Hello All!
I am a relatively new nurse (6 mos.) working on a busy med surg pulmonary/general medicine floor. Ever since starting this job and finishing my preceptorship, I have randomly started having panic attacks before going into work. I work second shift which for us is 3-11:30 pm so I have all morning to get myself worked up about what the day will hold.
I have always had issues with anxiety, but now it has started to hinder my career. For example today I actually called into work because the anxiety was so great that my heart was pounding and I felt so shaky. I didn't feel like it was safe for me to go in!!!
I really just want to know if anyone else experiences this and what you have done to help cope. I can't call into work all the time because I'm so scared. I know that once I have more experience, I will not be so nervous....but I have to get there first!!!!
Please help!