LPN with PTSD....afraid to go back to work

Nurses LPN/LVN

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  1. Should I give up or keep on trucking

    • 0
      give up
    • 9
      keep on trucking

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Hi I have been an LPN for one year now. I have had 3 nursing jobs that have all been short term. I left the first job in a nursing home for a job in home health. Then I went back to a nursing home job. The second nursing home job was a dream come true. I had the perfect hours and residents. during my 4th month there my personal life was turned completely upside down. my then boyfriend tried to kill me, and I tried to take some time off, but because it was a holiday week my employer said that if I took time off I would be suspended and or fired. so I went to work with blood shot eyes from being strangled. I saw my pcp and she told me to take some time off, and diagnosed me with ptsd. Me listening to my don I still went to work and tried to perform to the best of my abilities, not truly knowing what ptsd was. in the long run, I was forgetting things , I messed up on some things and I got suspended any way, then fired. this has really had me down and I have had 2 other nursing positions since but things have happened in these jobs and I seem to be afraid after something (bad) happens and request to be let go. IS THERE SOME ADVICE out there.

Other than me going to counseling, I am feeling very discouraged. I love being a nurse, and giving compassionate care to the elderly. I want to work again, but I am afraid.

Thanks in advance :blink:.

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You need the counselling. It's not an option. You need it.

If you can't afford it (I don't know what medical coverage you are entitled to because you are American) look into women's health co-ops and women's shelters.

You can't be the best nurse you can be if you are haunted by the past.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Was your boyfriend arrested and prosecuted for the assault? Many states provide funding &/or assistance to crime victims - please investigate this option.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

taking a LOA is NOT "giving up". You have had a severe trauma, your mind and body is telling you to rest. Get the help you need first, then you can keep on truckin.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I agree with other posters. You need to take a LOA and recover from PTSD.

My ex-boyfriend shot me 7 times outside of my clients house as a home care nurse. I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and received help from victims compensations from my state and saw a psychiatrist and transitioned to EDMR therapy. I have been in EDMR therapy for about two years. My separation from the trauma has been about 5 years, and I still experience those symptoms, especially when I was at my new job that I worked so hard to get and maintain. It is an uphill battle that once you focus on recovery, you will still have challenges, but can begin healing, there is a way to be able to manage and recover.

Please seek help and assistance in your area in the form of victims compensation, as well as DV programs, which can assist in counseling, job assistance, and connect you with financial assistance as well.

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Keep going. Get some help from a battered woman's shelter near you. They can help.

http://dahmw.org/

http://www.thehotline.org/

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Specializes in Psychiatric Mental Health.

Have you thought of pediatric private duty nursing? There are children and families across the country who need help.  Often you can do short hours and make your own schedule.  I loved working with the elderly but after 2020 with COVID and the death toll I was witness to, I found the change to be a blessing!

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Specializes in Adult Med/Surg, Pediatric RN HH.

Like others here have said, you must get your mental struggles (rightfully so) handled, with professional help, before you go back to any nursing position. You owe it to yourself to be as strong mentally as you possibly can be before trying to care for patients. 

I absolutely agree with the post herein that suggests pediatric home health. I work for one, currently, and it's been an absolutely refreshing change. Our agency frequently receives requests for "extra" nurses. Of course, there aren't any! The need is huge. It's a whole different avenue than traditional bedside nursing. Something to consider. Best of luck and healing to you!

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It has been over eight years since the OP posted this thread and she only posted twice.  I certainly hope she is doing better by now.

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Specializes in Emergency Corrections Vent/Trach Hospice.

Keep on going. Life is too short

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