New PCA in the ER, Anxiety wont go away..

RNMarykay · Aug 11, 2009

Hey everyone. Im currently working in the emergency room as a PCA. I just started and have a little bit of anxiety throughout the day when handling patients. Im more on the quiet side when talking, but try to spark some kind of conversation with the patient when im doing something, such as vitals or an EKG. Im still learning since I just started but am some what nervous that I might do something wrong or not know how to do it or make myself like stupid in front of the patient. I never witnessed a code yet or actually have been involved in one but im scared when i actually have to (which i would love to be and just dive in and do what i have to, to save this persons life) but afraid ill freeze up and just go blank. im certified in cpr so that helps a little. I really love the field of nursing and am going to school currently to be just that, so im really lucky to get this job. I just wanted to know if anyone else has or is feeling this way when they started and what can i do to ease the transition. is it normal to feel like this? It doesnt help either that im new and most people do not know me yet so i feel as if they are like "hey who is that" kinda thing. thanks for reading.

Yes, I was afraid when I started too! A couple days after I started a nurse introduced herself and said she would've done it sooner but I looked too afraid! ha ha

Just take a deep breath, have a couple of stock questions (where are you from? etc), and pay attention. I ask a lot of questions of other techs, nurses etc...I decided to admit I was a "newbie" in healthcare and just ask away. I've found that instead of thinking I'm stupid I look curious and interested.

Good luck!

chickapea · Aug 12, 2009

I'm starting a new job in the hospital too and I'm also nervous, especially about the coding. I think it's normal... I hope! Good luck, soon you'll be an old pro. :)

nurse ladybug · Aug 12, 2009

Hey everyone. Im currently working in the emergency room as a PCA. I just started and have a little bit of anxiety throughout the day when handling patients. Im more on the quiet side when talking, but try to spark some kind of conversation with the patient when im doing something, such as vitals or an EKG. Im still learning since I just started but am some what nervous that I might do something wrong or not know how to do it or make myself like stupid in front of the patient. I never witnessed a code yet or actually have been involved in one but im scared when i actually have to (which i would love to be and just dive in and do what i have to, to save this persons life) but afraid ill freeze up and just go blank. im certified in cpr so that helps a little. I really love the field of nursing and am going to school currently to be just that, so im really lucky to get this job. I just wanted to know if anyone else has or is feeling this way when they started and what can i do to ease the transition. is it normal to feel like this? It doesnt help either that im new and most people do not know me yet so i feel as if they are like "hey who is that" kinda thing. thanks for reading.

I used to feel the same way that you do! I'm glad that I'm not the only one. I used to work in the hospital as a CNA and when I first started I was a TOTAL wreck. I felt stupid and would get really nervous in the patients room and drop things and fumble around. I always felt like they was looking at me like "what is she doing?" lol! It will get better I PROMISE! Once you get to know the staff and used to things you will be fine. It helps to have a staff member to laugh with about things because they usually tell you silly things they do. And trust me, in a code you would be fine, everything that you are taught comes to you naturally. My first code I thought I would be a nervous wreck but I was actually calm and was just concentrating on getting them breathing again. Good luck to you, you will be just fine!! :yeah: