When You Want to Give Up as a Nurse Practitioner

I recently got the question from a new nurse practitioner, “what do you do when you want to give up as a nurse practitioner?”
I’ve definitely been there before myself, and with the stress of this last year and a half, I know a lot of other new nurse practitioners and NP students are feeling that way, too.
In this week’s video, I’m covering what to do when you feel like this, including:
✅ The most important questions to ask yourself to help sort through your feelings and get to the root of feeling like yourself again
✅ Real life contexts of what this may look like for you, and the options to consider
✅ A few personal stories about how I experienced burnout and what I’ve done to cope with it
After this video, check out the other videos I’ve done about compassion fatigue and burnout:
An Interview with Diana: A Self-Care Strategist Nurse practitioner • An Interview with Dian...
How to Manage Nurse Practitioner Stress, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: • How to Manage Nurse Pr...
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Sign up for the Lab Interpretation Crash Course: www.realworldnp.com/labs
Grab your copy of the Digital NP Binder: www.realworldnp.com/binder
Get you medication management right with the Diabetes Medication Workshop: www.realworldnp.com/diabetes
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[@hhc1948]

NPs need more residency spots, and residency at least for a year should be the standard.

[@RealWorldNP]

It couldn't hurt! More support is always a good thing!

[@andreadouglas8581]

I haven’t cried this much since becoming a nurse in 2013. Am always questioning myself. I feel like I am over utilizing my mentor. I feel that physicians expect you to know everything. I haven’t even hit the 90 day mark yet. I am so mentally tired all the time. I hope this gets easier. Thanks again for all you do.

[@RealWorldNP]

It DOES get better! Hang in there, rely on your mentor, make sure you take care of yourself as much as you can, and know that you got this!!

[@andreadouglas8581]

Thank you. Really appreciate it

[@nataliedowning4563]

I needed this today more than you know. I almost walked into my office today and quit. I'm at a new clinic with 3 staff members including me. They double booked me all day yesterday on top of a lot of other issues. I'm still considering leaving healthcare after 12 years but this gives me some guidance and makes me feel less alone in this struggle. ❤

[@RealWorldNP]

You are not alone! And remember you got this - hang in there.

[@christinacrespi2624]

I almost walked out today too!

[@paresaalizadeh2423]

Thank you for your channel.. its been a huge support, especially over the past few months!

[@RealWorldNP]

You are so welcome! I am so glad it's helping. Thank you!

[@andreadouglas8581]

I am a new FNP and I was thinking this may not be for me as I originally thought. I just started and am finding it challenging.

[@RealWorldNP]

It is hard, and very stressful when you get started. It does get better! Find mentors and support, keep studying, and trust yourself. You got this!!

[@rajgabbynatt5915]

I love how real you are about this. I was struggling with burnout for so long because with a million things on my to-do list, self-care felt like it wasn't important. Your right once you give yourself time, you experience clarity. I started to be careful about giving myself time and focus on my personal growth. Thank you for your videos.

[@RealWorldNP]

You are so welcome! I am glad you made time for yourself!

[@gonurseyourself__]

I’m not a NP but this video was super encouraging and practical for me as a bedside nurse ! ☺️

[@RealWorldNP]

I'm so glad!

[@lisabradley2505]

I graduated and passed boards in February 2021. I am having trouble finding a nurse practitioner position. I have had multiple initial and second interviews. I have been told I am a "strong candidate", but they always give the position to a more experienced candidate. I am getting so frusterated and discouraged! :(

[@RealWorldNP]

Have you ever tried The Resume Rx? Amanda does great work helping NPs find their dream jobs - we are an affiliate of hers because we believe in what she does. Check it out: realworldnp--theresumerx.thrivecart.com/djr/. And good luck - you so got this!!

[@corinneclynes1561]

Thank you!

[@RealWorldNP]

You're welcome!

[@barbsterry5466]

Thank you for this. I am definitely on the verge of quitting. These presentation really helped. I am going to take your advice

[@RealWorldNP]

Hang in there and thank you!

[@m.j.gonzalez6281]

This video is too late for me. After 4 years and a lot of burn out I decided to quit as FNP and return to be a nurse. Im currently working as a Public Health Nurse and hapier than ever. As a NP I had too much responsibility, few support and worked as crazy. Sad but true. A vacation didn't fix anything.

[@RealWorldNP]

I'm so glad to hear that you are happier than ever! I'm sorry you didn't receive the support you deserved as an FNP. I hope your journey continues to be a happy one. ❤️

[@bethanypatrick4286]

I've worked in healthcare for 18 years, and I've worked as an NP for 7 years. I'm tired of working in a broken healthcare system. I'm considering my options. I feel compelled to stay where I'm at for 4 more years, to qualify for public service loan forgiveness. I don't know if it's worth it. Apparently the government only forgives loans 1% of the time under that program anyway. Maybe a break for clarity is a good next step.

[@RealWorldNP]

It's so important to take care of yourself - take a break if you can. You are worth it!

[@hyeeunjung4451]

I almost quitted being as NP after one year working. i hit 5 years experience as NP now. I feel so drained n want to quit as NP again. Dont know being NP is my calling. M i the only one feeling so drained?

[@RealWorldNP]

You are NOT alone! Hang in there and take breaks as you need them! Take care of yourself!!

[@426carrie]

The documentation is killing me

[@RealWorldNP]

I can be so frustrating. Check this video out for tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqWpk5udhZuLmaM