panic attacks

[essie1]

Hi

I hope someone can help. I think I have made a mistake, I do not think I am tough enough for nursing. I have 4 months left to go of my studies. I am working in aged care while studying. I am having panic attacks when call buttons go off. I know I cannot help the person buzzing, they want old age to go away and there is nothing I can do about that. I only thing I am certain of on a shift is that I will be either verbally, physically or sexualiy abused (no one wants to talk about residents sexualy abusing staff or physically attacking them, its all about the residents rights). I feel a bit scared about my weeks of placement in the hospital, there is a lot of talk about the bullying nature of the nursing profession and I have seen it. I am worried I will have a panic attack on placement and make a fool of myself. I am doing very well at my studies and it seems to come naturally, I love problem solving and really love to see the best outcome for people. Its a tough profession and if I cannot control my panic attacks related to the work maybe I should look to something else. I would hate to have wasted this time studying and I think I could be a good nurse. I could probably write a very good care plan for myself to overcome the panic attacks!. In truth I dont know what to do..If I am not tough was this course a mistake.

cheers essie

[medicrn13]

The biggest piece of advice I can give you comes down to one word: Relax. Apparently caring exclusively for the geriatric population isn't for you, if that's the case, I'd recommend finding another job, if that is feasible for you.

It seems that most of your anxiety comes from the actual patient care aspect of nursing, and that you have a firm grasp on theory. What makes you so nervous about going into the clinical setting? If it's fear of embarassment, we were all students once, and the best place to make a mistake is in clinical, where you can learn and grow from it.

Once you're out of school, you're nearly on your own, and mistakes can be much more costly in terms of your career and peer relationships.

If you really need to, speak to your doctor about your anxiety, and perhaps even see a therapist. Do you have underlying anxiety issues? or is it just the thought of the nursing profession that gets to you?

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

We can't offer any medical advice on this website but I will say that you should strongly consider speaking with a physician or other health care provider about your anxiety and panic attacks so they can work with you to help you find a way to deal with those mental health issues. I also think you should consider trying to find another type of health care setting to work in (a hospital, clinic or doctors office etc.) because clearly you don't seem comfortable in the current setting of which you are working. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

!Chris

[Blackcat99]

I have lots of problems with anxiety. I have worked in psych, skilled nursing,prisons etc. My anxiety was highest when I worked in LTC with the elderly. I now work private duty nursing in the home and my anxiety has lessened considerably. I would recommend you stick with your nursing program and do private duty nursing in the home after you graduate. Best of luck to you.

[helikias]

The bullying comes with every profession, believe me, but the assaults by the patients and the geriatric atmosphere seem to be what's really bothering you.

Could you shift into research nursing? That might be a solution.

I think it's the place that you work that is really bothering you. I think if you get out of there you might rediscover your love of nursing.

Also -- I think you should get our blood screened for vitamin deficiencies, even a small one can lead to feelings of panic. If you check out OK, why not take a mild anti-anxiety med or a small dose of an antidepressant to get you through until you find a new job?

Finally -- enroll in some martial arts self-defense classes -- you'll be amazed at the confidence it gives you.

Good luck -- please don't give up.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

"I only thing I am certain of on a shift is that I will be either verbally, physically or sexualiy abused (no one wants to talk about residents sexualy abusing staff or physically attacking them, its all about the residents rights"

Are you seriously telling us that you have been physically and sexually abused by residents? If so, I certainly hope that you have reported the incidents. And if so, I'm not quite clear on why you're continuing to work there. An atmosphere such as you describe cannot help but be detrimental to your mental health.

[crissrn27, RN]

Anyone who works LTC for any amount of time has been verbally, physically, and sexually assaulted, usually by demented residents or psych patients that shouldn't be in a SNF. Think LOM/L hurling curses, LOM/L hitting, kicking, grabbing body parts of nurse, etc. But they don't know what they are doing, so what are you going to do? Except with psych residents that should be placed in psych facilities that we don't have. We can no longer chemically or physically restrain them, and when we could I don't remember it working all that well. Don't know what the answer is, but yes, seriously, you can be (and probably will be) assaulted in LTC.

As for panic attacks, I have them too, usually out of the blue. I think you should see you doc for help. It might take awhile to find the right treatment, but you can do it.

[latebloomer74, LPN]

I agree with everyone else, you should see your doctor ASAP. Also seeing a therapist who can teach you relaxation and breathing techniques could only help. I've suffered from panic attacks since I was 18 years old and they are terrifying. Inform your clinical instructor if, and hopefully you won't. have a panic attack at clinical. She's a nurse and will know what to do to help you and will understand. Best of luck :)

[ONCRN84]

I had a panic attack at work once. I'm now medicated. Best decision ever. I didn't ever realize how depressed and anxious I was until I felt btter.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

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