A lot of threads here on allnurses are generated by members due to fears. Fears due to recrimination and subsequent retaliation, fear of losing face, fear of being terminated, and the be-all and end-all fear of losing one's license.
In the nursing profession, losing one's job or license is akin to death, as if saying, "I was employed but now I'm jobless. I was a nurse, but now I've lost my license. I was alive but now I'm dead."
In one study of fears, death was listed as the number one fear and loss of livelihood was listed as the fourth most feared. We can't escape death, but we do have some semblance of control in putting it off for a while. We don't have full control over being terminated, however, we can take measures to lessen the chances of that happening.
I was fired from four facilities over my four decade career, not counting a demotion. The first time, I openly wept during the execution. The fourth time was a minor blow to my abdomen, knocking the wind out of me for the moment. Desensitization does work wonders.
The closest my person has been to death was at the age of 19 when I experienced an NDE after an MVA. It has been said that an NDE is like visiting a neighborhood yet not residing there. My experience has lessened my fear of death, somewhat.
Woody Allen said something along the lines of, "I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens".
I fear living in pain more so than I fear death.
Jung said something along the lines of, and again I believe I'm paraphrasing, "Embrace your fears, for there your soul will grow". I took that to mean that if we face our fears, we will be wiser and stronger beings.
My signature line is, once again a paraphrased quote, made by Edgar Cayce: "Overcome fear by seeing the ridiculous, yet funny side to every situation". I feel and believe that I have a good sense of humor, and I use it to my advantage whenever I can in an attempt to face my fears hoping that my soul may grow.
Got fears?