Do you think it is healthy to stay in nursing when it exacerbates anxiety?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I used to have terrible performance anxiety, but over time I got over it. What gets me is the stress of dealing with altered mental status patients. That is the most frustrating part of the job. I've been taking low dose elavil for migraines and all I can say is I feel worlds better! I feel so much calmer and relaxed and it also got rid of the little aches and pains of my feet/ankles I used to struggle with! I know they always push prozac and serotonin drugs for everything under the sun, but good old fashioned elavil amitrytpiline works for me and doesn't trigger migraines that the serotonin class meds do. I only wish I had started taking it sooner and most important it has really cut my migraines like nothing else I've tried so far!

MomRN0913

1,131 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

I have been pondering the same thing myself. The anxiety in nursing did not hit me until my exH decided he wanted a divorce when our first child turned 6 months old. Even though I had come off maternity leave 4 months prior and went per diem 2 days a week, I had to go back full time. Raising an infant, dealing with an affair, and divorce at the same time, gave me anxiety issues that weren't present before. For a while, my work was my escape.

I'm 4 years throught this mess, but realize my anxiety at work has become exacerbated. I am finding I have enough stressors on the home front, the stressors at work, which I now bring home with me in my new position are making me a crazy woman. Where as I used to pop a xanax 3 times a week, it is now daily.

I've seriously considered recently leaving the field to a much less stressful job. Only problem is, this is my profession, I can't go back to school and start a whole new career and I need to make a certain amount of money for me and my daughter to live. So....... Not an option.

I do have aspirations to win the lottery. I probably should start playing though.

Didnt mean to hijack, but I was going to actually start a thread with the same topic. I understand how you feel and I can relate. The stress of nursing is very high. And if you are like me who worries about others all the time and work isn't just work, it could be worse:(

sauconyrunner

553 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.
Hi All,

I could not disagree with them but I know I need to start seriously looking for a less stressful job. I have only been a nurse for 3.5 years so I am not sure where I will look. I wish I was better with inserting IVs because I think I could find a job away from the bedside easier. It is a shame that I can't deal with the stress because I love my patients (most of them- haha) and love to do everything I can for them.

Peace

Have you seen anyone about how to deal with stress. I am frankly astounded at everyone who is suggesting you just go find another type of job. In dealing with anxiety the only way to conquer it is to experience it and learn ways to cope. You may have heard the phrase, "The only way out is through" It's so true. If you continually move away from things because, "I can't deal with it" you won't learn to deal with it. If you like being a bedside nurse, fight for it. Go see someone who can help you, and get through it. It will help your nursing, and also help you feel so much better ALL the time!

itsmejuli

2,188 Posts

Specializes in Home Care.
Have you seen anyone about how to deal with stress. I am frankly astounded at everyone who is suggesting you just go find another type of job. In dealing with anxiety the only way to conquer it is to experience it and learn ways to cope. You may have heard the phrase, "The only way out is through" It's so true. If you continually move away from things because, "I can't deal with it" you won't learn to deal with it. If you like being a bedside nurse, fight for it. Go see someone who can help you, and get through it. It will help your nursing, and also help you feel so much better ALL the time!

For many of us its just not that easy, I wish it were.

sistasoul

717 Posts

Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

Thank you for your concern. I agree with what you are saying. I have dealt with this all of my life but didn't realize it was a problem that was effecting my life until about 10 years ago. I have been to counselors and psychologists and tried several SSRI's. Have had bad experiences with those meds and will never go on another one.

I used to drink like a fish to deal with social anxiety when I was younger but did not realize that is why I drank my self into oblivion. I only have an occasional drink now and again these days. The anxiety has limited me though personally and professionally.

I exercise for stress now and it helps some what but not enough. I am going to look into talking to someone again. I just have to find the right fit and someone who doesn't want to automatically start pushing pills on to me. My anxiety at work is mostly due to time constraints and feeling like there is not enough time in the day to care for my patients. I have noticed that other nurses who have the patient next to mine just go into the room and give them their medications and get out. There is very little interaction or talking with the patients. I guess they have to do that to get out on time. I suppose I am going to have to do that too even though it goes against what my definition of a nurse is.

Sorry about the rambling.

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.
Have you seen anyone about how to deal with stress. I am frankly astounded at everyone who is suggesting you just go find another type of job. In dealing with anxiety the only way to conquer it is to experience it and learn ways to cope. You may have heard the phrase, "The only way out is through" It's so true. If you continually move away from things because, "I can't deal with it" you won't learn to deal with it. If you like being a bedside nurse, fight for it. Go see someone who can help you, and get through it. It will help your nursing, and also help you feel so much better ALL the time!

"The only way out is through" I had not heard that before. As in all things, you weigh the options and the costs. Sometimes you decide to co-exist with those things that you can't conquer. Maybe you just want to call a truce. It's not a mark of weakness, though some people consider it so.

Taking another less stressful job is a way around your limitations. Those of us who have less years before us than behind us may simply not want to expend the energy necessary to battle an enemy that we've not beat before.

Even a boxer knows when to throw in the towel.

sauconyrunner

553 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

You do have to find the right person to talk to. Many counselors are not well qualified etc.

I suffer from severe anxiety, really. It manifested itself in a very miserable very thin, very active person. When I actually could not run/swim/bike anymore due to fatigue, I ended up meeting my doctor who saved my entire life. Yes, I literally fell asleep while swimming one day- I mean WHO does that?

I'd been to several other counselors in the past and stopped them all because they were not helpful. I'm now not as thin, not quite as active, and much less miserable. It took 3 years, very hard ones. And it took the right combination of time, energy and physician.

And yes...some things are not worth the fight. But some things are. I have to admit, for me it was so worth it. I'm a better nurse having this under control, and a much happier person. My life is so much fuller and happier. I'm really just trying to share that you can actually beat this...you don't have to just retreat into a corner, if you don't want to. It was very unpleasant to work through this, but the reward was huge.

Now if you decide that finding a different job would actually make you happier...then go for it. I just sense a feeling of regret in your writing.

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