Newly qualified nurse...nervous before each shift

[NQN2017]

I was wondering if it was just me. I recently qualified a month ago and I am working in a critical care environment. I am due to finish my supernumary period soon and I am so nervous to go at it on my own. The night before my shifts I get so nervous and I can't sleep. I lay awake all night thinking about the next coming shifts. I feel like I don't know enough to work in a critical care environment. On shift I find myself staring at the cardiac monitors of my

patients and hoping nothing happens. I get nervous thinking about speaking to other doctors. I feel I don't know enough. I'm so scared all the time. And I'm second guessing even doing nursing. I've actually always wanted to be a practice nurse. I am going to try and stick it out for 6 months total and then try and get another job. I can't live like this. Constantly scared for each shift. My partner thinks I've changed and I'm so anxious now and not myself. I don't know what to do. Anyone else been in the same position? Help

[seaofclouds21, BSN, RN]

Are you still on orientation? Have you asked other's how you are doing (such as your preceptor, mentor, manager)? The first year of nursing is hard, no matter what specialty you are in. How did you do while in nursing school? Have you only been working for a month? If so, you may just need to give yourself time to adjust to being a new nurse.

[marusia_tk]

I'm replying to you because I just got out of this boat! I was hired into a procedural OR in January, and for the first several months I had ridiculously high anxiety levels all the time relating to my work. I loved the environment that I worked in, but I was always panicked that I wouldn't know what to do when things go wrong. I felt ridiculously under-qualified for my job.

First, if you are passionate about working in this environment, the anxiety will go away in time. Second, one thing I did that helped me become less nervous about my job is I educated myself as much as possible about any part of the environment I worked in. I dug through online articles, dug through my nursing pathophysiology and pharmacology textbooks, researched any random question, and always asked questions at work. In the beginning it felt overwhelming because there was so much to learn, but tackle one concept at a time. Being knowledgeable about your work will solidify your confidence... you will know what to do and this will help decrease your nervousness.

I also kept a journal... still do though I write in it less often. Whenever my emotions are killing me (either the highs or the lows) I write in it. Writing out what you're feeling will help you understand your emotions better, and help you manage them better. Writing will also help you reflect on your actions.

Ask for feedback. I was constantly anxious that I wasn't good enough at my job. As much as it killed me (fearing they'd tell me I was a horrible nurse), I always asked my co-workers for feedback... and honestly what they said built me up. They told me that they saw how hard I worked and that I had a good head on my shoulders. Speak to your co-workers, their feedback may lessen your anxiety.

Another action that helped me become less anxious about my work is making myself turn my brain off. Sometimes this is so difficult, but it gets better over time. Go out on dates with friends. A couple weeks ago something happened at work that shook my entire world, and my anxiety was so bad that day that I cried for several hours straight and every ounce of my body hurt because of the ridiculous stress that the one action placed on me. The next morning I went out on a date with a friend and even though I didn't share with her what had happened, being with a close friend who could take my mind off work was a great stress-reliever. Try to re-connect with old friends and go out on dates with them. Have a life outside of work. Oh, and one of my biggest tricks to turning your brain off at night... I often fell asleep while watching Friends. Find a light-hearted TV show when you can't fall asleep at night and just have that playing. You do what you gotta do to remain sane!

You were hired to this position because you are passionate about your work, and because your managers found something in you that makes you a good fit for the environment. If you really want to do this, ride it out these first couple months. That feeling when it finally clicks will be the best feeling ever. You are not alone in feeling what you are feeling :) Sorry for the long post, it just greatly reflected what I felt myself when I first started. And I'm still figuring out so many things... It does get better. Honestly, hang in there, you're doing great:) Feel free to message me with anything

[Castiela]

I've been in ICU for a year and a half and I still feel nervous at times going in for shifts. It goes away once I start, but I know several coworkers feel the same way. I think a certain level of anxiety is good because it makes you more cautious

I agree that reviewing my critical nursing content helps wi the anxiety because I feel more ready to adapt to change.

Sometimes I just have to fake being confident. Usually that works. Best of luck

[gpsrn, MSN, RN]

Your anxiety is very common. I remember being extremely nervous and scared that i would cause harm to a patient rather than help them. I had nightmares that I forgot to give meds or gave meds to the wrong patient. It took me several months to not have the nightmares. I was always thankful when I woke up. Your anxiety will decrease over time.

You will continuously be learning and addressing new things. One good thing in your specialty is that you do not work alone, you do have others with you. Take time to relax and identify a coping strategy that has worked for you in the past or learn a new one. marusia_tk has given you some great advise, I still use the TV as a way to relax when I am extremely exhausted or stressed out.

You can do it, give yourself time to adjust.