manifestations of stress as a new RN

[sediaz]

I thought Nursing School was stressful; especially the Skills Tests and Exam days. I graduated in January 2008 and by June had gone from an almost size 16 back down to a lovely size 12. I attributed this to my anxieties of facing NCLEX and working as a graduate Nurse. I didn't enjoy solid food at lunch break so I started drinking one of those nutritious drinks. In August I noticed that my hair was no longer super thick . I've been dying my hair since 05 and it didn't seem to be breaking-- just thinning.

I"ve been googling, looking for info as to what I can do to reverse this. I'm thinking that the stress combined with my diet is at the base of this hair loss rather than the hair dye.

I'm looking into diet, supplements, stress reducing activities, and will mention my situation to my doc when I go for my next check-up.

Anybody experience similar manifestations of stress? What did you do??? Thanks in advance for your advice.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

Yeah, I've gained weight. I use to be a work-out Gym freak and now I can't even find the time. Is all I want to do is sleep and eat! I've got to get a handle on this some how. I don't want to be fat!

[*ac*]

Yeah, I've gained weight. I use to be a work-out Gym freak and now I can't even find the time. Is all I want to do is sleep and eat! I've got to get a handle on this some how. I don't want to be fat!

Same.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

I worked with a resident once who ended up with complete alopecia from the stress!! Her hair did grow back after she graduated

[sshannon]

Same.

Same, same!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

I hate that I can't work out between shifts (no time!!) and I'm too beat the day after 3 back to backs to do it.. I used to be so fit and now I'm just getting fat.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

If I bought me one of those nice elliptical machines for home, that I use at the gym, I wonder if I would work out here at home??? I continue to gain more weight each week.