Hopes of an overwhelmed RN

When people think of nurses, they usually see people who are compassionate, caring, and extremely calm under pressure. And while we technically are all those traits, what people don’t see is the emotional weight we carry home after every shift.

I’ve been a registered nurse for a few years now, and I truly love what I do. I love seeing patients recover, comforting families, and being part of a larger effort that helps people get better. But I’d be lying if I said it’s easy. There are days when the weight feels like too much, like when I finish a 12-hour shift and realize I haven’t eaten, haven’t sat down, and haven’t had a single moment to breathe.

Then there’s the part no one really prepares you for: the emotional abuse. Most patients are kind and grateful, but oftentimes, the excruciating pain and unanswered worry turn into anger. This anger usually channels to the nurses, who are the closest ones to the patient. I’ve been yelled at, cursed at, even grabbed. Once, a patient told me I was useless because I couldn’t fix their pain fast enough. I really try to brush it off but sometimes it becomes too much to handle in my already overwhelming day.

And the hardest part? You’re expected to just move on. Chart it, report it, and get to the next room.

We’re told to “be strong,” but strength shouldn’t necessarily mean silence. Nurses are human too, and the constant emotional pressure can take a toll and turn into things like anxiety, burnout, or mental fatigue. We’re surrounded by trauma, grief, and stress, but real mental health support for healthcare workers often feels like an afterthought. A quick “employee wellness email” surprisingly does not fix years of built-up exhaustion and mental fatigue..

What helps me most are the small moments of connection, like coworkers checking in on each other, sharing a laugh between call lights, or venting during break. It serves as a reminder that we’re not alone. But I feel like we need more support than just between coworkers. We need hospitals and healthcare systems to step up and recognize the importance of nurses’ mental health — and take action. Nurses give so much of themselves to others and in return we deserve the same compassion and care.

Until that becomes the norm, I’ll keep showing up, doing my best, and reminding myself and my colleagues that it’s okay to not always be okay.