Nurse Suffering from PTSD

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

As an abuse survivor of 20+ years (abusive father and ex husband) I've had PTSD for 3 years. I'm off medications and am at the end of my rope. My nightmares have returned, I'm crying all the time, and the exadurated startle reflex and hypervigilance has returned. So I've made an appointment to see a counsoler and a doctor in order to get my anti-anxiety medications back on board, and to work out my past. I'm determined to beat this and recover, but I'm concerned that I may need to be hospitalized in order to get my medications and counsoling in order. My question is, if I'm hospitalized because of PTSD will that impact my career as a nurse?

Even with my emotional problems, I give good care to my residents. I feel as though now the time has come for me to take care of myself, and get the help I need in order to be able to heal from my past. what do you think?

Thanks!

Jess

[Cherybaby]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I know what it is like.

I can't answer your exact question about being hospitalized for PTSD. I can only give you my experience.

I have bipolar disorder, recently diagnosed. I was put on a bunch of medications in various cocktails until we were able to find one that suited me. One day, I complained to my pdoc that I didn't feel like the meds were controlling my mania very well. She changed me onto a new med. I took that med and fell asleep during an 11p-7a shift. Needless to say, that was a very dangerous thing to have had happen. It also prompted my DON to call the BON and state that I was "impaired" on the job.

Had to go up in front of the Board and explain what happened to me. In turn, they put me into the IPN program and have since disallowed me to take certain meds that I need to be taking...one of those being my anti-anxiety med, xanax.

Getting back to your question, I don't think that you would have any problem seeing your pdoc for your ptsd. What will cause you the trouble is what getting back on the meds may do to you. Is it possible to take some time off of work while getting readjusted to your meds? Would hate to see you in the same boat as me...*sighs*

Regardless, a big HUG to you for surviving the horrors of abuse at the hands of your (supposed) loved ones. It is a token to your strength. You haven't crumbled. Keep looking toward the future with a positive attitude. You survived!