facing down fears to reach a goal

darling2014 · Aug 12, 2011

Hi everyone, I wanted to know how others of you have faced down personal fears/phobias/anxieties in order to reach your goal of becoming a nurse? I have anxiety disorder that is pretty much dormant most of the time. My biggest trigger is taking medications or getting vaccinations (anything foreign that goes into my body). Anyhow, this week has been THE week of challenging this deep-seated phobia. On Monday I received a TB test and has blood drawn for titers to check immunities so I can volunteer at a local hospital. Went back yesterday to have TB test checked (it was negative...woohoo!), however, I was told I needed to get my MMR and Hep B shots. So today I went back.....sweating, heart thumping/jumping all around, shaking AND embarrassed as all heck about being so afraid. I got the shots done, then was told to hang out in the lobby for at least 20 mins to make sure I don't have a reaction to the shots (YIKES! trigger word ). I hung out for an hour just to be sure LOL Other than the anxiety ride I was on, my body was fine. I just have a deep fear of being the 1 in some-odd-number that has the life-threatening reaction (I've never had a reaction to anything so I'm not quite sure where this idea stems from). It's now been about 3 hours and I feel sleepy, could be aftermath of anxiety or body kicking in the fight for immunity.
I'm heading into my last semester of prereq's and apply for nursing school in the Spring (for Fall 2012). I know that nursing comes with lots of pokes along the way so this is one demon I'll have to eventually beat the snot out of. I'm sure I'm not alone on the issue so I thought it'd be great if any of you would like to share your advice/thoughts on how you handle your anxiety/phobias or have finally overcome them. Thank you!!!

Hi, I don't have any, at least defined, phobias but I wanted to say something at least:) I think many of the shots you just got will be good for a long time, so you shouldn't have to deal with that at least.

cccormier · Aug 12, 2011

Hi there,

I'm done my pre-reqs and have been accepted into a BSN program at my local University (lucky me)! We will start semester 1 in 3 weeks, and I'm about ready to faint thinking about it. From the moment I wake up to the very last thought before I fall asleep, I think of nursing as a profession, what it requires, and how difficult and stressful it can be!! I've heard so many horror stories. It's hard at times not to get all "obsessive" about the negative aspects. :uhoh3:

I have lots of fears, and though I have never been diagnosed with an anxiety-related illness, I am naturally a very nervous, anxious person. I am always very cautious and aware of my surroundings, and my mind goes a mile a minute analyzing and assessing everything in sight. I make a big deal out of everything. (My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy at times, lol)

I'm not scared of needles or shots, though. Being in a clinical setting excites me and makes me want to learn more on what it would be like on the giving end, and not the receiving end for once.

I think that for me, I have to come into terms that I will always be this awkward, odd-ball, naturally nervous/anxious person. It is what makes me who I am and it sometimes makes me feel like I can handle stress and fast-paced situations really well, because I am so used to it all the time! I think that, as long as you accept yourself for who you are, and have the confidence and PASSION in this field, you will be fine. :) Your passion is your drive, and can take you anywhere.

Also, I keep hearing that if you have specific fears or phobias relating to nursing, once you practice them again and again, it becomes second nature, and easier to handle.

I wish you good luck in the future, and let us know once you get in your nursing program ('cause I know you will, eventually)! :nurse:

Nervousnish · Aug 12, 2011

Wow, thank you for sharing your story! I can totally relate to how you feel when it comes to being aware of your surroundings, as well as getting caught up in over-thinking/obsessing things. When it comes to nursing, one of the factors that drives me is the desire to help comfort people in stressful situations. I've given birth to three kids, have had several surgeries as well as diagnostic tests performed and each and every time there was always a nurse there to reassure me, ease my stress and keep me informed. I want so much to give that back to others. As I've been completing my prereq's, I've discovered how much I enjoy and am fascinated by science and how the body works. This Fall I'm taking chem for nurses and microbiology and while I know this is going to be an intense semester, I'm confident I will enjoy the ride as well. I'm so thankful for this website and all the support, information and encouragement I have found here. I hope to reciprocate it and more as we all work towards reaching our goals! :yeah: