Anxiety at work...Feelings of panic attacks?

workingmom76 · Jan 19, 2011

I want to tell you that you are not alone. I have also started to have feelings of panic attacks. Most recently I am suffering from feelings of complete doom and like any minute someone is gonna fire me for something I've done wrong. I am new to a surgical floor and having many similar problems. I had been told once when I asked a CNA for vitals "Don't be lazy, go look at the doorchart yourself." I knew she had the numbers right in front of her on her clipboard. I also feel like I'm hated. I believe a lot of it has to do with the floor you are on. I believe there are some floors where the culture is one that allows disrespect. I know that not everyone is like this but I think sometimes it goes on because people allow it. I also know how hard it is to stand up to it when you are so new and fresh and trying to assimilate. It feels like if you rough up the waters then you will be treated even worse.

My recent issue is feeling so overwhelmed and feeling so much anxiety that I am not at my best and I am making mistakes. I don't know that telling you this is much of a help but it may help to know that you are not alone.

I recently called in and took a mental health day. I am also going to talk with my supervisor about this. I think a hostile environment and feelings of anxiety and panic attacks can never lead to safe patient care. It is evident to me by the mistakes I have been making. I recently went to my doctor also and he prescribed me antidepressants.

He also told me that he is a family physician for a reason. He told me that working in the Med/Surg area is probably difficult. He explained that their levels of stress are high and that he wouldn't take their jobs in a million years. He says some people thrive in a high stress environment and some don't. Also, people under a ton of stress tend to be grouchy or moody and say and do things they normally wouldn't do. I believe this can be true for many of the people working on Medical Surgical units in hospitals. This is probably true of the ER as well. I have had 6 patients before on nights and felt so completely overwhelmed and have also made mistakes because I don't think it was very safe.

I recommend prayer, and spirituality. I am Christian and this is how I have dealt with some of the stress. This has helped me. I also talk to one of my nursing school friends who is also a nurse. She remains super supportive. I am going to start taking antidepressants to see if this helps. I also am going to start exercising more regularly as I know this increases endorphin levels and helps us have a greater sense of well-being. Sometimes mental health days are also not a bad idea.

For dealing with the CNA's I have learned that you need to be assertive and stand your ground. Unfortunately some may not like me much but We have patient's to care for and ultimately we are responsible...not the CNA's. I have learned this the hard way. So, it may be time to learn how to be assertive. I know I am struggling with this. Go to your charge nurse and supervisor with your concerns and tell them what the CNA's are telling you. My guess is they don't tolerate this kind of behavior. If that doesn't get you anywhere then maybe go to HR.

My next move is possibly looking for work outside of the hospital that is lower stress if I'm still miserable. We are not limited. Remember, you made it through nursing school and you can make it through this too! Hang in there!:hug:

crissypoohRN · Jan 19, 2011

I usually go on this site to read stuff and never post but after reading this I got an account just so I could reply. I too am having issues with anxiety after starting as a new nurse! I have been orienting for 3 months now and I constantly get stressed out without even realizing it, I have had heart palpitations, sweating, migraines, shaking, nausea, to the point where I have to go to the bathroom and just stand there because I feel like I need to throw up! I cant sleep at night then wake up late for work and at this point I was told if I was late again I would be fired! I am a mom to a toddler and I hate that I am so stressed because I dont want him to see it and pick up on it! I see a dr who prescribed me xanax for anxiety since I have always had this problem but I never take them because I hate feeling all zonked out and tired! This internship program the hospital I am does is very intense, we have classes and care plans we have to do and on top of that I am in school for my Masters. I know how you feel your not alone I constantly ask myself why I cant handle being a nurse and what is wrong with me! Its so frustrating. I started working out and that has helped but still there just is not a lot of time! I really think its due to be a new nurse and that it will pass in time when we gain confidence! I hope you get through this ok!

