Is there a balance?

1 Hello everyone,

is there ever a balance. Are we expected to work until we have nothing left. Are we to be treated unfairly. I am mentally and physically discouraged. I work so hard and it never seems enough. As I cross one bridge it's like a mountain is a head. I remember going through school and thinking just hold on a little while longer things will get better. Well it's been several years later and I am still saying just a little while longer things will get better.
I believe there is a balance, but it doesn't necessarily come easily. If a job is draining you to the point that you aren't happy, it's probably time to consider other options, but the beauty of nursing is that you have an abundance of different opportunities. If you're stressed out by the hospital setting, maybe you could consider clinic, public health, home health, long term care, or school nursing. If you don't like your particular unit, consider a switch to another specialty or to a new hospital. If you need a break in providing direct clinical care, look into research, telephone triage, etc. There are nursing jobs out there that allow you to walk away at the end of the day and to have peace in your down time.Best wishes!

There is a balance (which is different for each individual), but you have to be the one to set and defend it. V. few employers will do it for you -- as you note, many will keep making demands and running you into the ground until you collapse -- if you let them. IMO, part of becoming a competent, experienced nurse, just as much as actual clinical expertise and knowledge, is learning to look out for your own best interests, set limits, and protect yourself. That isn't something people necessarily come into nursing knowing how to do, but it's v. important to learn for your survival. Best wishes!

Quote from elkparkThere is a balance (which is different for each individual), but you have to be the one to set and defend it. V. few employers will do it for you -- as you note, many will keep making demands and running you into the ground until you collapse -- if you let them. IMO, part of becoming a competent, experienced nurse, just as much as actual clinical expertise and knowledge, is learning to look out for your own best interests, set limits, and protect yourself. That isn't something people necessarily come into nursing knowing how to do, but it's v. important to learn for your survival. Best wishes!

It took me several years to add and combine two letters to my professional vocabulary, "no".

Quote from elkparkThere is a balance (which is different for each individual), but you have to be the one to set and defend it. V. few employers will do it for you -- as you note, many will keep making demands and running you into the ground until you collapse -- if you let them. IMO, part of becoming a competent, experienced nurse, just as much as actual clinical expertise and knowledge, is learning to look out for your own best interests, set limits, and protect yourself. That isn't something people necessarily come into nursing knowing how to do, but it's v. important to learn for your survival. Best wishes!

"something that many woman have a hard time learning. One most take care of oneself first, for no other is responsible"Truer words have not been spoken! I recall my mother being called selfish because she took time for herself. Women have to take care of themselves, men have to take care of themselves, or else you cannot take care of others.

I keep wondering the same thing? Did I really go to school for this? Very disappointed to say the least.

It's hard today finding a balance.I myself have been an actual RN for two years now (but worked in hospitals in other jobs for 25 years now), and I still have not got a permanent position. It is hard relying on casual jobs, casual money (the worse part), juggling bills, and not really having a life. I'm trying to pay off debts, am behind with rent, and wonder what the future holds. Yes it is very depressing too. And I am what you would probably consider 'poor' in our society maybe.But I think the whole depressed world economy situation has got people down.I often find people don't have a life balance - I've never found my life balance. I envy those who have got that little bit of extra money to go get their hair done and can spend a bit of extra money without thinking about it; I can't do that.For me it hasn't got much better but I have other skills to fall back on, so am not too worried (though I still lie awake worrying b4 I go to sleep). It's more young people I feel sorry for who haven't worked at all, and who can't find jobs.I would say hold your head up, but I don't really believe things will get better very soon to be honest. You might want to think about training for another career or look for a different job just to get out of nursing for a while, & to give urself time to think. Cos in a year or so, I won't be in this position anymore either unless things change drastically for me.Nursing isn't the stable career it used to be. And for the jobs I want, you need 2-3 degrees JUST to get a permanent job, like I haven't spent enough money doing study already.

Quote from systolyIt took me several years to add and combine two letters to my professional vocabulary, "no".