Need Help Turning Off My Brain

[erin511]

I have been a nurse in a non-acute setting for two years and have just landed a hospital job on a psych unit. I am still in orientation but after just a short period of time have been left to do most of the tasks on my own. This is great because it helps me identify questions I may have when I am really on my own but I often feel like a moron since I am so out of practice for most things that I have been doing. My major problem is I cannot seem to turn my brain off when I am not working. I am constantly reflecting back on the shift, obsessing over details that may have been omitted. Particularly tonight I keep thinking about a notation that I did not chart on in the paper chart but did chart electronically and did notify all nurses about so that it would get passed off onto the next shift. I know that if there are further questions I will be called and I am working tomorrow so I can do a late entry note but I cannot shake this terrible feeling of "failure". I keep telling myself that I am learning and that I am bound to make mistakes because there are so many things to remember but I can already tell I am not getting any sleep tonight. Any suggestions (besides not forgetting in the future) to help keep my sanity and help to regain some confidence? What do other people do when they forget to document (I remembered as I was brushing my teeth and knew that it wouldn't make a difference if I called because the nurses all knew about the incident that I forgot to report on)? Sorry if this is a little longwinded...as you can tell I am a little stressed out! Thanks in advance!

[Zookeeper3]

When I was new, I did it constantly!!!!! I would sit in my car in the parking lot and time myself giving me 15 minutes to reflect. If I needed to make a call to give more info or check back I did. After I drove off, I practiced listening to a language tape. It kept my brain active and off work. I found for me, just listening to music had my brain back wandering.

Once home, whenever one of the work thoughts would creep back in and I had to work to push it back out. This took time and practice. I now meditate, and find it wonderful. It cures my headaches and relaxes me totally. To each their own, it's what works for me.

It actually takes more work at first, to leave work where it belongs, and that is NOT in your home life, almost never ever!

[FORTHELOVEOF!!!!]

My brain never shuts off at night, I just take a sominex and melatonin on the bad nights when I have to work the next morning, I will be no good to my patients as a zombie. Hope it gets better for you!