Intro

Every day, the burn out of nurses from bedside care grows more pronounced. Across Facebook groups and TikTok feeds, nurses express their exhaustion and frustration with the myriad challenges inherent in bedside nursing: navigating hospital administration, enduring undervaluation, facing disrespect from patients and higher-ups, grappling with dangerous patient ratios, navigating hospital politics, and enduring long hours. It can feel so soul crushing to start dreading the very thing that you had hoped, prayed and worked so incredibly hard for. Just to figure out that it’s not about the patients at all, but instead, politics, money, and control.   

Burn Out 

The title of this post piqued your interest in some way, which likely means you are feeling the bedside burn out. And friend, I wish I could hug you. I’ve been there too. The consequences of nurse burnout extend far beyond the individual. When nurses are physically and emotionally depleted, patient care inevitably suffers. Mistakes become more common, empathy wanes, and the quality of care diminishes. In a profession where every decision can have life-altering consequences, nurse burnout isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a public health crisis.  

Hospital politics 

In my opinion, the internal politics within hospital walls have been the primary catalyst for driving nurses away. While administrators claim to prioritize patient safety, their actions often contradict that. Unsafe patient ratios, increased responsibilities for nurses beyond patient care, and nonsensical rules imposed create a challenging environment. Unfortunately, I don’t see improvement in the near future, and patients will inevitably bear the consequences.  

Underpaid 

Isn’t there a quote that says “”One of the greatest tragedies in life is to work hard all your life, only to discover that you’ve been underpaid, underappreciated, and undervalued.”   

If we have one of the most important jobs in the world like they say (which we do), shouldn’t we at least offer great compensation? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The big dogs want it all for themselves. But let me offer a silver lining. You likely possess so many skills that you may not even recognize due to the multifaceted nature of nursing. Beyond the healthcare sector, there are countless opportunities awaiting you. This realization prompted me to establish my own IV Hydration business. Taking that leap of faith has broadened my perspective, revealing a wealth of possibilities beyond what I ever imagined.   

Long hours 

Name 1 thing nurses hate to hear the most. I’ll go first:  

“Yeah, but you only work 36 hours a week.”  

I know you’ve heard that before. It’s so frustrating because you feel so undervalued (once again) by that statement. And might I add, it’s NEVER “just 36 hours”. It’s always more because of course your patient decides to crash at 6pm (or a.m. for my night shifters).   

The demanding schedules of bedside nursing, with their extensive hours, can be a primary contributor to burnout. This can result in significant sacrifices, such as being absent for important family moments, like tucking your children into bed three to four nights a week or being fully present and your best self during quality time with loved ones.  

The sacrifices made in pursuit of providing exceptional care for your patients come at a personal cost, affecting relationships and well-being. It’s imperative that we recognize the importance of work-life balance in nursing and advocate for support systems that enable nurses to thrive both professionally and personally. If the demanding hours are something affecting your life, it may be a sign it’s time to consider leaving the bedside.   

Patient Ratios 

I could compile a book solely on patient ratios, and I’m sure you could do the same. Unsafe patient ratios serve as a compelling justification for contemplating taking a step (or many) away from bedside nursing. It’s unjust not only to patients, who are unable to receive the quality care they deserve, but also to nurses, whose well-being and safety are jeopardized. Your professional license, personal safety, and mental and physical health are all at risk.
 

Conclusion

Navigating the decision to step away from bedside nursing can feel like riding an emotional roller coaster. The profound sense of honor and duty to care for individuals in their most vulnerable moments, often on the brink of life and death, can be overwhelming. My greatest apprehension about leaving bedside nursing came from the fear of no longer feeling like I was making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I reassured myself and others by saying, “I’ll go PRN once I establish and stabilize my business.” Looking back, I laugh at myself, because now I realize that I’m not only impacting the lives of those I encounter daily but also the most cherished individuals in my life – my husband and our two young boys.  

If you’re seeking an alternative to bedside nursing or simply exploring avenues beyond the clinical environment, I invite you to read my post titled “From Bedside to Business.” Discover how I transitioned from bedside nursing to pursue entrepreneurship in the nursing field. It may just inspire your own journey towards newfound opportunities and fulfillment. 

XoXo,

-Samantha