Nursing Student with Anxiety

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Hello,

I'm a senior year nursing student and I have been struggling with anxiety during clinical. Now I know that every nursing student has anxiety, but this anxiety has been something I have been dealing with for my whole life. It was always very mild and self-manageable. And I never thought that I needed treatment for it. I am usually able to calm myself with deep breaths, positive thoughts, and exercising daily. Most people dismiss my anxiety as being shy, which is also true.

I'm in an accelerated nursing program and I successfully completed two semesters of classes/clinical and I only have one semester left. However, each of my clinical instructors has noticed my shyness/anxiety. It has never interfered with my care of a patient, but they could tell that I was always a bit more anxious than my classmates. And they have all reached out to me and said that I know what I am doing and I need to worry less. I try to compensate for my anxiety by always being prepared and thoroughly researching everything I need to know to provide care for my patients.

But lately the anxiety has been increasing because I am now caring for multiple patients instead of just one during the clinical day. And I would say that my anxiety has been moderate now instead of mild. I am writing to the nurses and fellow students here to ask for your help. What keeps you calm during the clinical day? I would also appreciate any suggestions that you may have for me! Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

((HUGS)) Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Nursing can be nerve racking...but if it is invading your daily life you need to see someone and/or talk to your PCP.

I know there will be many with advice but as per the Terms of Service we cannot give medical advice.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

You sound like a perfect candidate for CBT.

I was also in an accelerated, 3 semester program. Several classmates (just the ones I know of) were prescribed medications for anxiety. That may not be the path for everyone.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Also, meditation (known by many trendy names) is a functional mechanism for many.

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I second medication.

Also, try to prepare yourself for the fact that it will be really tough for the first year, but it will eventually get better. Your new grad orientation is much like nursing school clinicals--you'll be under a microscope, and the more your preceptors zero in on your anxiety, the more it will stress you out. However, if you can rally and get through that first challenging period, it is so worth it. My first few weeks off of orientation were like a breath of fresh air (same for many of my neurotic friends). Start working on coping strategies now (CBT, self-care, meds, etc.) so you don't start to spiral later on.

Best of luck. Its tough at times, but you can do it.

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