Is it normal to feel anxious about work everyday?

[MaryFutureRN]

i'm a new staff nurse in a surgical oncology unit. I'm still on my preceptorship but much of the workload are already being delegated to me, which means I'll be on my own very soon. My preceptor said I can go on my own now, tho I have to know how to handle emergencies and other precautions and she said she'll help me through it.

I've been in my job for 2 months and feel kind of really stressed and anxious every time. My schedules are okay, tho I find it exhausting daily to keep up with the physical demands. I live about 2 hrs away from work so commute kills

me and I have to leave earlier in my house bc of the distance of the hospital. I cant rent a dorm near my hospital even tho I want to because I am not financially capable of doing that yet.

It's just that I'm in this huge learning curve (I'm only practicing for 2 mos as a new grad nurse) and everyday is a real struggle to me.

How can i feel less anxious and stressed daily?When I go to bed after a long day of work, I get anxious for the next day and think about the struggles I'll have the next day. It feels dragging to me. How can i cope with it?

Thank you.

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

It may help to discuss your concerns/hesitation with your preceptor. Definitely speak up if you find yourself in a situation needing skills you have not yet developed. I also think every new graduate experiences anxiety, especially first nursing job.

Wow, a two hour commute one way? Fatigue could certainly be exacerbating your anxiety. Are there any nursing jobs closer to your home?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

If you aren't anxious before (during, after) work during your first nursing job, you're not doing it right.

Seriously. EVERY nurse has a tough first year. It's as inevitable as the tide. Even with good support from managers and other nurses on the unit, it's strange and scary to know you literally hold people's lives in your hands. Of course you're nervous. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as it tends to keep you on your toes and prevent you from becoming complacent. I never quite lost all my own nervousness during my career...and I think I was a better nurse because of it.

That being said, I think your 2-hour commute is a huge thorn in your side and contributes to your exhaustion. 12-hour shifts are hard on nurses anyway, I can't even imagine working a 12 (which often turns out to be 13 or 14) and then having to drive two hours home, just to turn around and do it all over again on only a few hours' sleep. Is there no way you can work closer to home?

[verene, MSN]

I think some anxiety is normal and health to have as a new nurse. It's a lot to learn and a huge amount of responsibility. However, there is a line where anxiety can become an impairment, and if you feel you are crossing that line seeking assistance in managing the anxiety would be wise (EAP, therapist, mentor etc).

What is your current ability for self-care and managing stress like? I found that I really needed to be proactive about self-care when I first started working in order to manage the anxiety of the new role - for me that looks like regular exercise, minding my nutrition, and making some "me time" during my week. Even now if I let my self-care slip, I feel my stress and anxiety around work increase, even though I am substantially calmer about my job now that I've been doing it for 6+ months.

Having a two hour commute each is likely adding additional stress and fatigue to the situation which could exacerbate anxiety further. I agree with other posts that finding a way to stay closer to work, or work closer to home could be a very good investment of your time and money, and may well help both your physical and psychological health.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I felt sick to my stomach before work every day for a full year when I first started. I was in a new grad critical care residency with the most nurturing staff and preceptors, yet I felt anxious and inept every damn day for over a year.

So yes, it's normal.

[Sierra Nurse]

Your post resonates, as I'm in a similar situation. I just completed my last precept day and will be on my own on a busy ICU unit next week... I fully expect to feel anxious for some time to come. One of the most therapeutic practices I've found so far is to regularly talk out your feelings with somebody who is willing to listen.

As to your commute, is there another coworker whom you could stay with between back-to-back shifts? I am moving closer to my job in about a month, but I arranged to stay in an extra bedroom of another nurse and offered some money on a per-night basis. This works out to be a savings over hotels or airbnbs, but allows for some extra sleep (assuming your anxiety doesn't cause insomnia...). I believe everything will turn out fine, it is cathartic to learn that 1st year anxiety is completely normal.

[FloridaBeagle]

I felt the same, only it lasted the whole 1.5 years I was in acute care, and only intensified with time. My anxiety was so crippling I couldn't even relax on my days off. When I entered the ambulatory environment, I found my niche, and the anxiety disappeared. If your anxiety persists or intensifies, don't hesitate to try something different. There are countless places for a nurse to work, and you will find your place.

[SisterofMary]

On 7/6/2018 at 7:52 PM, FloridaBeagle said:

I felt the same, only it lasted the whole 1.5 years I was in acute care, and only intensified with time. My anxiety was so crippling I couldn't even relax on my days off. When I entered the ambulatory environment, I found my niche, and the anxiety disappeared. If your anxiety persists or intensifies, don't hesitate to try something different. There are countless places for a nurse to work, and you will find your place.

This is a very healthy and compassionate response.