feeling paranoid

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Been on my own for 3 night shifts now on telemetry. Only had orientation of about 15 shifts. My problem is after each shift I get totally paranoid I missed something and analyze everything in my mind until I figure out something I did do wrong and usually will call the day rn to let her know something I think I messed up on and needs to be followed up on, like an activity for bedrest for a new admit I got last night, or I will continue to feel severly paranoid until this is taken care of. I always think I am about to lose my license!! Does anyone else suffer from this? Is prozac my only choice?

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

What you're going through is normal. There's a book called "From Novice to Expert" that covers it in detail. Just know that almost everyone goes through what you're feeling. And, prozac would be irrelevant!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.

completely normal, the nurses you have to worry about are the ones who think they do everything right and never give things a second thought...

I used to have a recurring dream when I first got out of nursing school, that I would be told to "go home, your not a nurse."

atlantarn

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I went through the same exact thing. I also work on a Telemetry unit and it took me about six months before I felt comfortable. I still sometimes "pop up" in bed from a deep sleep because I think I have forgotten something. Your "paranoia" will diminish in time.

And, I agree, "From Novice to Expert" is a great book for you to check out. :)

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Thanks for the support! I sure hope it diminishes with time otherwise I am going to drive myself insane! After the second day of being off I usually feel much better! That book you refer to, is it titled "Your first year as a nurse: making the transition from total novice to successful professional?" Or is there another book out there?

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Specializes in L&D.
Thanks for the support! I sure hope it diminishes with time otherwise I am going to drive myself insane! After the second day of being off I usually feel much better! That book you refer to, is it titled "Your first year as a nurse: making the transition from total novice to successful professional?" Or is there another book out there?

It's actually called "From Novice to Expert : Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice" ISBN # 0-13032-5228

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

The author of the book listed above is Patricia Benner.

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I felt that way for about the first year I was a nurse. It does get better without medication:)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

WE all went thru that. Hang in there; you can do it. Welcome to allnurses!

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Thanks so much for posting this. I am in my 5th week of orientation and I thought I was the only one that felt this way. It's good to know that I am not alone. And thanks to you experienced nurses for ensuring that this is normal and will pass with time. I hope that time comes sooner rather than later!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Thanks for all the support!! I can't wait until this passes! Until then I guess I will continue to live with the need to call and make sure everything is okay after I left for the day!! I will keep in mind that some day I will be able to at least let it go for awhile!!!!

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Been on my own for 3 night shifts now on telemetry. Only had orientation of about 15 shifts.

I graduated in 12/04 and I still have these thoughts sometimes. As a matter of fact I had the worst night ever last night and an hour after I left I called to ask a question about restraints. L&D nurse of 17 monthes told me she feels the same way sometimes. I think this is normal.

melissa

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