I was just a few months into nursing school when I came to the realization that people don’t die from old age. No one was killed in a car wreck. No one passes away from cancer. The realization that the actual cause of death is related to the pathophysiology of the human body, made the emotions more complicated. I was saddened that people don’t die from old age. I think there is something peaceful about passing away in your sleep. But when you think about it, the cause of death is actually a pathophysiological complication. Sometimes we know too much.
How many of us have been patients ourselves, scared because we know all of the possible complications and negative outcomes. I remember going to the hospital to welcome a brand new baby and my mind immediately recalled every complication in the book.
I tend to be the over protective parent at the playground, saying comments such as “be careful” and “don’t climb too high- you could fall.” Because I’ve seen the negative outcomes in patients who have suffered a fall. I know the complications and injuries. Sometimes we know too much.
And it is this knowing too much that causes unneeded stress, worry, and anxious feelings. We live out of fear and bury the emotions without ever addressing the actual feelings.
I think it’s important to spend some time reflecting on your inner thoughts. Address the second victim syndrome. Identify the moral injury. Acknowledge the feelings. Spend some time reflecting on “knowing too much.”
If you feeling burned-out because of the buried emotions and stress, check out my online course: Burnout Resolution for Nurse Practitioners.
For time management and charting tips, check out The Nurse Practitioner Charting School– The one stop for all documentation resources created specifically for nurse practitioners. Learn more at www.npchartingschool.com
**Full disclosure, this blog post may include affiliate links. I do receive a commission if any of the affiliate programs/services/supplies are purchased. This is at no extra cost to you but does allow me to continue to provide content as The Burned-out Nurse Practitioner! Thank you!
**Full disclosure, this blog post may include affiliate links. I do receive a commission if any of the affiliate programs/services/supplies are purchased. This is at no extra cost to you but does allow me to continue to provide content as The Burned-out Nurse Practitioner! Thank you!
