Switching Teams

I just finished my first year as a nurse. It's had it's ups and downs as would any new career; however, nursing has a way of becoming part of who you are.  If you're not careful it can take over your life.  I started out looking to learn as much as possible about compassion fatigue and I really feel like I've gotten a good grip on what it is and what can be done. 

The first step anyone has to do in this situation is step back and look at your life.  I  just recently found myself working 30 plus hours a week on a rehab floor, fighting to keep my A average as a full time student, and , oh yea, did I mention I'm expecting?  Of course my work was getting to me.  So was traffic and school and the lines at the grocery store.  At some point in life, you're going to have to step back and say "enough."

That's just what I finally did.  I've enjoyed my time on the rehab floor but it was time to let it go.  I just started a job at a pediatric facility and I've already felt the difference.  It's amazing.  When I'm scheduled to get off at 8:00 I actually get off at 8:00.  No one is there long enough to form an attachment and I don't have to worry about coming in one morning and finding out one of my patients had a major heart attack at 2 A.M. and didn't make it.  I do miss certain aspects of my last job.  I miss the patients and I will always miss celebrating their triumphs with them. 

Every job will have it's ups and downs, good days and bad days.  There's no way to tell which ones will get to you and which ones you'll forget about the moment after it happens.  You just have to take things day by day and do the best you can.  Take care of yourself.  We have to remember to take a step back from time to time and breath.