Anyone have/had extreme anxiety?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2004

If it is possible to get counseling for stress, I advise it. Sometimes only a few visits make a big difference. My anxiety comes from fear of failure. Once I accomplish at least part of the task (or pass most of the semester's tests) I feel better. You might talk to your instructor too. Breathing exercises, imagery, music---there are lots of aids. Do a google search. Another thing that helps me is to have down time to spend just as I please! Even a couple of hours a week make a difference

RN-2006 · Aug 18, 2004

Any one suffer from extreme anxiety during clinicals? I am going back to school next week, and I have been concerned about having anxiety again, when I am expected to perform in the clinical area. If you had extreme anxiety, how did you manage to cope with it?
....Hi, yes, I can truly relate to your anxiety issues - especially during clinicals. Last fall I began my first year of nursing school only to withdraw after one semester due to extreme anxiety. At the time I had no idea it was stress-related and knew little about anxiety problems. During this past year I have seen my doctor regularly and really gotten things in order. Besides talk therapy, I have been on medication which controls the anxiety/panic episodes. It also helps if you can find time and ways to "destress", such as: yoga, exercising, aromatherapy, massages, etc. This past year off of nursing school gave me the time I needed to really prioritize my life. While working and studying hard is part of the nursing program, I realize it is not the end of the world if I don't get all A's all the time. As long as I try my best, I try to accept the grades I've earned. Don't be too hard on yourself - I can't stress that enough. Good luck! You can do it! ....I hoped this helped.

LeesieBug · Aug 19, 2004

Every evening before clinical, I go to bed a bit early and spend time praying.

I turn my worries over to God, asking him to calm my spirit. I pray for my client (a.k.a. "my victim" :chuckle ) , and that I will have God's guidance in caring for them..that I will do a good job and give them the care that they need. Then, I just let it go...... In the morning I practice deep breathing when I am in my car, and listen to some good music while trying to keep things in persepective. I remind myselfs that I am a STUDENT, I am learning and am not SUPPOSED to know everything. If a situation is too much, I can just get the instructor! Usually by the time I get there, I feel good about things and am ready to roll.

Eventually, I think everyone figures out their own little methods for reducing the anxiety/jitters associated with clinical. Also,every clinical day will boost your confidence, and eventually you stop and say 'HEY, I CAN handle this!"

Good Luck! :)

P.S. Being VERY repared also helps. After getting your assignment, make sure you read up on everything and study well any poceedures they may be getting. Knowing that you have prepared as much as possible goes a LONG way in easing anxiety.

Bambi · Aug 19, 2004

Thanks, purplemania, RN2006 and LessieBug you have all posted some very good suggestions. I have been praying about this, and I know prayer is going to take me a very long way.

I had a really hard time relaxing the last time I was in school, but I am going to find ways of doing that this time around.

When I do get nervous, every thing seems to go south. I mean, like I start to forget things, I feel so terrible if I make one tiny mistake, and I let that bother me so much that it ruins my whole day while in clinicals. I guess it is called beating yourself up. I am trying so hard to prevent the anxiety from controlling my life again, no one should have to live like that.

imupallnite · Aug 20, 2004

Bambi,

something that really helps me with anxiety is deep breathing. Inhale slowly and count to 4 as in 1001, 1002, etc., hold it for a few second and then exhale slowly as in 1001,1002. the deep breathing signals to your body that you are ok and between the breathing making you feel better and focusing on the counting it really helps me stop the anxiety in its tracks. hope this helps you too, good luck!

lynn

stressgal, RN · Aug 20, 2004

I have been on anti-anxiety medication for about 4 years and it has made a difference in my life. But I also utilize all of the suggestions posted here as well. I think when it comes to procedures at clinicals, the best thing you can do is practice, practice, practice. If you are confident that you are doing the procedure right it will help tremendously. Some times our instructors have doubled us up. This has a calming effect since if I forget something one of my classmates is there to remind me.

Good luck!

rn2bnot · Aug 20, 2004

holy cow - i'm not the only terrified student out there! what a relief! before i had my first clinical, i thought that my only worries would be how to overcome the smell of poop, or stifle myself from being sick when caring for trach patients...after my first day, i realized i could handle the poop, what i couldn't handle was my extreme lack of self confidence and self esteem in patient care. i have four children and still told my clinical instructor that i didn't have a clue how to do am care! i start my 3rd round of clinicals on wednesday and i will admit - i'm terrified! :crying2: