Crisis in confidence

[mc3, ASN, RN]

I'm not sure what is going on with me lately I've been out of nursing school for 3 1/2 years now. For some reason, I am having the most difficult time with the most basic of nursing skills. For example, am having the worst time getting blood pressures with my BP cuff. Used the wrist cuff for a few years, but wanted to get back to using my skills (ha - I think I lost them...) Last week, I inserted a compazine suppository into a patient's lady parts instead of rectum - duh!!! My is mind foggy more often than I care to admit. Am having poor luck with Foley insertions and blood draws too...I feel like every time I ask the doctor something, I should have already known the answer without asking (:imbar I also seem to have developed some kind of ADD - can't keep my mind straight to save my life.

In short, I feel like I'm embarrasing myself silly, and that everyone must think I'm a stupid jerk. Then it becomes a self-fullfilling prophecy.

I have considered that I'm having hormonal issues - the NP said I have premenstrual dysphoria, ( I think maybe perimenopause, but the labs don't bear that out); the med she gave me (Cymbalta) hasn't really touched it. I don't want to use that as an excuse, though...Some days, I think I'm more of a hindrance to my patients than a help....Has this happened to anyone before? How do you get yourself out of it? Please advise.

Thanks,

mc3:o

[mc3, ASN, RN]

P.S. See what I mean? My is mind foggy? (Actually, was just a typo. Really)

mc3

[PANurseRN1]

The problems you describe suggest you should see a doctor, sooner rather than later. It sounds like there's more going on than just a crisis in cofidence.

[GingerSue]

self-awareness can be a motivating force to make changes in what you do

consider what has worked for you in the past to keep you organized

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Some of what you describe is beyond the scope of this website to assist with. Please continue to work with your primary care provider. Best of luck to you.