Nursing Anxiety

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

If I had 3 days off or more, this used to happen to me. I think it's cos the adrenaline has been building up and up, then you are suddenly at work, and this adrenaline is spilling over.

I worked in a very stressful job, Mon-Fri, very long hours and it was always hectic. I could NEVER sleep on Sunday nights as I knew Monday would be hectic. I used to try and read to calm myself, do some yoga, pilates, stretches and that works sometimes.

You could try Valerian to help you sleep, or a short term sleeping tablet like Temaze. Also get your thyroid checked & vit D levels. Do you take a multivitamin? They helped me a bit.

I still get anxiety going onto a new ward/facility as I'm agency. The best thing to do is keep taking deep breaths, stay hydrated and get organised with your work early. You need to manage the anxiety and take control, or it will control you. Also talk positive to yourself, say: 'I have nothing to be anxious about, I have people here who will help me, I am a good nurse, I can do this'.

You could also try writing a journal that would get your anxiety out on paper too.

Also talk to your hubby as well - I'm sure he will help out and empathise.

Let us know how you get on please, so we can help out more if necessary.

lusa · Mar 28, 2011

Nursing is (in my opinion) getting progressively worse for causing anxiety. I'm not sure the reasons - admin expects more and staffs less, stupid or impossible regs, sicker (and more numerous) patients... whatever the reason, it really is a VERY difficult profession. (like I told the OP, you're not alone).

Thank you for your reply, CFitzRN. I totally agree with you.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

I could have written your post and in addition I'm seriously thinking about leaving nursing, I am a new grad RN with 9 months of experience in LTC, nobody told me in school how stessfull nursing is. One night I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep at all, I spent the whole night thinking about the shift. At 5:30 am I got up and worked 12 hours, I don't know how I did that. My coworkers say I am a very good nurse. I don't know what happens, I can't control my anxiety.
Good luck to you, hope things will get better!

Remember lusa there are different areas of nursng that do not suit some nurses. I hate LTC - it is just not for me - I found it boring and too routine. I only work there if and when I need the money.

You should try and apply to different areas of nursing and see how you go there. But don't leave until you have tried different areas. For example I ended up liking orthopaedic ward nursing, but when I did clinicals in the ortho theatre, I didn't like it at all! I also liked mental health and surprised myself.

Try doing relaxing things on your day off. Also having a 'me' day helps -spoil yourself with something you like!

lusa · Mar 28, 2011

Remember lusa there are different areas of nursng that do not suit some nurses. I hate LTC - it is just not for me - I found it boring and too routine. I only work there if and when I need the money.
You should try and apply to different areas of nursing and see how you go there. But don't leave until you have tried different areas. For example I ended up liking orthopaedic ward nursing, but when I did clinicals in the ortho theatre, I didn't like it at all! I also liked mental health and surprised myself.
Try doing relaxing things on your day off. Also having a 'me' day helps -spoil yourself with something you like!

Thanks for your reply, I don't like LTC too, I have been applying to all hospitals, commnunity centers, doctors office... things are very bad for new grads out there, specially in MA. I will try relaxing things on my days off. Thanks again!!

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Mar 28, 2011

If your insurance covers it try and see a therapist that will help you develop some coping techniques. Most insurances will cover a few session without you being officially diagnosed with something. CBT can be very helpful.

At the very least I would recommend Feeling Good by Dr David Burns. Its very helpful to work through. He has another for anxiety but the feeling good one is a classic and it covers the basics of congnitive behavioural therapy in a simple way.

BrookeeLou_RN · Mar 28, 2011

If I had 3 days off or more, this used to happen to me. I think it's cos the adrenaline has been building up and up, then you are suddenly at work, and this adrenaline is spilling over.
I worked in a very stressful job, Mon-Fri, very long hours and it was always hectic. I could NEVER sleep on Sunday nights as I knew Monday would be hectic. I used to try and read to calm myself, do some yoga, pilates, stretches and that works sometimes.
You could try Valerian to help you sleep, or a short term sleeping tablet like Temaze. Also get your thyroid checked & vit D levels. Do you take a multivitamin? They helped me a bit.
I still get anxiety going onto a new ward/facility as I'm agency. The best thing to do is keep taking deep breaths, stay hydrated and get organised with your work early. You need to manage the anxiety and take control, or it will control you. Also talk positive to yourself, say: 'I have nothing to be anxious about, I have people here who will help me, I am a good nurse, I can do this'.
You could also try writing a journal that would get your anxiety out on paper too.
Also talk to your hubby as well - I'm sure he will help out and empathise.
Let us know how you get on please, so we can help out more if necessary.

I simply do not sleep well on Sunday night regardless.. this has not disappeared and I have not worked in a yr outside of my family. You are not weak at all. Going to physician does not mean you need antidepressants or evn anti-anxiety...you may simply be deficient in a vitamin level. Please seek help professionally. Even if it is just someone to talk too. Yes, nursing is terribly stressful.. it is essentially a matter of life and death!

But I agree with other posters, when it starts to affect ever part of your life you need to get help to get a handle on it.

