When does this feeling end...

surferbettycrocker · Apr 19, 2010

time and experience are the only remedies for what ails you in this case:clown:.

mx343mom · Apr 19, 2010

I remember feeling that exact same way my first job after nursing school. I used to experience the same things and I also used to catch myself holding my breath and clenching my jaw then coming home with tension headaches. But it turned out I had the wrong job and didn't spend enough time with a good mentor. I moved on to a new job and was assigned a great mentor who really took the time to teach me and allow me to feel comfortable asking questions without feeling stupid for doing it. A good orientation post grad with a mentor assigned to you, I think, is essential for feeling comfortable with your responsibilities. Do you have someone you can discuss these feelings with? Have you been given too much responsibility too soon? Some LTC facilities are short staffed and pile it on their nurses without taking into account if you can handle it or not. Are you working with a mentor who can provide you with some guidance?

CC918 · Apr 19, 2010

I am also one month into my job in acute psych. i am per diem so i float between 4 units. i feel exactly the way you do. the anxiety i get before work each night and morning is enough for me to start thinking about finding a different job. but at the end of each shift, i feel a sense of accomplishment, that i know more than i did that morning. so each time i start feeling anxious and nervous, i try to think about that sense of accomplishment feeling and remind myself why i love nursing and why i chose this specialty.

as surferbettycrocker says, it'll take time and experience. so in the mean time, buckle up and just keep learning each day. i can't wait until that one day when i realize...hey...i can do this! and that the butterflies in my stomach will subside...

franciscangypsy · Apr 19, 2010

I need some advice, I am a new nurse and have been working at an LTC facility for a month now. Some days I find it very difficult to go into work, my nerves get the better of me. I feel nauseous, my head is spinning and I find it hard to breath..its not that anything bad has happened its just the anticipation of working a new job, not knowing what to expect when I get in to work..How do I get past this feeling? Im getting ready for work now and am seriously considering quitting because this feeling is so overwhelming..thanks in advance.

This happens to me too. Has ever since I started working health care in high school -- partially b/c I'm fanatical about being on time/early and partially b/c I think too about what COULD happen. That last part has faded a little with time and accumulating confidence.

I have found that I had to find something to center me and keep my mind occupied before the shift -- and then do it every time. So, I listen to my ipod on the drive to work, up until the moment I clock in and stop by for 10-15 minutes of prayer at Church before each shift (I'm Catholic, so for me, that means Eucharistic Adoration! :yeah: ). It has helped my natural anxiety before a shift a WHOLE LOT. I don't get any of those symptoms any more b/c I know the routine.

Hope that's helpful...

Pegasus65 · Apr 19, 2010

I am beginning to think never if you work in LTC. It seems to be nothing but chaos all the time lol! :uhoh3:

Good luck to you!

SweetLemon · Apr 20, 2010

I have only been a nurse for a little over a year and can remember some intense days in the begining. I think this post really reminded me of the importance of taking care of your new nurses. While it is important to teach it is also important to encourage. Sometimes we get so use to the normal routine or the task at hand we forget how overwhelming it can all be in the begining. Please hang in there, it will be worth it and eventually it will all come together and not feel so intense.

Good Luck, we are here to cheer you on!

cebuana_nurse · Apr 21, 2010

We are on the same shoes. I too just started at LTC and I think that I'm at a whole new world. I think it pays off on learning each resident. Making them trust you with their meds and be organized. I know that there are a lot of things that need to be digested but everything takes time. I always try to look at the bright side of things. Knowing that I'll get to see my hubby 3hrs after I clock in to eat dinner and the days that I'm off. Just hold on to that job for experience and when you see a good offer coming your way, let go of your LTC job. Good Luck!

MntnGirl · Apr 21, 2010

I'm right there with you! I started on a Surgical Unit in February (graduated Dec.09) and even though I have 14 weeks of 1:1 with a mentor I still am very anxious before starting my shifts. I tell myself over and over again that I'm stuck with these feelings for a good year (crossing my fingers it will end sooner) - I think this just comes with the territory of beginning our nursing careers. I can't relate to LTC but at my job it seems that "when it rains it pours" - things seem to happen all at once. My coworkers are very supportive and recognize that I'm a beginner, many have told me that they themselves were very nervous and didn't have a good grasp on what they were doing for a good year after starting their first job. I certainly do enjoy my days off though even though my job seems to be always on my mind. SERENITY NOW!!!!!

Reese17 · Apr 21, 2010

Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you for everyones advice...like one post said, at the end of my shift I do feel better and I often think "wow, I cant believe I got through it!" I think I will try to establish a routine of calmness before my shift starts, the IPOD idea might work.

neo200120018 · Apr 22, 2010

i feel the same but i keep thinking about how i do a good job and i know i do! so thats all that matters taking it one day at a time! (and ps never give up smoking when u start ur first ever nursing job turns u into a crying mess of a person!)