Scared to death...

[catlady, BSN, RN]

Just left a new job after *four days*, felt the vibes were too awful. Left the previous job (management) after one year, due to stress. I haven't stayed at a job longer than a year in the past four years. I am suddenly terrified that I won't be able to work and take care of us (me, the little kid, and the cats). Every time I start a job, I start thinking about when I should leave.

I'm registered with some agencies, and I've worked agency before, but that scares me too, in a way I never felt before. I don't know if I can function anywhere at all, either as staff or management. I've been an RN for 17 years, with experience in ICU and geriatrics, my resume is pretty polished, and I feel as frightened as a new grad.

Help!

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you have some anxiety disorder. Can you talk to you Primary doctor? I'd look into it before it gets worse.

Hope you're better soon!

[Ted]

In May of 1998, a horrible, devastating incident happend which left me in a similar state for over two years. Fear was definately my middle name. Went through three different jobs during that time period. (Thankfully, I'm still working at the last job which I enjoy very much.)

It took about 1 year's worth of grief counceling to help me through this horrible time, come to grips in dealing with my fears and gain perspective with life (including work goals).

Is some kind of counceling or similar support an option? (You don't need to answer me.)

My prayers and a hug to you.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Sounds like a severe case of nursing burnout. May want to try a less stressful area of nursing for awhile, where you can be away from unpleasant staff interactions, such as home health, or maybe a nonbedside nonmanagement nursing position such as infection control nurse, nurse researcher, etc.

[ArenRN, BSN, RN]

What do you mean about bad vibes?

It is normal to feel somewhat aprehensive in a new job.

It would be better if you can get a position in a place where they offer an adequate orientation period,where you can get to know the routine, location of supplies, staff, etc.

Give it some time and you´ll see that you will start to feel more comfortable.

It is possible that you have not recuperated from the stress of your previous management job.

[fiestynurse]

Sounds like you have a classic case of burnout. It has become the number one reason why nurses are leaving the profession. The symptoms are similar to PTSD - fear, anxiety, difficulty handling stress. You really need to take care of yourself and find some support. Talking to other nurses, like you are now, is really helpful.