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Discussion

Feeling Overwhelmed

I just have to vent because I had an overwhelming night last night and haven't been able to stop crying since I got home. Patient A originally in uncontrolled Afib over the weekend, resolved after Cardizem drip and Digoxin started. Patient converted back into SR, Cardizem drip changed to PO BID and Digoxin discontinued. Patient converts back into uncontrolled afib for me - up to the 140s, called Cardiology to make them aware. I was trying to read through all the chicken scratch in the chart, trying to get an idea of all that happened - of course wasn't doing a very good job and the Cardiologist suggested I be more prepared next time I call. I thought I was prepared - though I guess I really wasn't following doctor's notes very well and felt really overwhelmed. Patient was on Bipap, stated she didn't want it, but had pretty labored breathing, though maintaining sats - most likely symptomatic from the afib?

Meanwhile, patient B with HR in the 30s due to being on Mestanon for MG crisis, having pauses of 3.6 seconds. My charge nurse came in and saw that and it of course ruffled her feathers pretty good, understandably of course.

I just felt so overwhelmed between the two of them and felt like I had no idea what was going on with patient A. I feel so stupid half the time and hate when I can't figure things out. I know it takes time, but I feel so down in the dumps right now, and am beginning to wonder if the anxiety I feel every time I go in to work is really worth it.

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:icon_hug: I'm sorry you had a bad night.

I hope your next night is a little better. I've been in that situation, where it seems like you're doomed to fail, no matter what you do. Calling cranky doctors in the middle of the night is never a bag of laughs.

not sure if it helps but i too wonder if feeling that much anxiety is worth it. but other nurses tell me that 'it gets better' i have been at this game for well over a year and i hate to admit it but it has not gotten better.

my advice? take it one shift at a time. my other kernel of wisdom? get some time in and then transfer. i believe that all nurses should carry with them a nice thin stream of anxiety--its what makes you check and double check yourself. you should NEVER get too comfortable in your role as a nurse, with that being said, there are many 'anxiety levels' as you know being a smart nurse that you are. if you didnt freak out? that would be worrisome believe me.

perhaps it is just the type of nursing that you do--telemetry right? from what i understand notoriously hight turn over/burn out rate. but a good place to get some solid experience, so long as you dont end up as a patient from stress. if you love cardiac then you must soldier on. think about it, what we see in the hospital is scary! yet these people walk around for lifetimes with these conditions and dont even fully realize it!

ps i also believe that being a new nurse, on night shift, with crazy patients, is just even worse. being on night shift i think automatically augments horrible feelings, emotional lability, depression and anxiety, that is of course until you get 'used to it' so dont discount the fact that you are new and work nights either... cut yourself some slack though, was everyone alive at the end of the shift two thumbs up.

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