And frankly only a strong, confident person can admit to needing a helping hand here and there:twocents:

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

Thanks for your reply, I don't like LTC too, I have been applying to all hospitals, commnunity centers, doctors office... things are very bad for new grads out there, specially in MA. I will try relaxing things on my days off. Thanks again!!

I'm not in the US but read all the posts on here and I feel so bad for all the new grads.

It must be so hard - no wonder everyone is anxious. Try to stay positive and just keep applying for everything and anything - just to get out of where you are.

Another thought: can you try and get a non-nursing job to get you out of where you are? Is that an option?

ADD: does MA stand for Massachussets?

CFitzRN, ADN · Mar 28, 2011

I'm not in the US but read all the posts on here and I feel so bad for all the new grads.
It must be so hard - no wonder everyone is anxious. Try to stay positive and just keep applying for everything and anything - just to get out of where you are.
Another thought: can you try and get a non-nursing job to get you out of where you are? Is that an option?
ADD: does MA stand for Massachussets?

Yes, Massachusetts.

Lilichk · Mar 29, 2011

Thank you for all the replys. I do realize I take everything close to heart. With our patient ratio 1:8 and most of the time we have one aid on 30 some patients I feel HORRIBLE that I am not providing the proper care to my patients. I have had numerous family member in the hospital, and I always expected the best care for them...I have high standards for myself...because I am taking care of someones' mother, father, someone else special person...they too deserve best and proper care...but when we are understaffed what can you do about it. I will make an appointment with my primary doctor to get checked out...I honestly believe I developed IBS from nursing. I too have though about changing from nursing. I am doing part time home health and loving it...however, the company I started to work for cant' provide insurance and full time hours...

lusa · Mar 29, 2011

I'm not in the US but read all the posts on here and I feel so bad for all the new grads.
It must be so hard - no wonder everyone is anxious. Try to stay positive and just keep applying for everything and anything - just to get out of where you are.
Another thought: can you try and get a non-nursing job to get you out of where you are? Is that an option?
ADD: does MA stand for Massachussets?

Yes, things are very sad for new grads in Massachusetts and in many states. I am trying to stay positive and believe that one day I'll find work-life balance.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

I need some advice. I've been working as an RN for about a year and a half. I have been on Med/surg/tele floor for a complete year and prior to that I was at a LTC. I'm worried my anxiety is going to get to me one of these days. I haven't had anything tremdously horrible happen to me...however, there were days where we were understaffed, had a heavy load, or patients that went down the hill fast...Everyone tells me I am a great caring compassionate nurse. My supervisors and co-workers I work with respect me and are willing to help me when moments arise where I don't know what to do in difficult situation. I do enjoy what I do, however, the anxiety is getting worse and worse. I have tried to pin point where the anxiety is coming from and I can't. I have a great supporting husband and kids. Yes, I do work night shift, but I've been managing it fine for a year now. I have good co-workers. I have a good salary. But everytime I am off for a certain amount of days and come back for the first night my anxiety is horrible. I can't eat anything, I'm nausead, I am constantly running to the bathroom with an upset stomach, I can't sleep or rest...I have nightmares about it. I get jittery and pace the house...the food I try to eat all tastes funny....and I just get so worked up that on the way to work I end up crying...over nothing really. I am not usually emotional person. I thought that with experiance and more knowledge I'll be able to brace my anxiety...but I see nursing is a constant learning experiance. I see other nurse smile coming into work...calm relax...enjoying life outside...but I count down hours and minutes before I head out back to work. I know this is not healthy. Please advice if anyone had this happen or what I could do to get rid of anxiety.

I have had this happen plenty of times. The worst part for me is that when I heard other nurses at my job talk about it one nurse of 20 years told me she still feels this way all the time and another nurse with years experience told me , "it never gets easier it just gets worse."

j464335 · Mar 29, 2011

I am a LPN and work in LTC, I too struggle with the anxiety and stress that nursing puts on you..I am not trying to give you medical advice in anyway shape or form and agree with the other posters that you should consult your physician but I will share with you my experience about effectively handling the stress that comes along with this career. I that I take LIQUID vit. B12 and culturelle DAILY...It helps my anxiety and IBS problems TREMENDOUSLY!! I also limit my caffeine intake and don't drink/eat anything with caffeine at least 3 hrs before bed. I also drink chamomille tea 30 min-1 hr before bed and lay down at least 1hr before I actually need to be asleep.. and I sleep with my ipod on... listening to relaxation music, ie sound of waves from the ocean, rainforest,etc..

Don't drink anything hot before or during work (stimulates the bowel). I lay all my stuff out for work the night before that way when I wake up in the morning, I can spend at least 30 min just "zoned out" and trying to wake -up. I don't start thinking about "my day" (job) untill I am in the car and driving and then I start mentally preparing myself, and I just try to stay focused on ways to be organized through-out the day.. I have had to teach my brain not to think about the things that stress me out.

It took me a couple of months to physically start feeling better, but I did get there. Once you physically start feeling better you will be AMAZED at how much more effectively you can handle the stress. Goodluck and Godbless! :)