Maybe I'm not cut out for this anymore...

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I became a LPN several years back. When I got out of school, I went into Home Health because that was the only place taking new grads at the time. I ended up working shifts in the homes with some very sick people & enjoyed it a lot. I wasn't scared to do anything! I decided to go back to nursing school to get my RN. Halfway through my program my Mom died. Towards the end of school I got pregnant. Despite all of it, I finished on time & with honors. I had my child, then took a RN job when she was 3 months old. I felt depressed, scared, & incompetent, so I quit. I have had 5 jobs in the last 2 years. It's not good. I get nervous, scared im going to hurt someone, let others bully me, I've heard other nurses laugh or complain about how slow or nervous I am... and I always end up leaving... How did I become so scared of everything?Maybe this isn't my calling anymore...

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Maybe you could talk to a therapist about your anxiety issues. I am not suggesting this to be mean, I see a therapist for anxiety issues myself. It really helps. You may get to the reason you are so anxious and nervous. Have you considered going to home health with your RN since you started there and were comfortable in that environment?

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Yes, you are right, I really do need to. I'm just scared & embarrassed to admit I feel this way. Plus, I wonder if there would be any implications for me telling someone what's going on? I think mental health has come a long way, but there is still a lot of stigma. But, I guess if I'm ever going to be successful in any area of life, I need to deal with it, right? Yes, I did work in Home Health as a RN, but I was bored in my RN role. I think I just need to get to the bottom of the anxiety first, then figure out the rest later. I appreciate your advice.

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You had a lot of trauma and changes that are associated with your nursing. During nursing school you had somethings happen that don't necessarily happen to other people, and make you overly cautious and hesitant. I would definitely take some time for a counselor in addressing maybe some root causes and maybe ways to learn and grow from experience. It doesn't necessarily sound like it's not your calling, but it sounds like, in some capacity, you're hesitant or reluctant to really jump in with both feet. There are a lot of nurses have been in your position, so don't just think that it's you. It just takes some time to figure out what works, what doesn't, and how you can build upon yourself with whatever limitations you have.

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Yes, you are right, I really do need to. I'm just scared & embarrassed to admit I feel this way. Plus, I wonder if there would be any implications for me telling someone what's going on? I think mental health has come a long way, but there is still a lot of stigma. But, I guess if I'm ever going to be successful in any area of life, I need to deal with it, right? Yes, I did work in Home Health as a RN, but I was bored in my RN role. I think I just need to get to the bottom of the anxiety first, then figure out the rest later. I appreciate your advice.

Don't let fear of stigma stop you from getting some help. You don't have to share with anyone that you are receiving counseling.

I think you have a lot of insight into yourself; this will help you immensely in a therapy environment.

Good luck. I think you actually do have a bright future. You are not alone; a LOT of us have had periods of intense anxiety and self doubt.

Let us know how you do.

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