Nurses with Lack of Support Experience More Muscle Soreness

Check out the link below:

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/18281-anger-about-lack-of-co-worker-support-puts-nurses-at-higher-risk-of-msds-study

You will find an interesting study which makes a lot of sense. If you, nurse, are not getting support from colleagues not only will that anger you but could put you in jeopardy because you’ve given up asking for help (with lifts, transfers, emotional support, etc.)

I ended up with compassion fatigue (undiagnosed) after 7 years of grueling management work. Not only did all my joints and muscles ache, I was so fatigued I could not get out of bed for 2 months. After those 2 months I could get up but could not stay up for the next 5 years. With a lot of support from my family, numerous types of counseling, 2 sleep studies (that diagnosed idiopathic narcolepsy), many different kinds of complementary therapies, and a good psychiatrist I can now wake up in the morning wanting to start the day with motivation and happiness.

Looking back, one Sleep Specialist Fellow spoke to me when the Attending was out of the room, “Your story sounds like many other nurses I see that have compassion fatigue, wait, and you will feel better after your body heals.” I said yeah, yeah, everybody has a diagnosis that is worthless for my muscle & joint pain and chronic fatigue. But as it turns out he may have been right!

Now, I am grateful every day I wake up and get out of bed. I feel so much better. I still worry that this is just a “phase” I am going through but I am trying my best to be optimistic.

What I am getting at is do not let yourself get sick, do not wait until you hit the brick wall before you pay attention. Listen, listen closely to what your body, mind, and soul are telling you and choose yourself over whatever job you have at that moment or what people you put up with everyday. Either learn to have peace with your situation or get out, now.

Blessings,

Kim (please, leave me your thoughts by commenting on this post)