Specialized nursing

[Brittanie1986]

I graduated nursing school last year and almost immediately got the exact job I wanted. Problem is I have anxiety and it was fast paced at a clinic. I lasted three weeks until I had a panic attack and my supervisor told me she had noticed something was wrong. During my anxiety I couldn't comprehend at times what was being said to me although according to my grades, I'm pretty bright. She offered to let me try a little longer or she told me she would not hold it against me if it was not a good fit and I quit. I thought about it over the weekend and let her know Sunday I wanted to meet her in person on Monday and resign. Anyways with that being said, I think the only way nursing is going to work out for me is if I work in a small office that specializes in something I can concentrate on. I'm thinking of looking into being a nurse at a dermatology office but I was wondering what other types of places could I look at? Thanks!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Are you seeking treatment for this crippling anxiety? Because if not- you will just have another experience like this. ALL offices are fast paced- no matter what the specialty. Even private duty has its moments of overwhelming workload.

I think you should treat the underlying REAL problem and it will open up a lot of doors for you to be the nurse you want to be.

[Brittanie1986]

I've had anxiety for 16 years and I have been through many medications, many years of counseling and it's a lot better than it was but it's never gone away completely. Maybe I should just give up on nursing?

[Brittanie1986]

In addition to all that I've also tried changing my diet (hardly any carbs, no stimulants such as coffee/sugar) and exercise.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I've had anxiety for 16 years and I have been through many medications, many years of counseling and it's a lot better than it was but it's never gone away completely. Maybe I should just give up on nursing?

No- but I do think staying with something long enough to get comfortable will help. You made it through school- you can make it though this. Take those things that helped you deal with your anxiety through school, and apply them to the workplace.

[Brittanie1986]

That's how I dealt with anxiety on a job I had for over six years. My supervisor at my nursing job asked me how I dealt with it before and she very nicely said they didn't have the time to wait for me to be comfortable.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

So sorry to hear about your difficulty,it is always a rough start ,trial by fire as a new grad in nursing.

But something you could try in the interim is blood screening,it is repetitive, not much action but not stressful.Some agencies have contracts with blood banks such as red cross and you screen corporate volunteer donors.Hope this helps and I hope you are under some care for your anxiety.