Stress/Panic Before Going to Work

Specialties Emergency

Published

I have been a RN for 4 years now and feel fairly comptetent to handle situations at work. I have been working in the ED for 1 1/2 years. I like most of the people that I work with but I cannot shake the panicky feelings that I get before I go to work. I even dream about situations that might arise at work. I don't have an anxiety disorder about anything else. I also find my self looking through the classifieds for another job that's less stress.

I was wondering if anyone else these feelings or just me? I am not asking for medical advice. I am thought of at work as someone who is very on top of things and motivated. I am motivated by anxiety!!

Thanks for listening. :D

Rn-n-2005

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

What helps me is knowing I'm not alone. I just worked my 4th shift off orientation, and of course I still get those butterflies in my stomach just thinking about going back to work. Previously, I was a fairly confident cardiac nurse who thought I knew my stuff, but now in the ED, I feel like I'm a brand new grad. Something that really helped was talking to another ED nurse who has been at it for nearly a year, who still has those uneasy feelings. What I'm getting is that the ED is its own animal; that there is no such thing as feeling comfortable or confident. If that's what you really want, then maybe working in an area with more predictability, routine, and more stable patients might be for you. If you're okay with not ever knowing what the next shift will hold, feeling really dumb sometimes, and always having to be on your toes, then the ED might be the place for you.

Specializes in CVICU, ER.

VirgoRn,

how long were you on orientation? My manager said I'd get at least 2 months, it's been 3 weeks, and I think I'll need the entire 8 weeks!

Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
Off the top of my head: Sounds to me like you're on the right track looking for a job with less stress. Take your ED experience and break into ICU, OR/PACU, surgical center...

Life is too short to put up with stress. If you're dreaming about work and dread going to work, make a change. It'll be good for you.

I disagree with this. This is going from one frying pan into another frying pan. People who work in the ED have a hard time adjusting to ICU because of the continuity of care. PACU is another animal altogether. We train even the ICU nurses for a LONG time in our super busy, crazy PACU (super sick patients, and you have to be very, very independent and STRONG assessment skills).

I have worked all three areas.

I would start in ICU and gravitate to ED or PACU--ICU has the best background and can acclimate to the others much more easily.

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.
VirgoRn,

how long were you on orientation? My manager said I'd get at least 2 months, it's been 3 weeks, and I think I'll need the entire 8 weeks!

Four weeks.

Dear AuntieEMNurse,

I was so happy to read your post as I am new graduate RN started to work recently and I am coming off the orientation. I was wondering if there is any bible verse that has helped you and prayers etc?

Thank you,

I feel strength in Ezekiel 25:17

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee.

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