Sick to stomach before each shift

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 10, 2011

Awwww...I'm sorry you're going through this :) I don't remember that sort of feeling, but I remember some vague generalized anxiety. Is there anybody that makes this worse? Are there things you have to do that make you uncomfortable? What is your greatest fear re: what might happen?

I was terrified of puke. I'd get pre syncopal, and have to leave the room if at all possible- clammy, pale, tunnel vision- the works... but it got better. :)

Maybe talk with your PCP and see if there's an antiemetic you can take - also, saltines and ginger ale work wonders :)

2011nursetobe · Aug 11, 2011

I have to poop before each shift. If I don't, I will feel sick all shift like I'm going to throw up...I'll be shaky and cannot concentrate. My body's response to stress is to open the floodgates...most of the time before they are ready to be opened! And you know what that means....

babe48076 · Aug 11, 2011

I feel the same way. I am five weeks into my orientation and My stomach gets upset for quite awile. It feels like its tied in knot, and no I can't even have a bowel movement because of the nerves. Everyone says I am doing fine. I look confident but in the inside I am screaming:bugeyes: I hear it gets better after the first year. I hope so.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2011

I feel the same way. I am five weeks into my orientation and My stomach gets upset for quite awile. It feels like its tied in knot, and no I can't even have a bowel movement because of the nerves. Everyone says I am doing fine. I look confident but in the inside I am screaming:bugeyes: I hear it gets better after the first year. I hope so.

Yeah, it does get better, but you shouldn't have to feel miserable for a year :) Can you talk to your doctor, and see if there's something he/she can suggest to help you do better physically while you adjust to all that goes on as a new nurse? Docs can be pretty understanding- they remember the torment of being responsible for people for the first time- or they SHOULD (tell 'em I said so !! LOL).

Eating, sleeping, and activity levels all change when you're a nurse- you eventually find something that makes it easier- but don't hesitate to get some help- that doesn't mean you're not doing good enough- it means you get to take care of you , too :)

babe48076 · Aug 11, 2011

Yeah, it does get better, but you shouldn't have to feel miserable for a year :) Can you talk to your doctor, and see if there's something he/she can suggest to help you do better physically while you adjust to all that goes on as a new nurse? Docs can be pretty understanding- they remember the torment of being responsible for people for the first time- or they SHOULD (tell 'em I said so !! LOL).
Eating, sleeping, and activity levels all change when you're a nurse- you eventually find something that makes it easier- but don't hesitate to get some help- that doesn't mean you're not doing good enough- it means you get to take care of you , too :)

lol I will tell the doc who referred me. If my stomach keeps feeling this was I definitely will. I am going to nights in a few weeks. I work out on my off days consistently to help alleviate stress. Working out is like my outlet. I really love my job, but it is a huge transition from school to actually being an RN. Thank you so much!

allnurses Guide · Aug 11, 2011

Approaching the elevator doors taking me to my unit generally triggered an anxiety attack. After working there for a while it gradually goes away, but then the sight of the evening big boss nurse lady (above the nurse manager) at the end of the hall (who wore whites, a cap and a blue cape!) caused a visceral reaction of terror. I felt like if I even made eye contact with her she'd fire me on the spot. I had no idea what the reason would be . . I just knew she was going to fire me, that's all. In reality she was probably a very nice person and the only thing she ever said to me was "Do you want to work a double?"

Then when I went part-time I floated to a different unit each day and that made me anxious all over again. I hate unfamiliarity --and this one nurse on the adolescent floor was the most prissy, nasty-*** ***** on the planet - hey lady I'm supposed to be here to help you!! I did not choose to make your life ******* miserable. :uhoh21:

What helped me was making sure I had something on my stomach like yogurt or a banana. Go easy on the caffeine and arrive 20 minutes early to gather my wits together before showtime.

ggfifirn05 · Aug 11, 2011

I've always been an anxious person, and even though I've been an RN for over 6 years, I still have butterflies in my stomach on my way to work if I've been off for a few days. But I used to have horrible IBS symptoms (cramping, gas, diarrhea...I knew every place with a bathroom between my house and work that was open at 6 am!) and even saw a GI doc about it...he put me on a few meds that did nothing but give me more unpleasant side effects, and then told me maybe I should consider another career (I was a year into my nursing career; so much for therapeutic communication!). I've tried all the holistic remedies for IBS: restrictive diet, peppermint tea, acacia and fennel, etc. but they didn't really help either. It wasn't until my PCP started me on 75 mg Effexor XR for my hot flashes (can't do HRT due to BP med issues) that I finally got some relief. And the 75 mg dose is just right for me. I've been on that dose for several years, and its just enough to control the anxiety and GI symptoms I used to experience, without making me feel like a robot. Plus my hot flashes aren't nearly as bad as they used to be!