HeatherGurl84 · Jan 19, 2011

I want to tell you that you are not alone. I have also started to have feelings of panic attacks. Most recently I am suffering from feelings of complete doom and like any minute someone is gonna fire me for something I've done wrong. I am new to a surgical floor and having many similar problems. I had been told once when I asked a CNA for vitals "Don't be lazy, go look at the doorchart yourself." I knew she had the numbers right in front of her on her clipboard. I also feel like I'm hated. I believe a lot of it has to do with the floor you are on. I believe there are some floors where the culture is one that allows disrespect. I know that not everyone is like this but I think sometimes it goes on because people allow it. I also know how hard it is to stand up to it when you are so new and fresh and trying to assimilate. It feels like if you rough up the waters then you will be treated even worse.
My recent issue is feeling so overwhelmed and feeling so much anxiety that I am not at my best and I am making mistakes. I don't know that telling you this is much of a help but it may help to know that you are not alone.
I recently called in and took a mental health day. I am also going to talk with my supervisor about this. I think a hostile environment and feelings of anxiety and panic attacks can never lead to safe patient care. It is evident to me by the mistakes I have been making. I recently went to my doctor also and he prescribed me antidepressants.
He also told me that he is a family physician for a reason. He told me that working in the Med/Surg area is probably difficult. He explained that their levels of stress are high and that he wouldn't take their jobs in a million years. He says some people thrive in a high stress environment and some don't. Also, people under a ton of stress tend to be grouchy or moody and say and do things they normally wouldn't do. I believe this can be true for many of the people working on Medical Surgical units in hospitals. This is probably true of the ER as well. I have had 6 patients before on nights and felt so completely overwhelmed and have also made mistakes because I don't think it was very safe.
I recommend prayer, and spirituality. I am Christian and this is how I have dealt with some of the stress. This has helped me. I also talk to one of my nursing school friends who is also a nurse. She remains super supportive. I am going to start taking antidepressants to see if this helps. I also am going to start exercising more regularly as I know this increases endorphin levels and helps us have a greater sense of well-being. Sometimes mental health days are also not a bad idea.
For dealing with the CNA's I have learned that you need to be assertive and stand your ground. Unfortunately some may not like me much but We have patient's to care for and ultimately we are responsible...not the CNA's. I have learned this the hard way. So, it may be time to learn how to be assertive. I know I am struggling with this. Go to your charge nurse and supervisor with your concerns and tell them what the CNA's are telling you. My guess is they don't tolerate this kind of behavior. If that doesn't get you anywhere then maybe go to HR.
My next move is possibly looking for work outside of the hospital that is lower stress if I'm still miserable. We are not limited. Remember, you made it through nursing school and you can make it through this too! Hang in there!:hug:

Hey there,

I am so happy to hear that I am not alone. I made a doctor's appointment for next week and the only time they could get me in was on a work day. I did email my manager and let her know the symptoms I have been dealing with, hopefully their wont be an issue with keeping this appointment. If I didnt take it, it would have been over 2 weeks before I could have gotten in.

I too am a Christian and firmly believe in the power of prayer. We can do all things through God who gives us strength. :yeah: I will let me managers know what is going on with the CNAs behavior if they situations continue. I am not going to be so stressed out that if affects my health. I have always heard that you must take care of YOU!

And you are right, we are NOT limited. I will be exploring options if nothing seems to improve. And your physician was very enlightening. I know this job is hard but never knew it would be THIS hard :uhoh3: If we both completed nursing school and NCLEX, we can DO IT! Just have to find our niche....what drives us! I dont feel safe caring for patients when I feel this way. I will keep you updated....we wil make it through this, one way or another

I usually go on this site to read stuff and never post but after reading this I got an account just so I could reply. I too am having issues with anxiety after starting as a new nurse! I have been orienting for 3 months now and I constantly get stressed out without even realizing it, I have had heart palpitations, sweating, migraines, shaking, nausea, to the point where I have to go to the bathroom and just stand there because I feel like I need to throw up! I cant sleep at night then wake up late for work and at this point I was told if I was late again I would be fired! I am a mom to a toddler and I hate that I am so stressed because I dont want him to see it and pick up on it! I see a dr who prescribed me xanax for anxiety since I have always had this problem but I never take them because I hate feeling all zonked out and tired! This internship program the hospital I am does is very intense, we have classes and care plans we have to do and on top of that I am in school for my Masters. I know how you feel your not alone I constantly ask myself why I cant handle being a nurse and what is wrong with me! Its so frustrating. I started working out and that has helped but still there just is not a lot of time! I really think its due to be a new nurse and that it will pass in time when we gain confidence! I hope you get through this ok!

I have felt the exact same way!!When it comes to having to confront a physicial or call them....I then want to have a panic attack. Its crazy.....I hate these feelings. I feel like I am not taking care of my patients in an effective manner. And you you are right, confidence is KEY! Thank You and I hope you get through as well!

