How Can I Transition Out of Bedside Nursing After Struggling with Anxiety and PTSD?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hello Beth, I have been feeling quite alone at home, and have been on medical leave for 4 years from working during covid. I I was new to the unit and just learning the charting, when my caseload doubled and at times tripled. I starting having panic attacks, lost 100 pounds due to  cessation of eating. I have since been diagnosed with a complex adjustment disorder, with severe anxiety, and PTSD related unsafe working conditions. 
So here I am now, feeling useless, I have no idea where I can go. I considered a dental office, that would be my first choice because I am certified to administer conscious sedation. It would also provide me with a chance to step into a role of nursing facial aesthetics. My barrier is both monetary, and limited job openings. 
I need to work with people, and I love being a nurse, but I have to get away from bedside nursing. I am feeling desperate and depressed because I feel lost, stuck, and useless. I am hoping to hear from you soon.

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. Feeling stuck, lost, and useless is probably both somewhat normal in your situation and also magnified by your diagnoses. But they are feelings. Feelings don't define you and are not permanent.

I admire your courage in starting over. Taking proactive measures, such as seeking employment, will give you a sense of control. Your passion for helping others is still there, and that enthusiasm will attract the right opportunity to you.

Your idea of a dental office job giving conscious sedation sounds ideal if you can find a position. Another consideration is working in procedural departments within a hospital, like Diagnostic Imaging or the GI Lab. These services are hospital-based but do not involve bedside nursing. 

There are many non-clinical roles out there. Register on a job site like Indeed.com and cast a wide net. Here are a few other ideas that might help you find a new direction:

Medical Writing/Editing: Your nursing background might allow you to transition into writing for healthcare publications or editing clinical documents.

Nursing Education/Training: Consider teaching or mentoring new nurses in Staff Development or online settings. Your experience could be very valuable to those just starting.

 Aesthetic Nursing. This could be a good fit for you. There are opportunities in med spas that offer aesthetic services. Try reaching out to local offices or clinics directly. Even if they don't have openings right now, you may be able to create a connection for future opportunities.

If you are not currently seeing a counselor, it might help to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and stress. They could help you develop strategies to manage your feelings of being stuck or useless and work through the emotional strain of your past experiences. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can clarify what steps to take next.

Lastly, remember that transitioning specialties is often a slow process, and taking it one step at a time is okay. The most important thing is to re-enter the workforce, and you can navigate other opportunities once you've established a recent work history.

You're not alone in this—there's always a way forward, even if it takes some time to find it.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Specializes in Private Duty Nursing.

Have you looked in to Private Duty Nursing? It's still direct patient care, but it is 1:1 care at home. It isn't your typical intermittent HH, but extended hourly shift-care (8-12 hour shifts). You still get to utilize your nursing skills, make an impact on your patient, but don't have the volume nor burnout from an intense hospital environment. 

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