How long does the "new nurse anxiety" usually last?

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Hey all! I know there is a section on this forum about disabilities but I don't think this relates to clinical anxiety/depression.

As a new nurse (2 months without preceptor) I basically have, to a degree, an anxiety attack before work (new grad in the ED). Once I'm actually on the floor it feels like the anxiety is gone, but it's back after I'm off for a few days. I just want to be able to work without feeling like this and be able to enjoy and look forward to going to work.

I've discussed this with others and they say this is normal, but how long did it take YOU to feel more comfortable or less stressed as a new nurse?

I dont feel it before work or during work, but after work. It took 6 months for me to feel comfortable but still have anxieties once i leave work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Your anxiety level will depend on various factors. Some people worry more than others in general, and we all have various coping methods. It also depends on the area you're working, and the culture of the unit. One thing that really helped me was learning to prioritize my care, and distinguish from patient needs versus wants. Someone who has a life threatening condition will have my undivided attention, versus someone who needs pain medication, for example. And while it is important to be proactive and consider the "what if" scenarios, worrying about things in advance is not healthy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Useyournoodle I definitely know how you feel. Glad you're in the same boat lol. Once you're actually on your own the anxiety will kick in a bit more. You said you have a great staff, then they will be there when its busy because they know how to handle it. I learned through experience that even during the crazy rush in the ED, there's always a nurse or charge nurse to help you out. Sounds like we have 6-12months before we feel better haha.Thank everyone else for the posts. I'm reading everyone of them and it's definitely making me feel better. Keep em coming!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Labor & Delivery, Med-surg.

When in a new area I write everything I learn down in a pocket notebook, which I photocopy double sided in mini-print. When an unfamiliar event occur out comes my notebook. This has saved me much angst.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ive been in my job for 21 months and i still get the butterflies at times. I feel slightly more comfortable ie the sweats and the shakes have stopped but i still go over and over and over things in my head and sometimes end up making mountains outta molehills but i guess this too will pass eventually.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/surg,orthopedics,emergency room,.

Well, to be honest, sometimes it never really goes away until you wake up one morning and say, " HEY!!!! I GOT IT!!!!!" Don't focus on what you may do wrong, but correct , take note, and move on. When I first started working in the ER i was so scared I didn't want to do anything. But when I got my feet FINALLY wet, ii was great I was good to go. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro-Surgery, Med-Surg, Home Health.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'm saying this in all seriousness...

I started my nursing career in 1981.

Most of those years were spent in a very busy medical center.

How long did my anxiety last?

The question should be, "When did the anxiety end?"

Answer: On the day I retired from my nursing career.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Retired from the county-owned hospital job: 2008

Second nursing job, 2008 to today's retirement, 02/06/2013. (Seriously)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I totally agree. I have never lost that sense of anxiety since I started nursing. I have been in health care since 1980, an RN since 1985.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Hmm.. going on just shy of a decade of working as a nurse.

I'll let you know when the anxiety goes away.

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

It never goes away. It just fades into STRESS! Lol! Seriously......

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand how this anxiety may always stay with us because of the type of job we have so here is my question:

Do you all think this may affect our health in the long run?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU.

I'm a new grad in an ICU. I currently have been working for a little over six months, and o my own for a little over two months.

I'm starting to get more comfortable in some ways. The beeps and the noises are beginning to get to me though :p

I have been told it takes about one year to be comfortable and about two years to become fully competent in everything an ICU nurse knows and does.

I have however realized that nursing involves always being, on some level, uncomfortable. And, now that I have realized that, I'm less stressed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment