I graduated last year and started my first job in July on a general surgery inpatient unit. I had worked there for 6 months when I had an accident. It was the end of the shift (the end of 3 days of 12 hour shifts). I had not slept well and was menstruating. I have a hx of migraines. Anyway, I was inserting a foley catheter while another nurse supervised (in a screaming post TURP patient) and it wasn't going in, resistance. She went to get a coude while I stood there waiting. I tried again with the coude and the next thing i knew I was on the floor with my coworker yelling my name! I had passed out cold and hit the back of my head on the floor.
So they took me to emerg, got all the tests, blah blah. Nothing was wrong with any of the tests. My head was very sore and I had vertigo immediately after the accident. Sooo, the vertigo lasted for 4 months.
I had not been working with the vertigo and was told to do desk duties until I felt better. So after this long depressing recovery, I am feeling better.
BUT I am sooooo anxious about fainting again. I am having panic attacks about fainting and I don't know what to do. I am considering going to a different unit because I think I may have fainted because of the huge workload, 12 hour shifts. Or because of a vasovagal response. Not sure.
Any suggestions for what area to work in? I was thinking of working in the psych ward since they will let me do 8 hour shifts and there isn't as much strenuous work and craziness. Is it normal to have this paralyzing fear of going back to nursing duties after such an accident??
I still have to decide what to do about my job...going to talk with my manager and employee health. I'm not sure if I should transfer to a different unit or not? Not sure what type of unit would be less exhausting?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Will keep you up to date!
marie39
10 Posts
Thanks, it does help to know I'm not alone!
I still have to decide what to do about my job...going to talk with my manager and employee health. I'm not sure if I should transfer to a different unit or not? Not sure what type of unit would be less exhausting?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Will keep you up to date!