Is this still normal or do I need professional help?

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I get super anxious because of my job. I'm new and med surg floor scares me a lot. although I try my best. I'm too slow compared to the old employees.. I know the prob is that I have limited knowledge when it comes to med surg and the solution us to read more.. but I get so nervous and anxious I can't concentrate. I'm all over the place.. my brain is all over the place.. my anxiety level is rising up super fasts The day before my job I get palpitations my chest starts to hurt and I have difficulty breathing.. I'm so anxious and scared to go to work. scared to screw things up.. scared to make mistakes that it makes me do more mistakes. I don't want to give up because I don't want people to think that I'm a quitter plus I need the experience and the money. but I think I'm getting worse.. it's been more than a month and instead of getting better I'm actually getting worse. my anxiety level is not getting any better.. this sucks so bad makes me want to cry

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You have been working on your own for just a month? You are pretty normal but that doesn't mean professional help would not be useful if you feel you need it. Obviously due to TOS we can't advise you, but I can tell you I am four months in and I am pretty anxious still too, though not debilitated. But I am not enjoying myself most days.

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no I'm still not on my own.. And my preceptor is not pretty happy with me.. sucks being a new grad like employee when you graduated 8 years ago. I feel like crying I'm so frustrated and disappointed with my self

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I know how you feel, I've been on orientation on a med surg floor for several weeks now and I'm so inimidated. I feel sick every morning on the drive to work. I'm a new grad and feel like I know NOTHING compared to the other nurses on my floor. Everyone keeps telling me it will get better, so I just have to keep that in mind even though it feels like I will never be at their level. Just ask questions if you dont understand something, and dont do anything that you are confused about. Its better to ask questions, even if it makes you look dumb, than to do something wrong. And I've found the nurses I work with seem to enjoy teaching me, so I try to take advantage of every learning opportunity I'm given. Hang in there and don't give up!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

So did you graduate 8 years ago and not work? Or have you been a working nurse for 8 years and this is a new job?

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I graduated 8 years ago but de to personal issues I was unable to work until recently.. I know it's a blessing but with what I'm going through right now feels like it's not..

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I did that once. I asked my preceptor about something.. She asked me a question in front if my pt. I told her I was meaning to ask her about it but never had an opportunity because I was so busy. she did not answer my question. Made me look dumb in front of the pt. My heart just sank

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If you have never worked you are essentially a new grad. Probably a rusty new grad at that, since your schooling is no longer fresh in your mind. I suspect you, like most new grads, are hypersensitive, overly self critical and yeah - anxious as heck. We all pretty much feel that way for the first year or so.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Cut yourself some slack and try some yoga breating to see if it might help calm you. I think it is very stressful for anyone and you have to know that many days will suck. It is that way the 1st 90 days at any job!

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You are not able to perform your job duties. If your anxiety is increasing as you learn your job, instead of decreasing,

it needs to be brought to the attention of your preceptor and manager. Believe it or not.. they will help you.

You owe it to yourself, your patients, and your employer .. to deal with this problem.

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I would not tell your manager what you've told us. I would make an appointment to see your doctor and see if he/she has any ideas.

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I cannot advise you on what to do, but I can tell you my experience. I am by nature a highly stressed individual, always have been even at three years of age. I have worried myself sick about issues all of my 39years. The past four years I have implemented meditation and living in the present moment along with positive affirmations-these have worked wonders! Then, when I started my first RN position in November 2011, the anxiety returned with a vengence! I was panicking and feeling the worst sense of dread before my shift. Throughout my shift I was a nervous wreck. Then two months ago, things really did begin to get better. I am going on my fifth month being on my own, and I feel much more in control and more confident. I am attributing this to my change in attitude about my job. I have started thinking of my job as my "home away from home" . I have stopped trying to rush, rush, rush on purpose. I try to stay in the moment and do everything one step at a time, even though on med/surge/tele floor where I am , usually I am doing many things at once. But with a change in my state of mind, I have turned a shift of dread into a shift of being okay. Suprisingly I am getting things done on time and my shifts are going much smoother. It was hard to believe those who always say that over time things get easier, but it is the truth. Give yourself time, and try to be in the moment, be emotionally neutral, feel at home. These are the things that have helped me out. I wish you luck!

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