Jen.RN · Jan 20, 2011

You are absolutely not alone! Almost two years ago, I took FMLA from work because I felt so overwhelmed and anxious, I could not think... and therefore had trouble taking care of my patients. I recognized this but did not know what was going on. I felt like a cracked egg! After several counseling sessions, and a few visits to the shrink, my counselor thought maybe I was dealing with PTSD. After this suggestion, I realized that there were several incidents at work that lead me to this point of shut down. I was referred to a psychologist with specialty in PTSD and she did EMDR for me, and I have been back to work and able to cope when things get difficult (after learning the right tools to cope). I have learned that the most important thing to realize is that you can only do your best. It is your responsibility as a professional nurse to know when your assignment is unreasonable, even if you wish it wasn't or your manager thinks it shouldn't be, it is your responsibility to tell your supervisor that you are having trouble managing. The state boards expect us to know this and communicate this to our superiors in order to protect patient safety. Pursue mentorship or other resources in order to be able to manage your assignments. I congratulate you for knowing when you need help by posting here, now seek resources that you trust to help you develop the coping skills you need for the job :) They don't teach us these skills in nursing school, but obviously, they should.... maybe one day. A study by the journal of emergency nursing reported over 67% of ER nurses (as I am) have experienced some form of secondary traumatic stress (the professional form of PTSD), so do not beat yourself up, it does happen, and often. It is real, and can impede on your patient care delivery and your personal life, so get help, and be proud that you are getting help. IT IS OK! It takes a stronger person to ask for help and overcome challenges than a person who chooses to ignore the feelings and problems and either leave the profession or make an error. You are a nurse for a reason. God Bless you on your journey. xoxo :nurse:

HeatherGurl84 · Jan 20, 2011

You are absolutely not alone! Almost two years ago, I took FMLA from work because I felt so overwhelmed and anxious, I could not think... and therefore had trouble taking care of my patients. I recognized this but did not know what was going on. I felt like a cracked egg! After several counseling sessions, and a few visits to the shrink, my counselor thought maybe I was dealing with PTSD. After this suggestion, I realized that there were several incidents at work that lead me to this point of shut down. I was referred to a psychologist with specialty in PTSD and she did EMDR for me, and I have been back to work and able to cope when things get difficult (after learning the right tools to cope). I have learned that the most important thing to realize is that you can only do your best. It is your responsibility as a professional nurse to know when your assignment is unreasonable, even if you wish it wasn't or your manager thinks it shouldn't be, it is your responsibility to tell your supervisor that you are having trouble managing. The state boards expect us to know this and communicate this to our superiors in order to protect patient safety. Pursue mentorship or other resources in order to be able to manage your assignments. I congratulate you for knowing when you need help by posting here, now seek resources that you trust to help you develop the coping skills you need for the job :) They don't teach us these skills in nursing school, but obviously, they should.... maybe one day. A study by the journal of emergency nursing reported over 67% of ER nurses (as I am) have experienced some form of secondary traumatic stress (the professional form of PTSD), so do not beat yourself up, it does happen, and often. It is real, and can impede on your patient care delivery and your personal life, so get help, and be proud that you are getting help. IT IS OK! It takes a stronger person to ask for help and overcome challenges than a person who chooses to ignore the feelings and problems and either leave the profession or make an error. You are a nurse for a reason. God Bless you on your journey. xoxo

Thank you so much....I am going to get this straightened out and I will come out a stronger and even better nurse! I am glad things are improving for you and they WILL get better for me. I just need to have faith and seek the right resources. :heartbeat

McGwillis · Jan 21, 2011

I am not glad that nurses are having a hard time, but I am so grateful to know that I am not the only one. I have only been a nurse for a year and a half, and my jobs have been so disappointing.

My first job started off well, because the hospital had an amazing newgrad program, but I was placed with the most negative preceptor ever. All she did was say how much the other nurses sucked, the doctors sucked ... that person doesn't chart in a timely manner ... suck suck suck ... and she would tell me about her previous suicide attempts. She also thought I was nuts for wanting to spend the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion in the room with the patient (that's what I was taught to do, and it was hospital policy). I never got evaluated (not until 6 months in!), and I rarely got feedback, because she wanted to be out the door at 705 and no later. When I was able to get out the door at that time, I walked with her, but she walked faster than I have ever seen anyone walk.

