New Nurse Having Panic Attacks!

hope3456, ASN, RN · May 20, 2014

Have you tried medication (Xanax really helped me). You are not alone - hang in there

sadiemae1123 · May 20, 2014

Xanax generally isn't safe to take while working, but there are many other medications that would be okay to take and work. You should see a mental health provider as soon as possible to get this sorted out. Your PCP may be able to help if you can't get an appointment with the mental health provider soon.

If it's interfering in your ability to go to work or make it through a shift you might consider taking FMLA so you don't lose your job because of call outs.

JCampRN · May 20, 2014

Thanks, it is good to know that I am not the only one. I have thought about taking medications, but I always thought Xanax was frowned upon to take in the workplace?

JCampRN · May 20, 2014

I have already made an appt with a therapist, and I am hoping maybe she can refer me to an MD as well that could prescribe me a long term anxiety med. Hopefully between the two, I can get it figured out. I haven't called in too often most of the time I make myself get there and get through the shift and some days I am completely fine. What exactly is FMLA? Doesn't that mean I am taking an extended leave? I suppose if it gets really bad I may have to do that in order to get things settled down...but it seems like too much, I need to work!

Hayz22 · May 20, 2014

Complete sympathy for you. Panic attacks are the worst! I'm on 40mg of Prozac which seems to take the edge off.

sadiemae1123 · May 20, 2014

FMLA = the Family Medical Leave Act. I once knew a nurse whose husband was getting chemo so she used the FMLA to take off a few days at a time to be with him. You would have to talk to your PCP or mental health provider to see if you qualify for it because of your problems. And check with HR about how to go about signing up. I've never had to use it so I'm no expert. You might be able to take a few days or weeks off until you're feeling better without fear of losing your job. It's unpaid leave, so you would have to consider if you have the finances to manage taking any time off.

allnurses Guide · May 20, 2014

Yes, lots of nurses have this trouble, ranging from a mild annoyance to incapacitation. As a new nurse, I worked 3 to 11:30 too, and would start to get the panic when I approached the elevators and it is awful. We can't give medical advice here but please be very careful with the benzos. This issue is so common that we have a number of articles and many threads (search keywords for anxiety, panic, etc) where people have posted very thoughtful and practical strategies that have worked for them. For an excellent book that describes the panic attack cycle and what you can do when you feel it kicking in, check out this oldie but goodie, Hope and Help For Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes. I found it more helpful than those books with a ton of psychological jargon. All the best to you. You are not alone!

hope3456, ASN, RN · May 20, 2014

You can only use FMLA if you have been in the job at least 1 year.

I personally used Xanax PRN and it relieved the shortness of breath and chest pain that I had r/t stress/anxiety. I took it at work a couple of times but mostly after work. I don't believe I was unsafe - I actually felt safer b/c of it- but everyone is different.

I hope you find what works for you.

I have not taken it in 4 years - when I stopped working med surg.

JCampRN · May 20, 2014

Thank you everyone for your kind words, support, and suggestions. I will take them all under consideration. @hope3456 I know once I get out of med surg I will probably be better, but unfortunately I guess I will have to somehow get through it in order to have the experience to be hired into another dept or different setting.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 20, 2014

You have received some excellent advice here.

I'm another nurse who suffers from sometimes-crippling anxiety, which comes with my bipolar disorder. One of the most important life lessons I've gained from having these illnesses is that "this, too, shall pass". It sounds clichéd until you live it, whether or not you choose medication and/or therapy. (I'm doing both.)

The way I look at it, my record for making it through tough days (and panic attacks!) is 100%. So is yours. Celebrate it and give yourself credit every time you conquer your anxiety about work. :)

bobia638 · May 21, 2014

when i first started working med surg as a new grad (only 10 months ago, so really not that long ago!!) I had the worst anxiety of my life. it was probably one of the lowest times in my life. my anxiety manifested itself in panic attacks and nausea and vomiting. i could not keep anything down. i lost a bunch of weight and i would have to go to work on empty, no food, no water. it was awful. i was tired all the time because i just didnt have energy. i barely left my house unless to go to work. i ended up going to the ER because i thought i was very concerned and did not have a pcp yet. They gave me zofran and ativan and fluids. i got a prescription for zofran and that helped a bit but what really helped was therapy and i started on zoloft. i am still on it and i think it just helps me to feel "normal." I still get anxious at times, but just normal nervous stressed feelings, not overwhelming. hope you start to feel better soon!