I will tell you that experience makes the anxiety less; I've been working in the SICU for over 3 years now, and I'm actually pretty comfortable there...now. But it took awhile to get to that place of confidence, which I think might be part of your problem. Nursing is such a huge responsibility, and you obviously care about your patients. Otherwise you wouldn't be feeling this way! Talk to your PCP, and your friends and co-workers, and see what they suggest. It will get better, one way or another, I promise! Hang in there!:redpinkhe

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 11, 2011

Awwww...I'm sorry you're going through this :) I don't remember that sort of feeling, but I remember some vague generalized anxiety. Is there anybody that makes this worse? Are there things you have to do that make you uncomfortable? What is your greatest fear re: what might happen?
I was terrified of puke. I'd get pre syncopal, and have to leave the room if at all possible- clammy, pale, tunnel vision- the works... but it got better. :)
Maybe talk with your PCP and see if there's an antiemetic you can take - also, saltines and ginger ale work wonders :)

I think the anxiety comes from worrying I'll get a horrible assignment (7 patients, two admissions right off the bat, etc.). The anxiety is extra elevated after a weekend off and not as bad if I know I'll have some of the same patients I had the day before.

It seems the patients get neglected from 3:00-4:00 so they are extra demanding right off the bat. After I round, find out what I need to get for each of them right away, I feel better.

I noticed when I worked day shift I wasn't as anxious beforehand because things weren't so chaotic. Maybe it's walking into the buzzing beehive of PM's that gets me all nervous?

Thanks for your supportive reply xtxrn! :)

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 11, 2011

I feel the same way. I am five weeks into my orientation and My stomach gets upset for quite awile. It feels like its tied in knot, and no I can't even have a bowel movement because of the nerves. Everyone says I am doing fine. I look confident but in the inside I am screaming:bugeyes: I hear it gets better after the first year. I hope so.

I hope so too!

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 11, 2011

Approaching the elevator doors taking me to my unit generally triggered an anxiety attack. After working there for a while it gradually goes away, but then the sight of the evening big boss nurse lady (above the nurse manager) at the end of the hall (who wore whites, a cap and a blue cape!) caused a visceral reaction of terror. I felt like if I even made eye contact with her she'd fire me on the spot. I had no idea what the reason would be . . I just knew she was going to fire me, that's all. In reality she was probably a very nice person and the only thing she ever said to me was "Do you want to work a double?"
Then when I went part-time I floated to a different unit each day and that made me anxious all over again. I hate unfamiliarity --and this one nurse on the adolescent floor was the most prissy, nasty-*** ***** on the planet - hey lady I'm supposed to be here to help you!! I did not choose to make your life ******* miserable. :uhoh21:
What helped me was making sure I had something on my stomach like yogurt or a banana. Go easy on the caffeine and arrive 20 minutes early to gather my wits together before showtime.

My anxiety attacks are trigger by the "prevent the spread of germs" sign/hand sanitizer dispenser that's located right before you turn the corner to enter my unit. I usually take a squirt, probably to distract myself in some way. The boss lady makes me nervous too. Even though I think she likes me, I always feel like she's got a pink slip in her pocket.

I should go easier on the caffiene. I always arrive early with a full belly, I'll keep that up.

Thanks nurse156! :)

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 11, 2011

I've always been an anxious person, and even though I've been an RN for over 6 years, I still have butterflies in my stomach on my way to work if I've been off for a few days. But I used to have horrible IBS symptoms (cramping, gas, diarrhea...I knew every place with a bathroom between my house and work that was open at 6 am!) and even saw a GI doc about it...he put me on a few meds that did nothing but give me more unpleasant side effects, and then told me maybe I should consider another career (I was a year into my nursing career; so much for therapeutic communication!). I've tried all the holistic remedies for IBS: restrictive diet, peppermint tea, acacia and fennel, etc. but they didn't really help either. It wasn't until my PCP started me on 75 mg Effexor XR for my hot flashes (can't do HRT due to BP med issues) that I finally got some relief. And the 75 mg dose is just right for me. I've been on that dose for several years, and its just enough to control the anxiety and GI symptoms I used to experience, without making me feel like a robot. Plus my hot flashes aren't nearly as bad as they used to be!
I will tell you that experience makes the anxiety less; I've been working in the SICU for over 3 years now, and I'm actually pretty comfortable there...now. But it took awhile to get to that place of confidence, which I think might be part of your problem. Nursing is such a huge responsibility, and you obviously care about your patients. Otherwise you wouldn't be feeling this way! Talk to your PCP, and your friends and co-workers, and see what they suggest. It will get better, one way or another, I promise! Hang in there!:redpinkhe

Thanks ggfifirn!

I'm an anxious one too. I've got a permanent crease in my forehead from the worried face I make all the time.

The few days off makes for increased anxiety for me too (but I still want my days off!).

I'm glad to hear experience makes the anxiety less. Getting to a place of confidence will take a while and I do think that is part of the problem. I'm going to have to be patient. Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. I'll hang in there!