Severe anxiety and depression

Nurses General Nursing

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So I have been working on a very busy med tele floor for 8 months. This is my first job as an RN. Everyone tells me things will get better after a year but things are getting worse. My anxiety is at an all time high. I feel very unsafe and dangerous. I started crying while giving meds because I felt that i was doing something wrong. Nobody would help me. Charge wouldn't pick up the phone. I seriously grabbed a syringe of insulin that night and thought about just ending everything. My state of mind is all over the place. Never had an issue with anxiety but I have dealt with mdd when. I was younger. I know I should see someone but I don't think I can continue working if I'm admitted to a psych unit. I guess my question is does anyone know if you can continue working as a nurse if you need to be admitted to psych in the state of Florida.

Thanks.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I'm not in Florida, but you need help! I would hope that BONs aren't so ignorant as to stigmatize MH only for nurses (because of course, depression is a disease for anyone else).... but regardless, your life is more important than a job. Please practice the advice we would give a pt who is suffering, and get some help for yourself. (((Hugs)))

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
So I have been working on a very busy med tele floor for 8 months. This is my first job as an RN. Everyone tells me things will get better after a year but things are getting worse. My anxiety is at an all time high. I feel very unsafe and dangerous. I started crying while giving meds because I felt that i was doing something wrong. Nobody would help me. Charge wouldn't pick up the phone. I seriously grabbed a syringe of insulin that night and thought about just ending everything. My state of mind is all over the place. Never had an issue with anxiety but I have dealt with mdd when. I was younger. I know I should see someone but I don't think I can continue working if I'm admitted to a psych unit. I guess my question is does anyone know if you can continue working as a nurse if you need to be admitted to psych in the state of Florida.

Thanks.

Go now to the ER and inform them that you are suicidal. DO IT NOW! No job is worth losing your mind and life. I have no idea what the Florida BON thinks, but getting help would certainly look better than not. I doubt the BON will have an issue, but if they do screw it. With the level of depression and anxiety you are having, you cannot think clearly right now. Call 911 if needed, but do it NOW. If you are at work, tell the Charge, the House Supervisor, your manager that you have an emergency.

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I'm not suicidal now. I'm not in a severe state like yesterday. I do know I will need to speak to.somebody soon. I just wanted to know that if I enter that mind set again and have to be admitted, would I lose my job or my license...

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
I'm not suicidal now. I'm not in a severe state like yesterday. I do know I will need to speak to.somebody soon. I just wanted to know that if I enter that mind set again and have to be admitted, would I lose my job or my license...

You need to get help before those horrible feelings overwhelm you again. The feelings can come on intermittently and at those times you are not clear headed.

I have known many, many nurses that have gotten psychiatrically hospitalized or otherwise treated for an array of mental illnesses and have never seen one fired or lose their license for it. The absolute worse thing I've ever seen come up with the BON (99% of time nothing happens) is that their treating mental health provider sends a letter to the BON stating the nurse is now in treatment and stable to work (it didn't show on the license). Your employer has no right to your personal health information.

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It honestly sounds like you're on a toxic floor. Maybe see if you can transfer to another floor?

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I can't transfer because I have disciplinary write ups mainly during my first week on my own. I have applications out though.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please get help NOW.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255

Available 24 hours everyday

Online Chat

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