THEN, when I was put on my own, SHE was the charge nurse 90% of the time ... I knew how much she thought everyone sucked and how much she hated having to help people, and I didn't feel that she was a reliable person to go to.

The patient load was more than I could handle on that unit, as it turned out, and I had panic attacks regularly ... I'm talking, time to go to the bathroom and cry/hyperventilate for a while.

I quit that job, and the job market was awful. I got offered a job as a case manager in home care, only to find that it was an agency where ALL of the nurses had just quit and they were desperate. I'm talking MASS EXODUS. They didn't even have nurses on staff to train me in the field. It was a nightmare. I stayed for 3 months, because I wanted to be a valuable member of a team that was trying to rebuild after some failures.

Then they gave me a caseload that was twice the amount of patients that they told me that I would have when I interviewed, and I was working 12 hours a day 5 days a week ... taking call once a month, which usually meant working more than 12 hours a day during that week. I had no life, and I didn't feel appreciated at all. I routinely went to speak with the administrator (because we didn't have a supervisor!), and asked what I could do better and if there were other nurses on their way ... noting that I had twice the caseload that I was told I would have when I was hired ... they laid me off. That was 5 months ago, and I am STILL unemployed. I moved 500 miles away to a better job market, but my resume stinks ... one job for 9 months ... the other for 3, and I have only been a nurse for a year and a half. Nobody seems to want me, and it is getting really depressing. I worked SO hard to become a nurse, and it has been so disappointing!

Don't get me wrong, I have had an amazing time with patient care. I love that I have been able to positively affect the lives of my patients and their families. I have many great stories to tell from such a short period of time. I just wish that I was enough for some of these jobs. I apply at hospitals, but because of the anxiety episodes at work, I wonder if I should even be doing that.

I know that I have been ranting, but I was inspired by the stories being told here ... it's been really tough since I graduated and got licensed. I had no idea that things would be so bad.

I guess I could use some words of encouragement:sniff: :sniff:

crissypoohRN · Jan 21, 2011

I am not glad that nurses are having a hard time, but I am so grateful to know that I am not the only one. I have only been a nurse for a year and a half, and my jobs have been so disappointing.
My first job started off well, because the hospital had an amazing newgrad program, but I was placed with the most negative preceptor ever. All she did was say how much the other nurses sucked, the doctors sucked ... that person doesn't chart in a timely manner ... suck suck suck ... and she would tell me about her previous suicide attempts. She also thought I was nuts for wanting to spend the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion in the room with the patient (that's what I was taught to do, and it was hospital policy). I never got evaluated (not until 6 months in!), and I rarely got feedback, because she wanted to be out the door at 705 and no later. When I was able to get out the door at that time, I walked with her, but she walked faster than I have ever seen anyone walk.
THEN, when I was put on my own, SHE was the charge nurse 90% of the time ... I knew how much she thought everyone sucked and how much she hated having to help people, and I didn't feel that she was a reliable person to go to.
The patient load was more than I could handle on that unit, as it turned out, and I had panic attacks regularly ... I'm talking, time to go to the bathroom and cry/hyperventilate for a while.
I quit that job, and the job market was awful. I got offered a job as a case manager in home care, only to find that it was an agency where ALL of the nurses had just quit and they were desperate. I'm talking MASS EXODUS. They didn't even have nurses on staff to train me in the field. It was a nightmare. I stayed for 3 months, because I wanted to be a valuable member of a team that was trying to rebuild after some failures.
Then they gave me a caseload that was twice the amount of patients that they told me that I would have when I interviewed, and I was working 12 hours a day 5 days a week ... taking call once a month, which usually meant working more than 12 hours a day during that week. I had no life, and I didn't feel appreciated at all. I routinely went to speak with the administrator (because we didn't have a supervisor!), and asked what I could do better and if there were other nurses on their way ... noting that I had twice the caseload that I was told I would have when I was hired ... they laid me off. That was 5 months ago, and I am STILL unemployed. I moved 500 miles away to a better job market, but my resume stinks ... one job for 9 months ... the other for 3, and I have only been a nurse for a year and a half. Nobody seems to want me, and it is getting really depressing. I worked SO hard to become a nurse, and it has been so disappointing!
Don't get me wrong, I have had an amazing time with patient care. I love that I have been able to positively affect the lives of my patients and their families. I have many great stories to tell from such a short period of time. I just wish that I was enough for some of these jobs. I apply at hospitals, but because of the anxiety episodes at work, I wonder if I should even be doing that.
I know that I have been ranting, but I was inspired by the stories being told here ... it's been really tough since I graduated and got licensed. I had no idea that things would be so bad.
I guess I could use some words of encouragement:sniff:

