What to do when you fear going to work?

[ChronicSG]

I can't help but feel fear of going to work sometimes. Sometimes I go there hoping I don't mess up or make a mistake that can kill someone. I always tell my self to take my time and just try to be as safe and effective as I possibly can. I tell my self that every time a patient and their family get mad and lash out at me, that I can't blame them and that its just a response to their hospitalization. I tell my self that no matter what, at the end of the day I did the best I could and had my patient's back. However, I always have a small voice in the back of my head that keeps demoralizing me and makes me feel that I'll never be up to par to the other nurses I work with. What's worse, my orientation will be over with another 2-3 weeks. I try to stay mentally strong, but I believe my fear lies in that strength during out on me, something that I always took pride in.

I write this at this hour, hoping that this venting will help me sleep for what lies ahead tomorrow, and that my higher power continues to provide me with that strength to get through another day.

[KyRN😉]

I suffered with confidence too as a new nurse! Just know, you will screw up many times, you'll say the wrong thing, a certain doctor will think your an idiot, other nurses will think your incompetent... But... You'll learn. And every mistake you make will make you a better nurse. The fact that your scared makes you a good nurse:) being arrogant and thinking you know everything is not a good thing, because you don't, and your human. Try and relax, keep an open mind. Make friends with nurses who you look up to, you can always shoot them a text when your unsure.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I don't fear going to work. If I ever reach that point, it is time for me to look for another place of employment. Life is too short to live in fear of our workplaces.

Good luck to you.

[BecomingNursey]

Are you a new nurse? During my first 6-8 months of nursing, I also was scared. I felt like the huge responsibility of being responsible for someone's life was way too much for me. Like if I missed charting one little thing my license would be taken away.

One patient, one IV, one medication pass, one assessment at a time. You can do this and you can do it correctly. Breathe. Remember you can only go so fast. You're only human and you're only one person.

You also sound like you share my OCD/perfectionist personality. Trust me. You won't do everything perfectly. But focus on doing it safely.

Breathe. Talk to someone at work about how you're feeling. Read some books about nursing. (I recommend Becoming Nursey by Katie Keibler. Great book!)

Take it one day at a time and realize that you've studied for so long to get here. You passed NCLEX. Use your resources, management, peers, a mentor. Succeed.

[ChronicSG]

Thanks for the advice guys!

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

The thing that kept me from feeling like this is realizing I wasn't an island. Even as a new grad, you are not the only RN working on the unit. You have coworkers and you have a charge nurse. If you work days, your managers and educators are resources, also. There will always be someone around you can ask a question if you have one and there will always be someone who can help, even if it's the rapid response team.

You are NOT alone and you are not taking care of your patients by yourself. Don't stress yourself out by thinking otherwise.

[RNperdiem, RN]

A little anxiety comes with the territory. Sick people are unpredictable, and as nurses we don't know how our day will play out. Unpredictability= anxiety

Real fear, however is a problem. This will wear you down and burn you out unless it is properly managed. Learn to manage the little critical voice. Tell yourself that as a new nurse, of course you are not at the same level as experienced nurses but you are gaining experience every day and improving. There is no shortcut to gaining confidence.

Give yourself time, and take good care of yourself.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Gaining confidence takes awhile, sometimes a long while. I could not nurse my way out of a wet paper bag for the first 2 years.

Focus on what you did well on, learn from what you did not. Keep a journal and find a co-worker that can provide mutual support.

Good luck, I can tell, you've got this!

[NanaPoo]

I remember feeling that way as a new nurse on the Med-Surg unit. I went into this fear/survival/anxiety mode the day before my shift started. It was awful.

But once my orientation was over, I realized I had this incredible team that was always there for me. My nurse manager was incredible and always jumped to help me when I needed it as well as every nurse on the unit. I was never alone and, actually, felt I had more of a team there for me once I was off orientation.

It will get better and you will gain your confidence!!

[Farawyn]

Many of us know that feeling. I do. As a new nurse, of course. I hope that is what this is, and it is transient for you. I personally know there are other nurses on this site going through this. Maybe try to First Year thread and see if you can vent with anyone?

Best of luck to you!

[CBlover, BSN, RN]

I fear having to "float" to another unit and getting a horrific assignment. I hate floating.

[ChronicSG]

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice. I had a chance to get a decent break today and really enjoyed reading all your advice today. I'll take it into mind for the rest of my career. And yes. I'm a new RN shy of 2 months experience. It's overwhelming but I just felt like I couldn't handle anymore as tried to sleep the day before my shift. Today was good though and I got to see where my weaknesses are. There are things that are nice to do on my shift, then there's the things that NEED to be done on my shift. It's all a matter of prioritization and completing the task that my patients absolutely need, I guess I understood today that I just can't do everything. Today was the best day to learn that so I'm thankful. Much appreciated ladies and gents!