It’s all over nursing, social media and forums, nurses encouraging other to leave the toxic work environments. From an outside perspective, most people would make a comment: “I would never let that happen,” or “I would walk right out”. Not as many people follow through with their threat and too many people get comfortable. The co-workers you love, a superb manager, or a guilty conscience towards the patients and work loads, cause people to stay miserable. There are nurses that leave, but more stay and accept the less desirable work environment.
Let’s start with mental health. I feel that so many of my blog posts mention mental health or self care. The last several years lead to an immense hole in my mental health and being. Prior to the world shutting down in 2020, the #hussle-culture became exhausted. The toxic work environment, the co-workers, facilities or management, the day-to-day grind in a hospital can be hard. The patients are becoming sicker, and acuities are high. What was acceptable, staffing wise 10 to 15 years ago, is becoming unmanageable. The added work and toxic environment plays into the anxiety, stress and overall mental health.
At the end of the day or shift, you need to make the right choice for you. We are in a time where you, as a nurse or tech, can find a position faster than a hospital can fill it. Make the right choice for your family’s physical and mental health.