Anxiety Disorder - Can I Do It?

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Oct 31, 2016

I'm not a doctor, nor am I giving you medical advice. The best thing to do would be to talk to your doctor.

As someone who also has generalized anxiety disorder and currently takes the medications you do, I'm happy to chat about things one on one. If I can help, I'll certainly try. You're free to PM me.

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Oct 31, 2016

Hello!

You really need to get your anxiety under control. Hopefully the Lexapro & Xanax will do.

* If you can't make it to the 8am class, how are you going to show up to work at 7am when you get hired by a hospital?

* L&D is a beautiful unit to work at if your heart is into it. However, you will need to keep your cool when they go into labor. Many are in labor for hours, others are faster. You will need to monitor dilatation, baby's heart rhythm, etc... and have good judgment on when to call the MD for the delivery. Granted, you will be taught all of these things, but your anxiety will need to be under control.

As far as Nursing schools being competitive... yes, it is right. Particularly State run colleges. Private schools are much more expensive and less restrictive admitting students. So, there will always be choices for you, but it might come at a higher price than you might anticipate.

As far as Nursing school being difficult. Yes, it is. However, everyone has a different take on what is difficult. It might turn out to be easier than you think. Nursing comes easier to some people than to others. If your heart is in it, just buckle up and study responsibly. Find one or two study buddies to teach each other. Don't make the group any larger because it will turn into a party... guaranteed! If this group splits the chapters equally and then meet to teach each other, it might relieve some of the tension and anxiety. This way each will support the other and as you discuss the material, it will stick with you.

I have been a nurse 3 years now... and I'm still learning new things. The learning process never ends. Healthcare is fluent in some aspects. New evidence based studies show a better way of performing certain tasks. The employer will guide you along the way.

Best wishes !

JJL618, RN · Oct 31, 2016

I have the same feelings you do. Now granted I am a ways away from being in the nursing program, but I'm already nervous about going back to school at 30. Just scared of failure or that I'm not smart enough to do it.

crazydoglady89 · Oct 31, 2016

Anxiety can and should be treated with more than just an RX. I am not your doctor clearly, but I have been through therapy for anxiety and depression. The therapy got me to a functional level.

Not saying meds can't greatly help, but did your doc refer you to a therapist or give you ANY resources besides meds?

FutureNurseInfo · Oct 31, 2016

Hi, I completely understand how you feel. I am not in the program yet; I have not even applied yet since I am still taking my pre-reqs. However, I have been in the same boat twice, when I was going for my BA and MS in Education. I am not a psychologist but I believe the anxiety stems from our fear of failing, just like you mentioned you are afraid of not being smart enough. Also, knowing that being a nurse is the ultimate goal, we tend to second-guess and downgrade ourselves because we believe we will not be cut out for this; therefore, we tend to stress, which can lead to other complications both in psychological and physiological levels.

My advice to you is, even though I myself struggle to follow it, before you know what nursing school is/feels like, do not panic. Think of the things at hand. Most of the times when I found myself worried too much about something, once I got into it I realized I had been worried for nothing. So, relax, and start thinking of all the good moments you will experience in the program: all new people you will meet and, maybe, make friends with, all the professors you will learn so much from, all the hands-on experience, like clinicals and meeting with patients, you will gain. So, think positively and enjoy the process!

Peepsimus, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2016

I have ALL of the anxiety disorders, and I'm on an antidepressant and Xanax, too. It overwhelmed me sometimes in my first BA and in my first career. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a LOT, giving you tools that you can use in the moment and in order to reduce some of the things that might trigger panic attacks. It helped me learn to have productive preparatory sessions where I could think through what I was scared of and make plans or solutions, so I knew what to do if something happened. 90%+ of the time, nothing happens, partially because of the planning.

The other thing I wish I'd done years ago was to actually sit down and do the math to figure out how much caffeine I was taking in daily. It was a LOT more than I thought, and bringing it down to safe levels has made the most enormous difference in reducing anxiety, improving quality and quantity of sleep, and in my overall happiness. Maybe use some time this semester to get adjusted to your meds, learn some skills for managing your condition, and establishing some sustainable healthy habits. I was so afraid that slowing down a little would be like face planting into failure. It's not. I'm still crazy productive, but I feel a lot better and my life is definitely better.