Burned Out

We have all done it…… Looked at a coworker and said something along the lines of we are almost done. Because surviving the day is the goal, right? We “joke” about it but never truly address the fatigue that comes with working in healthcare. While some people appreciate us, it really is a thankless field. We are expected to put on our game face and provide good customer service “care” all day long.

Trust me, I get it, no one wants to be serviced by someone who looks tired ,angry, or sad. But the reality is that we don’t receive the time that we need to reset…… ever. Oh, you lost a loved one? you’re sick? You received an unexpected bill? Kids are not behaving? Oh, well, suck it up and smile! I truly empathize with the direct care staff who have to balance losing one patient and going to another one to pretend nothing has happened. Trying to still give their all when they have nothing left or families who just want everything!

I have had my fair share of dealing with disgruntled family members, being drained from one family and then providing therapy to the next person. It’s just a part of the job and we can’t let what happens with one patient impact the other. But sometimes our masks slip and the patient notices. I have had patients who know me say “ you’re not yourself today, Amina.” My response is usually something like “I’m having rough day but I’ll be good in a moment.“ They usually are understanding and after the moment, I’ve had time to reset and provide the care they deserve.

Our friends and family can’t really relate to the stress of lifting people all day, catering to family members, managing meds, meeting deadlines, maintaining productivity, and barely getting a break. Unless you completely leave the building someone is coming to find you to ask an “urgent” question. Because we have to be available for all of their needs, all of the time. By the time we leave for the day we are burned out and barely functioning. This is especially tough because we still want to be present in the important parts of life, we want to be active, go to the parties, be at the games and so forth but after we have given so much of ourselves during the day we don’t have much left to give to the things that matter. Sadly, this is no way to live so we participate in the social events and then we are even more tired. This isn’t fair to friends and family because they are not getting the best of us, they get what is left.

All jokes aside, how do you manage this? I find myself taking more naps right after work or not being or being at events but not really participating. I want this to change though, any tips? I wish I had suggestions but between managing my health, trying to maintain a relationship, practicing whatever religious beliefs, I have no idea how to maintain.