatever you decide, know that stepping away (even temporarily) isn’t failure—it’s a necessary part of sustaining a long, fulfilling career. Take care of yourself first, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. Wishing you clarity and the space to find what truly works for you!

I moved to cardiac cath prep and recovery and two years later to the cardiac cath and electrophysiology labs.