Stress affecting BP

I've been at my job almost 3 years. It's a stress full job in health care. This last year it's getting worse and worse. Nurses and staff are all overworked and saying goodbye. We're very understaffed and it's stress full. Management keeps saying it'll be fine when it won't.

I've always stayed in this job because it is challenging and demanding. I can be my crazy self and fit in. I know the job well, have a decent income, and have good benefits.

I have had to increase anxiety meds and feel more on edge. The stress usually lasts well into the night so I go to bed late. Fridays are so stress full, I end up doing nothing on Saturdays. I'm irritable and edgy, snappy, and tense.

I don't want to go looking for work anymore. I wanted to settle here for a long time. But when does it become too much?
When does the stress affecting my BP become enough to call it quits?

I just can't relax anymore. Something's got to give.

I completely understand! I am a teacher at one of the lowest scoring schools in my state. I have multiple kids with behavior disorders and FAS etc. It is so stressful. This is my 4th year there and I've honestly loved my job, but this year there is so much pressure etc...teacher are treated like everything's our fault. I cry everyday in my classroom. Spent 6 days in the hospital for suicidal thoughts.
I personally think this job is probably making you miserable. Your health/stress levels is more important than any job. (basically, I'm telling you what I should be telling myself). I'm sure wherever you go you will be challenged and enjoy your job. Good luck. I totally feel your struggle!!

I think the job, my son's MI, my family stress is all adding up. I can't get a break at home or work.

I'm looking for a retreat somewhere to decompress and have some escape time. Hopefully I can find something soon.

I've been involved in the healthcare world for the past 3 years but from a safer spot. I work over nites IT support. Calls from nurses are no problem, wanna talk crazy? Calls from doctors are the worse! They act very stressed out even at nite. I some times wonder who helped them get dressed. Usually they have the nurse call for them. I assist in pc trouble shooting and also patient records, and various programs they use and get stuck in. So I kind of know how you feel. The burn out rate is up there for nurses! I think that's what your feeling and they all do at one time or another. Sounds like you just need some time off!

Good luck to you!

I would love time off!!

Things are getting worse. We're half staffed and over worked for sure!!

Today my doc increased the xanax to 1mg 3x day. Says it will be a more therapeutic level. Hmm?

I have a friend who works in healthcare. She books one week of annual leave every 3 month to cope with the stress and she has worked in the same place for 20 years so she has accumulated lots of leave. A weekend retreat sounds the way to go. Self care and nurturing too.

Oh I wish. I need some R&R for sure!!

I put in for a job change at my company. We'll see what happens. Too much stress in my department.

I would see if I could figure out discreet problems and then come up with some ideas how to solve or cope with them better. Just talking about "stress" can be more stressful? Figure out the top three things on your job, exactly what at the moment about your son's illness that is hard for you, etc. I like to read books like the Heath brothers' Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work: Chip Heath, Dan Heath and get ideas on how to cope better when I am feeling overwhelmed.

I got confirmation today at work that my symptoms are increasing. My super spoke to me today. I'm thinking about taking FMLA for a break. I need time to de-stress.

I wished for time off too due to my stress levels. Well, I ended up having to have a bowel resection due to the stress (diverticulitis) . Since then I have been suffering from depression and anxiety. I know the job is toxic for me, but as a single bread winner,, I had to attempt to go back. We will see how things go....