Anxiety and feeling of dread

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I resigned from my former job and I took a little over a month off. I feel good about it. In my last job I had been going through anxiety and depression and I would always get a sense of dread before going in to work.

I was recently hired at a private duty home health. I start orienting today for nights. I feel a little bit of anxiety. No depression or feeling of dread, but it's just an annoying feeling.

I don't take medication or see a specialist. I took it upon myself to distract myself, exercise, surround myself with positivity, started taking multivitamins, etc. Which I believe helped.

My question is....is it normal to feel anxious or scared before going in. I really don't want to mess up. My fear is to commit a mistake and puts the patient in danger.

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Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics..

I think it's normal to feel some anxiety especially when you're new to a job and or particular field/specialty and setting. Once you're more comfortable in the setting you'll feel more confident and less anxious :) learn all you can and ask questions.

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Specializes in Psych, case-management, geriatrics, peds.

Do you enjoy being a nurse?

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I think it's an absolute natural thought whenever starting something new! I do think though that if your anxiety is debilitating enough to require a resignation from your former position, maybe don't rule out the help of a licensed professional!

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I've beenjoyed working as a lpn for 3 years. I've been at my current LTC facility for 9 months! I've battled depression and anxiety for years but just a few weeks ago I couldn't move. I mean I would walk to the door of the facility and walk back to my car. I did my job,and I did it correctly but I was constantly thinking I was going to do something wrong. I went to my dr and she put me on Zoloft. And I must say,my mood has changed. Do I LOVE my job? NO. But I'm not having anxiety attacks in the bathroom. I'm not crying when I get home. I'm not sending my bf texts about wanting to quit.

If you feel like you need a licensed professionals help than try it. Even if you just start with counceling!

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I think it's totally normal to feel dread and anxiety when you're new and saddled with 20-30 patients and an enormous amount of responsibility as many Lvns are. As you become more confident in your skills and time management abilities that will ease but nursing is never a stress free profession. Working night shift private duty was a lot less stressful for me however very hard on my body and pay can be dismal.

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