Claustrophobic nurses besides me???

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Hey all,

Gotta make this quick...I need all you psch fellow nurses to help me. I am SUPER CLAUSTROPHOBIC and darn near have a panic attack when I have to take my pts on an elevator. It is affecting my job BIGTIME. Any one else with this problem. Been like this since a little girl. Big elevators are okay the little ones are a problem. I take stairs everywhere except pt. transport of course. Your help wanted!!!!!:( :( :( :(

B.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I had a problem with claustrophobia, too. It helped me to remember that the elevator shaft is full of air, and that the air comes into the car from there. Sometimes I look up and visualize the top part of the elevator with the top off (I got the idea from watching action flicks) and try to make myself realize that plenty of air gets in there, and if I wanted, I could poke a hole in the roof of the elevator to get more.

I don't know why, but that does reassure me.

In the elevator transporting a patient, you have the added advantage with this image of having a bed to help you get up there and poke a hole if you needed to.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, Beneficence,

This must be a horrible feeling.

You would be best served to pose these concerns to your PCP. We at allnurses.com cannot advise you about the panic attacks.

Please contact your PCP and let him/her help you. Good luck.

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