short term memory issues

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hi all. Been taking medications for depression & anxiety for almost 7 years now. I am also taking risperdal. My major problem was I couldnt stay on the training in the hospital because of brain fog. The reason according to my doctor, he said, it can come from 2 factors. The depression itself and maybe it was a side effect of the medications. My short term memory is so unreliable. I usually forget things. And 2 weeks ago i have mistaken an umbrella as a rat. I wonder will I ever get better despite of this things? My first love is nursing. It was a dream. And no matter what even if its difficult i would stilll pursue it because it is my passion. Any nurse who is suffering from brain fog too? any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you..:dead:

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Hope you are not using your real name as your screen name. Extensive use of notes is what I would suggest. A notebook/pen on a lanyard for you to refer to could come in handy. Also taking on a job where quick response time is not a big component might be helpful. For example: an extended care job with a stable patient in home care. You could write out your shift schedule to the T for your own reference. Get a slow-paced case to begin with along with a patient who has very little change from day to day and you could 'survive' in a nursing position.

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thank you. Actually my aunt told me to volunteer in a clinic. Just to made me feel the job even if it's not as stressful like in the hospital.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I feel your pain. I have bipolar 1 and am on five different medications, two of which are anti-psychotics, and they have memory problems as a side effect. So between the disorder and the meds used to treat it, my brain has basically turned to mush. Post-it notes were my lifesaver when I was a nurse, although I did get to the point where I had to retire because I was scaring myself. I also used a "brain sheet" to help myself stay organized when I was a floor nurse. I don't know what kind of nursing you've been doing, but I don't recommend fast-paced environments.

If you're stable, you might want to ask your doctor to review your medication regimen. Sometimes we get to the point where we're taking too much and it impairs our ability to do the job. Best of luck to you, and please keep us posted.

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what is a brain sheet? Where do you buy it? Is it helpful? One of my fears is giving medications. I get scared because im thinking of comitting mistakes. I never had the chance to develop my skills because I was so scared. How do you build your confidence?:specs:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Esme12 is one of the moderators here; she has examples of brain sheets that have been helpful to many members. :)

As the saying goes, there are two kinds of nurses: those who make mistakes, and those who will. Passing meds is an acquired skill that requires focus and lots of practice. The fact that you are afraid of making a mistake actually will keep you on your toes, as long as it doesn't paralyze you. I never quite got over my nervousness, which made me pay close attention to what I was doing and thus I rarely made med errors. It was toward the end of my career that I started having trouble concentrating and remembering things, and that scared me. I began to make med errors, none of which were significant (thank God), but I knew it was just a matter of time before I committed a serious mistake, so I got out of nursing.

I wish I had some good advice to offer you, because I know what it's like to have brain fog but not what to do about it. It's a double whammy when it's a combination of mental illness and the meds used to treat it. Again, I recommend a slower-paced environment, not the hospital or even long-term care where the staff-to-patient ratios are ridiculous. I've never done clinic or home health nursing, but I have friends who do and they love it. There are no med passes like you have in the hospital or LTC. You may give injections or the occasional loading dose of a medication, but that's about it.

Hoping for the best for you.

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hi. ima little confused actually. I dont know whether to go or not to on nursing. I feel its my passion but I dont know. I am still afraid the anxiety, brain fog and stress. I think the problem or what im feeling has blown of proportion.I dont know if i can survive. But i am proud to tell you that I got 2 certificates because i finished 2 trainings on nursing. One on adult critical care and IV Therapy. I also finished Basic Life support and first aid. I really lack confidence. My friend who is a nurse told me to build my confidence and that nursing is a skill. She is going to UK next year. She is an OR nurse. Now I dont know if im going to buy nclex books for review or fulfill the requirements given by a hospital to accept me for the 4 month training.

For my brain fog, i am taking coconut oil because I researched that it fights brain fog. Im about to buy INositol for depression too. It is recommended by my doc.

Any reply would be appreciated! Tia!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

No one can tell you whether or not to become a nurse. Sometimes if we push through the anxiety and stress, we come out the other side much better off for the experience. But sometimes it takes the mind a while to accept what the heart already knows.....perhaps you need to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. It's possible that this is just not the right time for you to be a nurse, and that you will be better equipped to handle it at some later date.

I do know that you have to get the anxiety, brain-fog and depression under control, and that doesn't seem to be happening right now. Be careful with so-called 'natural' remedies, and take them only with your doctor's knowledge and supervision; sometimes there are bad interactions between them and prescription meds. And if you're not in therapy, please consider it---there are many types, and the benefits can be tremendous.

I truly wish you the best in your endeavors.

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i am seeing this psychiatrist we are talking about medications and supplements that i could take. I told him about my depression regarding my weight and he just recommended l carnitine.. I havent tried psychotherapy with this Doctor. do you think its ok? I knew i have to discuss my feelings and stuff. BUt i dont know i think he refuses. He just gave me meds.

I want your opinion do you think my depression will get better and more manageable if i lose weight? I hope it lightens my depression so thAT i could have the confidence to be a nurse!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Weight loss can definitely be helpful in fighting depression as it tends to give one more confidence, but it's not a cure-all. You'll be the same person you were before losing weight, and you'll still have to deal with depression and anxiety at times. Mental illness doesn't go away just because we're treating it; it just goes into hiding.

As for therapy, your psychiatrist sounds like the kind who only does medication management, and you'll need to see an actual therapist. I'm lucky in that I have "one-stop shopping" (my p-doc IS my therapist), but that's not the normal setup. Ask yours to recommend someone, or better yet, several. Sometimes it takes time to find the right one.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
i am seeing this psychiatrist we are talking about medications and supplements that i could take. I told him about my depression regarding my weight and he just recommended l carnitine.. I havent tried psychotherapy with this Doctor. do you think its ok? I knew i have to discuss my feelings and stuff. BUt i dont know i think he refuses. He just gave me meds.

I want your opinion do you think my depression will get better and more manageable if i lose weight? I hope it lightens my depression so thAT i could have the confidence to be a nurse!

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We can share personal experiences but discussion of meds and supplements is prohibited.

brain sheets.......here are a few.

doc.gif mtpmedsurg.doc

doc.gif 1 patient float.doc‎

doc.gif 5 pt. shift.doc‎

doc.gif finalgraduateshiftreport.doc‎

doc.gif horshiftsheet.doc‎

doc.gif report sheet.doc‎

doc.gif day sheet 2 doc.doc

doc.gif ICU report sheet.doc‎

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If you do not feel up to the responsibilities of nursing, you might be able to handle the duties of a nursing assistant, where you do routine care for an individual in home care, or a group in a facility, while working under the direct supervision of a nurse. You can discuss your oversight needs with the immediate supervisor. S/he may pair you with a peer to help you stay on track and successfully complete your tasks. This way you could benefit from knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of patients/residents without the stress associated with licensed nursing. Good luck.

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