How do you manage the emotional toll of working with critically ill patients and their families?

Remember that we are there to help as much as we can, but everyone's Lifepath is their own. You cannot live their lives for them, and sometimes we cannot relieve the pain and incapacity that occurs with critical illness. Medicine and nursing aren't perfect.This is said having spent almost half of an almost 50 year career in ICU's and ERs. This naturally gives me a looong perspective, which all nurse must develop if they are to remain in critical care/ER areas of work. Having something that takes your attention, time, and is fun and relaxing outside of work is essential. For me it is reading, gardening, and my harp. If you have friends who are colleagues and can relate to the strress, a girl's/colleagues' night out now and then to blow off steam is helpful. If it's really affecting you, consider try short-term therapy, defined as no more than 16 weeks. AND... Your patients (and their significant others)are better off because you are there at their bedsides. Please remember that when you start to ask yourself is it all worth it? The answer is a resounding "yes!"