I hope you all are having a good day. I was looking for some friendly advice. I was diagnosed with OCD and severe insomnia 6 years ago. I became an RN a year and a half ago. I find myself laying in bed wide awake until 4:30-5am. My physician is aware and we have tried just about everything. I practice good sleep hygiene. I turn my lights off at 9pm, stay off of my phone, keep the room as dark and quiet as possible but I still cannot fall asleep some nights. I find myself calling in a lot sometimes once a month. I’m worried that if I go into work with no sleep I will put my patients at risk. My managers are aware that I have insomnia but I do not qualify for FMLA until February. To top off my anxiety I fear greatly that I will lose my job over this. I have never been warned about my attendance but I know it has to be an issue. I would give anything to be able to fix it. Does anyone have similar experiences or advice? I could really use it. Thank you so much for your time.
Specializes in Med/Surg; Public Health; Education.
First, I am so sorry you are going through that. My husband has insomnia and it is a horrible experience. You mentioned going to your doctor- are you seeing a specialist and have you seen a cognitive sleep therapist? We thought we were doing everything possible and we had not scratched the surface. The work was hard, but he is doing incredibly well now!
secondly, I’m glad you have identified that bedside nursing isn’t for you but that you should not jump to the idea that nursing isn’t necessarily ENTIRELY wrong!! You have a lot on your plate with low sleep, a FT job that is brining you anxiety, and an NP Program.
Finally, and I say this gently: it sounds like you are very uncomfortable with your work leadership/management. I assure you the best route forward here is to have a conversation with your manager and/or HR. In floor nursing frequent callouts put everyone in scramble mode - but life happens, we aren’t autobots. Don’t sit back and wait, dreading whether this is going to be the time someone calls you out. Be proactive. I’m not sure where you work geographically, but so much of the country is in a staffing crisis that even systems previously unyielding in their transfer policies are more lenient - perhaps you could change *** or even better transfer to a slower paced unit?
I wish for you relief from your anxiety and sleeplessness - and a long nursing career- in a DIFFERENT role! :)
I had that problem when I was still working as a nurse - I went to the night shift and loved it - didn't look back until I changed to a day job - now I'm having the problem again. Can't win. :-/
I couldn’t sleep a night before my nursing school clinicals or when started new job. Was afraid that I will oversleep or too anxious to fall asleep. Fellow classmate recommended melatonin. I took twice the recommended amount as the required dose was not effective against my anxious brain. But I would also put 2-3 alarms to make sure I wake up when it was needed. It took 1-2 nights but then it started working well, I got enough rest and anxiety was lower as well. But seek advice of your healthcare professional first before using any OTC meds so it doesn’t interfere with your health or other meds. All the best
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
3 minutes ago, sara2013 said:
I couldn’t sleep a night before my nursing school clinicals or when started new job. Was afraid that I will oversleep or too anxious to fall asleep. Fellow classmate recommended melatonin. I took twice the recommended amount as the required dose was not effective against my anxious brain. But I would also put 2-3 alarms to make sure I wake up when it was needed. It took 1-2 nights but then it started working well, I got enough rest and anxiety was lower as well. But seek advice of your healthcare professional first before using any OTC meds so it doesn’t interfere with your health or other meds. All the best
Yes Malatonin works for some. I had a sleep study done and was told by the Sleep doctor to take the Malatonin 1-2 hours before bedtime as it needs time to metabolize, avoid alcohol and even water right before bed as a full bladder can keeo yoy awake. Remember your bedroom is for sleeping, you don't watch tv, study, etc..... Minimize distractions. I use a fan to creat white noise. This is not medical advice just telling you what has worked for me in the past. Still my insomnia is relient and stalks my reast I didn't get to sleep until 2 am and I am up getting ready to work right now.
SPPrn
1 Post
First, I am so sorry you are going through that. My husband has insomnia and it is a horrible experience. You mentioned going to your doctor- are you seeing a specialist and have you seen a cognitive sleep therapist? We thought we were doing everything possible and we had not scratched the surface. The work was hard, but he is doing incredibly well now!
secondly, I’m glad you have identified that bedside nursing isn’t for you but that you should not jump to the idea that nursing isn’t necessarily ENTIRELY wrong!! You have a lot on your plate with low sleep, a FT job that is brining you anxiety, and an NP Program.
Finally, and I say this gently: it sounds like you are very uncomfortable with your work leadership/management. I assure you the best route forward here is to have a conversation with your manager and/or HR. In floor nursing frequent callouts put everyone in scramble mode - but life happens, we aren’t autobots. Don’t sit back and wait, dreading whether this is going to be the time someone calls you out. Be proactive. I’m not sure where you work geographically, but so much of the country is in a staffing crisis that even systems previously unyielding in their transfer policies are more lenient - perhaps you could change *** or even better transfer to a slower paced unit?
I wish for you relief from your anxiety and sleeplessness - and a long nursing career- in a DIFFERENT role! :)