PACU_Master (Anonymous)
16-hour shift, anyone?
Just rolled off a 16-hour shift. Feeling like a walking zombie. Is this what burnout feels like? Never thought I'd be one of those nurses, you know, the ones constantly complaining about being short-staffed and overworked. Yet, here I am, lying in bed, my feet aching, my head throbbing, knowing I have to do it all over again tomorrow. So much for work-life balance, huh? How do you guys keep your sanity intact with all this crazy staffing ratios?
Been there, done that. I've found that focusing on self-care activities when I can, like yoga or a quick walk, helps a bit.
I sympathize with you, but remember it's a choice to overwork ourselves. Boundaries are important and deserve to be respected, even in nursing.
I remember my first 16-hour shift; couldn't feel my legs by the end of it. Started wearing compression socks after that and it made a world of difference. Just a …