I started a new job in the NHS about 18 months ago and I took on a band 7 role (had been a 7 previously). Since starting the role I have noticed how short staffed they are and work required just seems to get dumped on people, even though they have their own job to do. High turnover and sickness. I myself have recently returned from 4 weeks on the sick (first time in 29 years of service). Basically, my workload is too much and my line manager is constantly giving me work that should be done by someone else (even staff who have left). It’s unmanageable. I am working from home, unpaid, to try and catch up! If the work isn’t done (say, stuff needed for a meeting) then the line manager makes you feel tiny in a meeting and always criticises people (saying they are not doing their job properly etc.).
I have been going through the menopause for the last 9 years and anxiety was one of my worst symptoms (no HRT) but I learned to deal with it (getting out in nature and away from anywhere busy like shopping centres) and it settled a lot. But, stress kicked it off (constant worry over workload). I went to the GP, who signed me off for 4 weeks. I have gone back, done phased return for 4 weeks, and am still struggling. I also getting what I describe as regular missed heartbeats or ‘fluttering’ - it feels like my heart is skipping a beat. My manager has also read me the riot act at my back to work interview and brought up the absence management policy to threaten me (bear in mind, I have 27 years service elsewhere with no sickness episodes like this - just the odd day for tummy bugs). I have always had an exemplary employment history.
Of course, I am now looking for another job but there is a recruitment freeze in the NHS so I
am now looking to leave the NHS, sadly. I have always been so loyal to the NHS, especially as it saved my life as a teenager.
I am early 50’s.
It’s stress isn’t it? I am being made to feel like a failure.