I feel dumb

[ksparks]

I have been out of the hospital setting for 7 yrs and truly missed it. I have been unsatisfied with jobs I have had since I left. I recently started on a step-down unit and I have discovered I have lost all of my confidence. I think I was more confident as a new grad. I have so much pre-work anxiety. I begin feeling sick the night prior to being scheduled. I get so worked up and sick to my stomach. I dont know how to get my confidence back!! I had a horrible time on orientation and now been on my own for 4 shifts. I know in my head I'm doing ok. My manager seems satisfied but I feel like a fraud. This unit is much more fast paced than the floors I worked on years ago, and so much had changed. I'm learning g computer charting which I have no experience. I've set up a psych appt but it's weeks away. I'm becoming depressed and soooo anxious I don't know what to do. I can't transfer for a year!!

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Re: your statement that you set a psych appt but it's weeks away.

My HMO is notorious for setting up appts far out.

But, if you tell them you need to be seen sooner, because of acute symptoms, you can be seen same day or within 1-2 days.

Good luck to you!

Ps I hope this is not considered giving medical advice, mods!!

[dec2007]

Does your facility have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program)? If so, you should be able to see a counselor ASAP if you go through them. Good luck!

[Nursetk4]

I know it is hard to go back after being away for period of time. You need to be kind to yourself. I was out of a medical setting for 12 years and had similar feelings. One thing I did was make note cards with information I needed. I kept it in my pocket and would look at when I became frazzled. Included was medications, procedures, things I had not done since nursing school, etc. I also wrote little notes to myself. Such as "you can do this, don't give up". On my days off I would look things up. Such as physical assessments. You tube was a life saver. If you can survive nursing school, there isn't anything you can't do. Change is never easy. You will make it though this. Keeping a journal is helpful. It shows all your progress.

Keep this in mind. Your employer saw something special in you. That why they hired you.