Challenges in emergency medicine Burnout can creep up on you and can occur even in one shift. Nate got burned out working nights and started drinking heavily and almost got into blows with his partner. He went through a tough period and came out the other side. Substances will become an easy outlet and a way to avoid dealing with real problems if you allow them. Everyone has their coping strategies; you need healthy ones. Casey- If you run 2000 calls a year or more you may burnout, if you less than 200 calls you may burnout.  You need a balance at a certain point. Being the right kind of busy can give you energy as well.  I cannot overemphasize how amazing the 75 hard program is. In emergency medicine we need to be MENTALLY TOUGH Try cold plunging. Doug- recognize you are burned out. Some variety and less hours overtime can really help extend your time in EM. Sarah- Recognize burnout in yourself. As a nurse you have job flexibility if you are getting burned out. No one is going to remember that extra shift you worked except your family.  Life is not easy to balance and sometimes work will take priority or money will take priority but the more you keep your family on the back burner the more they will suffer. Everything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn’t represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions. Support the show