Any Nurses with OCD?

[Rhonda V]

Hi! I was diagnosed a few years back with OCD. I take Zoloft for it and feel it's in better control, but I still find myself repeating certain tasks at work. I also feel a need to be very precise and accurate when taking vital signs. I find myself repeating blood pressures on each arm and recounting pulses and respirations just to be sure what I got the first time was correct. It's crazy. I'm very detail-oriented (which can be a good thing) but I tend to be a little slower than others. I was wondering if there are any other nurses out there who go through this too or have OCD? Thank You!

[Genista, BSN, RN]

Hi Rhonda-

I can relate a little to your situation. I have not been diagnosed with OCD, but I am a perfectionist, and I have moments of OCD tendencies (for example, when I am stressed I recheck things...such as whether the coffee pot was turned off, or if I really signed off that med, etc.). I too, tend to take longer at tasks than most because I am so intent on getting it ALL done, and doing it BY THE BOOK. I am also detail oriented, which is not always a bad thing. YOU should see my charting! I have been working on not being so rigid at work, but sometimes it pays off to be anal as a nurse. LOL!

My biggest struggle is gen. anxiety (also, not formally diagnosed, but I self diagnosed). I'm not on any meds for this, but I have discussed it with my doctor. Best thing I think, is to remember we can only do so much, and just do the best you can and let it go. :balloons: I have to work hard to keep the anxiety in check, but it still comes out at times. I think that's just a part of me I have to accept.Hope that makes sense. Hang in there!