RN_EKM17

Hi everyone, thank you for the responses. I am followed by my PCP for anxiety. Also, I do go to counseling. That's kind of why I'm at the end of my rope so to speak. I don't think I was naive going into LD- I knew LD was stressful in it's own way. I just really thought my love for the speciality would soon outweigh the constant anxiety. Which I have yet to find true. I guess you don't know until you try ?

Yes. It is degenerative disc disease. I wasn't aware of how obscure it was as that's how my Orthopedic Specialist and the majority of the medical professionals I have spoke with, have abbreviated it. But thanks for your reply about different options to explore.

I have been an L & D RN for about 9 months. Prior to that I had been a post op RN on a busy in-patient floor. And hated it. One, because of patient population/understaffing. Two, my anxiety was awful. I’d cry going to work and often cry leaving work 2 hours late sometimes. Then I got my dream job in L and D or so I thought. I thought my anxiety would get under control after now being an RN for over >2 years and being in my favorite speciality. I know it takes time to get use to this. But my quality of life has been affected, my relationships and happiness. I cannot shake the anxiety of going to work. The night before and day of I’m so nervous and irritable towards my family. If it’s a calm day at work, it’s eases a bit but I feel like I’m constantly terrified of what’s next and on edge for the whole 12 hour shift. I’ve had a few months off of L&D on light duty because of injury but working in a sedentary desk RN job with very minimal stress (but boring). My moods/anxiety at home have been a lot better! So I guess my question is- if my heart isn’t 100% should I be looking for an office job or something, more predictable and less acutely anxiety provoking for after I am cleared? Not mention, a less physically demanding job. I really don't want to be in my 40s-50's unable to move already having been dx with DDD. I feel like so many people just love love LD nursing. I've been told I am doing well as an LD RN and I get along with my co-workers, but I’m not sure if it’s worth my mental health to keep pushing along to this point. I know if I leave this position, the opportunity to get hired back is very minimal which makes it even more risky. Not to mention, I have never had a M-F normal hours job which would also be a big change. Thoughts?

I have been an L & D RN for about 9 months. Prior to that I had been a post op RN on a busy in-patient floor. And hated it. One, because of patient population/understaffing. Two, my anxiety was awful. I’d cry going to work and often cry leaving work 2 hours late sometimes. Then I got my dream job in L and D or so I thought. I thought my anxiety would get under control after now being an RN for over >2 years and being in my favorite speciality. I know it takes time to get use to this. But my quality of life has been affected, my relationships and happiness. I cannot shake the anxiety of going to work. The night before and day of I’m so nervous and irritable towards my family. If it’s a calm day at work, it’s eases a bit but I feel like I’m constantly terrified of what’s next and on edge for the whole 12 hour shift. I’ve had a few months off of L&D on light duty because of injury but working in a sedentary desk RN job with very minimal stress (but boring). My moods/anxiety at home have been a lot better! So I guess my question is- if my heart isn’t 100% should I be looking for an office job or something, more predictable and less acutely anxiety provoking for after I am cleared? Not mention, a less physically demanding job. I feel like so many people just love love LD nursing. I've been told I am doing well as an LD RN and I get along with my co-workers, but I’m not sure if it’s worth my mental health to keep pushing along to this point. I know if I leave this position, the opportunity to get hired back is very minimal which makes it even more risky. Not to mention, I have never had a M-F normal hours job which would also be a big change. Thoughts?