Ok I have no idea how to even reply to people on here! lol! If I were you, and yes I know this sounds deceptive, I would not mention your first job on your resume at all. Just use the second one. The same thing happened to me I took a job at a doctors office treating chemotherapy patients and it was a 9-5 mon thru friday job and I hated it, I didnt feel like a nurse I felt like all I did was hang meds and walk away, not to mention it was so depressing bc so many of my patients died! The nurses were older than me and treated me horrible, I got yelled at and left crying so many times. Finally after 3 months I quit and applied to a hospital that I had been applying to since I graduated in June! Finally in November they called me and I never told them about my first job, I just played it off as though I was a new grad and it just took me that long to get in somewhere! It worked for me. I love my job now but the chaos of it and how busy the floor is has been my issue, but it is slowly getting better. I started working out on my days off as a stress relief and it has been helpful! I think it gets better after the first year, seems like everyone says their first year was their worst! Good luck! You can always vent here! We should be there for fellow nurses on this site! :nurse:

sparrowRN · Mar 20, 2011

I too, usually do not comment on these boards, but I really felt compelled to reply to this one. I started my nursing career in a Subacute rehab wing of a LTC facility. I lasted three months. I then started on a med surg floor of a small community hospital. All the while I was dealing with my mother's terminal cancer and my own difficult pregnancy. I would have nightmares, sleeplessness, anxiety, and panic attacks. I would call the unit to check on so- and-so patient because I was so afraid I had made some error. This went on for the two years I worked there. The administration was notorious for "looking" for mistakes and repremanding and suspending nurses. Fortunately, in two years, I was only repremanded once by admin and once by a doc. But I lived in constant fear and would have SOB and crying fits prior to going into work each time. I moved to home health after the birth of my child and my symptoms improved, but I eventually left nursing for over ten years. I am finally returning as a volunteer nurse in a free clinic. I always thought it was just me, that I was not a good enough nurse, that I was weak and stupid. As a young nurse, I wish I had someone to mentor and support me. I felt like I was thrown to the wolves and I eventally became a "nurse casualty", one of those who chose to leave the field. I swore I would never work as a nurse again. You are not alone at all. I bet there are plenty of others who feel the same. In returning as a volunteer nurse, I have found a place where I am appreciated, supported and respected. Sorry if this is more like a confession than a response, but this is the first I have been able to admit to other nurses why I left nursing in the first place. I was embarrassed about my anxiety and thought it was just because I was inept as a nurse. I have finally come to terms with it and enjoying nursing again even though I do not get paid. I am a real, darn good nurse even if I don't have a W-2

newgradRN001 · Mar 21, 2011

I am 4 weeks in, starting on my 5th week of my first nursing job in an icu unit and I am definitely having problems with anxiety. I feel the acute responsibility I have to my patients, aware of the multitudes of areas I can mess up that has severe consequences. On top of that, I still feel like I'm learning where things are, who people are, what is expected of me, while acquiring and honing my skills. I get overwhelmed easily. I get frustrated with myself easily because I feel like I have such a short time to get my act together, because I want so badly to be a good nurse, and because I want to show my preceptor and educators that I can do this and do it well. But my anxiety and frustration has led to some bad shifts and a very tense conversation with my preceptor.

I can't believe that we're expected to not have high levels of anxiety for at least the first year. I've had a number of nurses tell me, don't worry it takes one to two years to really get your feet under you as a nurse and then on the same day by the same nurse I am asked why I was so nervous or so frustrated.

They also scared the bejesus out of us in nursing school where I was hyper aware of everthing I was doing during clinical so afraid that I was going to make one mistake and get kicked out. I still can't shake that feeling that I am one mistake from either being fired or hurting a patient or worse, both. Its nice to come to this page and see that others are experiencing this. I hope these feelings go away soon and that I hit my stride because I know it is negatively affecting my performance and making my orientation a lot more difficult than it probably has to be. I keep telling myself during my shift, chill out, put the alarms out of your mind and just go through the steps, its ok you've got this...Hopefully this is just a phase for us all that will soon pass.