Lost in nursing

[A-panda, BSN]

So, I have been a nurse for almost 2 yrs. When I started I had the common new grad anxiety and self doubt. I thought bedside nursing was not for me. Then something hit at 6 months and I was confident and excelling as a new grad to where people thought I had years under my belt.

Then, I surpassed my 1 year and had to move because of my spouse. I was sad to leave the family and friends I made, but was excited for the new opportunities. Moving also from coast to coast brings its own challenges and it’s not new to me as we have moved around before. Now, I’m feeling lost, trapped and confused about my path in nursing. I’m still in medsurg, but difference is I’m working nights. My anxiety has increased drastically to where not only am I taking lexapro, and in therapy but I am on PRN propranolol. It’s like with every transition or move I am medicating myself more and more.

Now my anxieties are being away from my husband at night, which I hate. It’s normal to be away from him during the day because he’s at work, but now he comes home and I leave… and I hate it. I am considering exploring my options with outpatient clinic, urgent care, and even something fun like aesthetic nursing…. But problem is I can’t tell how low or high the pay is and I am getting paid a lot right now d/t the state I’m currently residing in.

Long term goals I also don’t know what I want to do. I started off nursing wanting to do wound care, and I even was on a committee for it at my last job, but sadly I lost my passion and interest and at my current job there aren’t any growth/educational opportunities. I came on here in hopes of getting some advise…

I really am at a loss and I hate what I’m doing. Can’t really talk to anyone about it at work because I confided in someone and they ran and told my manager I was considering leaving. So now I’m in a sticky situation where I either stay and be miserable for the next couple years until we move again, which is killing me inside just thinking about it. Or I start doing a deep search and start applying to jobs and see what offers I get. My only concern with that if they start calling for references. What do I say or do then…    

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to General Nursing

[Davey Do]

Wow, A-panda. Major life transitions: Leaving a position where you felt comfortable & confident, and family and friends, relocating, a new position on MN shift, and less time with your main support. 

A good decision you made, to seek professional services. Therapy and meds are a sound piece of the pie, yet not the whole enchilada. Having gone through similar situations, I'll share my tried and true methods with you.

Realize that these circumstances, what you're experiencing and feeling, shall pass. It's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when we're bathed in darkness. It may seem like there is no light, but it's there. We have to keep telling ourselves this.

Focusing on our mental health is paramount, and we eat, sleep, and breathe that which is important. It's called working a program. We need to immerse ourselves in whatever decreases our anxiety and gives us comfort. Daily spiritual readings, exercise, hobbies, and pursing a healthy lifestyle are some ways that help.

Emotions Anonymous (EA) utilizes a 12-step program which gives us guidelines in dealing with our emotions, and there's a website. This website has forums for daily readings, for discussing our problems and feelings with other members, chat rooms, etc. EA also sponsors live community groups, but with your schedule, an online resource will allow you to check it out and get involved.

I have had to deal with major transitions and multiple life crises during my nursing career and found that the forementioned methods, along with art, has buoyed me through many troubled times.

I am hoping the very best for you, A-panda.

 

[A-panda, BSN]

Thank you so much! I will check it out!