How to ease work-related anxiety before my shift?

[cheesypuff]

Hello everyone.

How can I relieve my anxiety about going to work? I've been a nurse for 2 years. I used to work in a SNF, which would stress me out before and during work, but not to this extent. Currently I work perdiem in a neuro subacute center, so my anxiety is related to the acuity of the patients, not knowing what will happen, if I'll be able to get everything done, if I'll know how to properly handle a situation, and knowing I have people's lives in my hands. There's constant sends out, admissions, changes of conditions, picky & rude patients, ventilators, very intensive care required.

As it may seem, I'm also not very assertive. I've been working on that though. And I tell myself that it's no different than SNF. But ever since I've started at this place, my anxiety is through the roof. I can't sleep the night before, get nightmares about work, I have trouble eating, my heart rate skyrockets, my hands tremble, I get nauseous. I've even doubted if nursing is for me.

I've tried meditating, breathing techniques, and even when I get through an OK shift, I get anxious about my next shift.

I've tried applying for different areas such as doctor's offices but no luck. Do you guys have other advice on how I can manage this? Thanks.

[Davey Do]

Some of us are just high-strung individuals and it's a booger to have to deal with our anxious feelings, cheesypuff.

You've made a good start by utilizing relaxation techniques and that's admirable. Now you're putting out feelers on how others with the same sort of condition have attempted to deal with their malady. Again, an admirable maneuver.

We are what we eat and what we seek, so make this endeavor on anxiety reduction your main menu and quest.

When I suffered from symptoms of PTSD some 20 years ago during multiple major life stressors, a psychiatrist I worked with offered to prescribe me a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety agent. I graciously declined, for I didn't want some pill to be my answer. I'm not saying that benzos don't have their place- they were just not the road that I wanted to take.

I believed and continue to believe that the conscious is heightened through dealing with trials and tribulations resulting in illuminating revelations. In other words, if we face our problems and work through them, we become better, stronger people.

I have always been physically active, but I step up my exercise routine during periods of high anxiety, sometimes working out for a few hours at a time. I immerse myself in positive affirmations, like the 12 step Emotions Anonymous program materials. I keep company with positive individuals who give me realistic feedback. Generally I attempt to live a healthy lifestyle, for example, in what I eat and how much sleep I get.

I allow myself 1-2 glasses of red wine a day and always have a cup of Valerian tea at my bedside.

Last, but certainly not least, is I follow my bliss: I do art every day, and sometimes for several hours a day. Art is a catharsis and allows me to express myself in a tangible form.

I still suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety, but can continue to be a functional member of society during those times. Sometimes it's like trying to walk through deep mud, but I persevere and lead a relatively happy, productive life.

Oh-AN.com also helps me deal with some work stress through identifying with others and processing facts and feelings.

The very best to you, cheesypuff!