stress reaction

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Specializes in ER.

I've been in the ER for almost a year full time, before that I'd take shifts there off and on. I've noticed that when something happens I can't get out of my mind I screw up later in the night. For example- after a really tough child abuse case I crashed my car on the way home (duh, I know). Just a couple nights ago we had to tell a family that someone had a brain tumor, as opposed to just a persistent headache, and I made two med errors in the space of an hour later that night, then took the narcotic keys home with me, forgetting to count before I left.

So, obviously things can't go on this way, but I've never heard of people having such a bizarre reaction to stress. But nurses are naturally bizarre, so I bet someone out there has something similar going on and has worked out a way to cope. I love my job, and usually cope well during the crisis, it's the after part that gets hairy.

Thanks

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
I've been in the ER for almost a year full time, before that I'd take shifts there off and on. I've noticed that when something happens I can't get out of my mind I screw up later in the night. For example- after a really tough child abuse case I crashed my car on the way home (duh, I know). Just a couple nights ago we had to tell a family that someone had a brain tumor, as opposed to just a persistent headache, and I made two med errors in the space of an hour later that night, then took the narcotic keys home with me, forgetting to count before I left.

So, obviously things can't go on this way, but I've never heard of people having such a bizarre reaction to stress. But nurses are naturally bizarre, so I bet someone out there has something similar going on and has worked out a way to cope. I love my job, and usually cope well during the crisis, it's the after part that gets hairy.

Thanks

..

I am not a nurse but do want to say I'm sorry about this. The thing is that you are a Human being before a nurse. I cannot offer any advise as to what you try but just want to wish you the best in your career and lots of positiveness.

Take care,

Jess

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Canoe -i totally understand. If I have somethiing like that occur I am just very distracted with 1/2 my brain chewing on it over and over. When i notice that happening I have to really slap myself, tell myself to leave it alone for now, and make myself alert and focused again. I think you are totally normal!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Somethimes when I get stressed it can actually affect my golf enjoyment

That is serious

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canoehead,

I have reacted the same way in stressful situation. Granted, I don't work ER.

I work in dialysis, but we do have some pretty stressful things happen sometimes. I, too, find that I start making little mistakes after something big has happened. It's as if I'm there but I'm not there.

Do you have access to critical incident debriefing like paramedics do?

Even if its available to you, you can't go right after something happens, you still have to keep working (like we all do).

But, maybe knowing that you have a scheduled time to talk to someone about what's happened will help you to put it aside for later and be able to concentrate on the here and now.

I remember one day when I got into a huge shouting match with my boss and ended up giving my notice only 2 hrs into the shift. A little while after I gave my notice, she approached me and said "why don't you just make today your last day and we'll call that good." I said "That's fine."

I then had to go back and continue being charge for 10 more hours and had an awful day with all kinds of things happening. I sooooo wanted to just leave, but mustn't commit pt abandonment just because my boss is a creep, and I'm shaking angry, holding back tears.!

I was actually shaking trying to cannulate pts, access caths and had to call EMS for a pt who crumped on tx.

Nothing as stressful as dealing with child abuse and brain tumors in the ER, but pts trying to crash, insubordiate, fighting techs. etc.

But, just letting you know- I sympathize.

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Specializes in ER.

Thanks everyone, I think the actual solution might be to call in sick and follow tom around on the golf course with a cute little parasol and a margarita.

The trip should be tax deductible, don't you think?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Tina - I have worked in the ER for 9 1/2 years now as staff, charge, now case manager. It truly took me two years full time staff nurse to not have sweaty hands when I got flustered or was nervous. Give yourself a break!

BTW - the margarita with the umbrella doesn't sound too bad either!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
Thanks everyone, I think the actual solution might be to call in sick and follow tom around on the golf course with a cute little parasol and a margarita.

The trip should be tax deductible, don't you think?

Now that thought is enuff to make me nervous

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Specializes in ER.

Come on Tom, I don't bite.

But my golf game stinks. How 'bout I'll just be your arm candy. Or an overdressed caddy. ;)

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I will leave that one alone:rotfl:

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