Self Test

___ I feel hopeless and trapped in my job.

___ I am constantly tired.

___ I am bored with my duties and my co-workers.

___ I am easily irritated and have little patience with co-workers, residents and their families.

___ I am cynical about health care and the nursing profession.

___ I want change from my daily routine, yet I feel threatened by change.

___ I feel that I lack control over my circumstances.

___ I have difficulty concentrating on specific tasks.

___ I withdraw because working at problem-solving seems futile.

___ I use alcohol and other drugs too often.

___ I occupy myself with trivial activities to escape more important responsibilities.

___ I used to care about others, but now I'm preoccupied with my own health, sanity and career.

___ I am restless and have difficulty relaxing or sleeping.

___ I doubt that I really make a difference to my residents, co-workers, family or friends.

___ I have lost my professional and personal confidence.

___ I hate to get out of bed and dread going to work.

___ I put off making decisions because they are overwhelming.

___ I don't want to hear about anyone else's problems.

___ I feel I have nothing more to give.

___ I am just going through the motions – waiting for the work day to end, a new job, or retirement.

___ I've lost my sense of purpose and enthusiasm about nursing.

___ I often use phrases like " I don't care anymore." or " Why bother?"

___ I am highly critical of others.

___ My self-esteem is low.

___ I use a lot of sick leave just to get away from work.

___ My social involvement has decreased both on and off the job.

___ I frequently complain and despair over problems

*** If you checked more than five of these statements, you may want to look more closely at yourself and consider developing some techniques for reducing stress and preventing burnout.