I'm an ex ITU nurse and I don't want to go back

[MozzchopsThirty]

I know I am totally BU
And I could care for a vented patient
And the guilt is awful

I've been out of there for 8 years and there is talk amongst our management of redeploying staff with ITU experience

But I don't want to go
I don't want to risk my own health and my family's health by working long hours in a stressful environment with not enough protection

I suspect that after a few 12 hour shifts I would be sent home anyway, given current working conditions for acute care nurses.

If you are called upon, tell them you can only do short shifts.This may suit some nurses in terms of childcare as well. Any help is better than none.

If it helps, if you forced yourself to go, the stress of not wanting to be there is likely to result in you making a harmful mistake.

I feel for you .but surely you cant be forced into going back? I see that you feel guilty but there is no need! You have done your bit.Just say that you have family responsibilities ,and cannot help even though you would like to and leave it at that.It was always my dream to become a Nurse but I dont think I would be able to cope TBH .Even without Corona virus the long hours and middling pay makes it one of the hardest jobs IMO.Relax you have served your time and need to concentrate on yourself and your family .You are not in the least bit selfish!

Well slight update, we are being asked to go back
Giving 3 days of intensive training
And then there to support current staff who may have 3 patients to 1 ITU nurse
We will be there to monitor, suction, document obs, reposition etc

We can't refuse, in our nhs contracts it states we can work anywhere in the service to meet demand

Those of us that left to do the same current role we're all in have set up a group
Trying to have a giggle about it but we're all scared

I'm feeling very different about it today and will most likely go back

Thinking of you @MozzchopsThirty, I am also being moved back to my old ward, after thinking I'd never ever have go back. Working there was the worse time of my life, not looking forward to it. A big socially distanced hug for you.

@Popc0rn right back atcha