Personal safety at work...question.

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I'm wondering what healthcare people think since I don't have the guts to ask my own coworkers :/. I get panic attacks that last from 3 minutes to 1 hour that result in crazy numbers like hr 130s, bp 150/??, sats 98%, resps probably 30s but there is no mental anxiety or circumstances that would cause panic. My question is this: when I have a crazy episode at work is it okay to ignore it because I know it's going to subside soon or should I ask my charge nurse for a short break? I do not like the idea of making my team think I'm going to leave them short staffed or them paying attention to me for this because I know it's not a problem, it's going to go away. Granted SOB is kinda hard to hide but usually I work by myself a lot of the time so I can get away with it.

Opinions wanted!

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I would ask for a break in case something happens while you're with a patient

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you discussed the fact that you're having panic attacks at work with your healthcare provider? He or she may be able to assist you with resources to decrease the panic attacks so that this doesn't become a frequent issue at work.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

I would call for a break, and schedule appointment with your primary care next day.

What you may feel or perceive as panic attack, may or may not be one. There are other conditions with the very similar presentation which have nothing to do with mental health. Some of them are too dangerous to play dismissal, so PLEASE see a provider ASAP.

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