Does the "I'm going to make a HUGE mistake" feeling ever go away?

Published

I am a new-ish nurse (2 years) and I have long-standing anxiety about screwing up in my nursing practice. When I was in nursing school, I had nightmares about being unprepared during clinicals and getting yelled at. Last night, I had a nightmare that I had handed off a patient and then someone came up to me and said "You made a big mistake! You did that ONE thing we're never supposed to do!" And of course I had no idea. I think the dream was triggered by another nurse telling me I shouldn't put the HOB up for a patient with a high spinal anesthesia level because they can become hypotensive. I had already done so and fortunately the patient was fine. It scared me though because that never came up during orientation and I really had no idea.I guess I want to know if it gets better; does that terror of making a huge mistake go away with time?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC and School Health.

I hoping the terror does go away with time. I'm a newish nurse as well (3 years in!) but recently started ICU. My anxiety level goes up and I have nightmares sometimes too. I think it will get better with experience. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know. I only have about two years of nursing experience and that has been in med-surg. Almost every type of pt we get, I have already gotten so that has helped with some of the anxiety. The things that make me anxious will never change. I worry about making a big error when we are short staffed, having needy, high acuity pts, insulin drips, no aides to get blood sugars, pts with q1 or q2 vitals, q1 IOS, q1 eye drops, etc. sometimes all in the same night/day. etc. Things that I CAN NOT control.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NO ! Been a nurse 30 yrs, HOPE I never feel so comfortable that I forget someone's actual LIFE is in my hands. (keep thinking abt all the right drug, right pt, right time,,,,,,,all those things we were taught to be nurses were about)

HOWEVER I will say that the fear I had of "oh I forgot to sign, intial, tell minor thing......blah blah, does get put into place, and in THAT respect your more calm and able to stop the overwhelming meme's...LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well....are you an anxious person in general? Do you generally feel confident in your practice? I'm a new nurse too and still have anxiety dreams from time to time, but in general I feel pretty good about my practice (know I have a ton to learn, but know I have resources around me to help). I think I would consider investigating that anxiety more if it's an all the time thing versus sometimes. I think some of the acute, everyday anxiety should be easing by now?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Not for me. I've done LTC, home health, assisted living, CNA precepting, and foot care. One would think I'd have found my niche by now (and I'm hoping to just do private foot care and not have another boss except myself and my clients). Throughout my 7-year career as an LPN, I have never gotten over the fear of getting in trouble. It sucks and I'm already done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Nope, not in my nine years of nursing. =)

I think someone said it above but perhaps in a different way but:

if you get too comfortable, then THAT is when you are more likely

to start screwing up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Nope, not in my nine years of nursing. =) I think someone said it above but perhaps in a different way but:if you get too comfortable, then THAT is when you are more likelyto start screwing up.
But there's a huge middle ground between constant anxiety with stress dreams and not giving a poop about the care you give. Complacent is bad, but who wants to be forever in a state of terror and total lack of trust in one's skills?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Your level of anxiety is related to how you problem solve and view things in general, which is true for all of us. I'm a new nurse also (2 years), and while I don't think any nurse is completely anxiety-free, I've learned to ask for help when I need it, but I also don't stress about all the small stuff. You have to put things into perspective, and deal with situations as they arise. Sure, I reflect on my day, and sometimes wonder if I signed off on something. But mostly, I leave work at work. I do the best I can, but I'm not going to worry about things I can't control.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whew, I know what you mean. I haven't started working as nurse yet, I start next month. When I got the job offer, I was super excited. A few minutes later, I was super nervous!

In nursing school, I can't tell you how many times I froze up while my mind was screaming "What to do? WHAT TO DO??" Luckily, I play it off well so everyone doesn't know how freaked out I am!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm fairly new too (1 yr) and I can relate to you but now I don't get too anxious about everything

as I once used too. This what helps me. Try to complete all your tasks during your shift. Never ask or leave it to another nurse completes it for you, because it will come back and bite you. If I could do those things and leave nothing behind then I feel more comfortable coming home. OtherwiseI wouldn't be able to sleep. I think it is okay to have anxiety, which I still do sometimes, because you will be more keen and careful with your work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion