Is this normal?

[studentnursemon86]

I've worked at my job for about 9 years as a patient care tech in the ER and I'm currently in nursing school.

I think I may be burnt out and that's why I'm feeling the way I'm feeling.

Every time I leave work I'm paranoid that I did it said something wrong that will get me in trouble/written up/fired. I don't know why. I take good care of my patients and help my nurses to the best of my ability. If I make a mistake I own up to it and fix it, but I still feel like I missed something every single time I leave work.

Does anyone else feel like this?

Maybe it is just stress from work and school.

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

i think its pretty common. im absolutely terrified whenever im on the floor from the moment im on it to the moment i leave and beyond, hoping that i didnt make some life-ending, critical, license-revoking error. sometimes i get so worked up that ill double check things that ive done hours ago because im not sure that i did it properly. the only thing i can really say that helps me is, even if it takes a little more time, carefully do everything to the best of your ability each and every time. that way even if you aren't quite sure if you made a mistake at the end of the day you can at least take solace in knowing that you did the very best, and barring any unforeseen complications nothing should come of it.

i do find it surprising that after 9 years you still feel this way though.

[AJJKRN]

Has the culture of your work environment changed during the time that you've been feeling this way? Any known precipitating factors? Newer management, peers, "customer service" pushes like AIDET, etc?

[studentnursemon86]

A few coworkers got in trouble recently for inappropriate behavior. That was about 2 months ago.

Maybe that is in the back of my head and I'm afraid I may do or say something inadvertently to get in trouble as well.

No one has made any complaints about me, to my knowledge and I try to keep it professional.

[Libby1987]

I bet nursing school has contributed to this self doubt and questioning. Nothing like nursing school to scare and create anxieties.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

It could just be stress. I work and go to school as well and it can wear on you sometimes. I think taking a deep breath a few times during your shift will help. If you are always rushing you will forget the things you have done, and keep yourself in a constant state of panic.

[studentnursemon86]

It could just be stress. I work and go to school as well and it can wear on you sometimes. I think taking a deep breath a few times during your shift will help. If you are always rushing you will forget the things you have done, and keep yourself in a constant state of panic.

I think you hit the nail on the head. Two PCTs on my shift quit and we were short staffed to begin with. People shout orders from every direction and it is very hectic.

I leave not knowing what I've done or how many patients I've cared for.