What do I do? Quit?

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok, so I don't know what to do. I don't know if I'm a freak, or if other nurses go through this. I have only been a nurse for four years. I love what I do, but I think I am going to have to stop. I have a RIDICULOUS amount of anxiety. I think about each and every thing I have ever done as a nurse and second guess myself. I OBSESS about every decision I have ever made. "Did I do that wrong?" "Did I give too much fluid?" etc etc etc....I have let it consume me. I let myself take a fear and run wild with it....until I have convinced myself that I have ruined the lives of every patient I have ever cared for. I am letting my marriage go down the toilet because I come home and worry. Please help me. I don't know if I need psychiatric help......or if other nurses go through this??? Do I need to find another field? I am strong in my faith and this is really hard for me to accept....that I would give up a career because of fear of harming someone. I need your advice! PLEASE!

Well, I was looking at your other posts to determine what kind of nursing you're in which appears to be in OB.

You stated back in May of 10 that you were "3 years into nursing" and now this post you're saying 4 yrs.

The OP stated in her only 2 posts on this site that she is in OB and that she started in OB.

First, let me clarify....I have now been a nurse for four years as of June (I guess I think of it like you would years married...with an anniversary). I'm not sure why you were so concerned with this however, I was not trying to give you a false picture. I started in L&D and did that until about a year ago, but I am currently working as a hospice nurse. My old post is a PERFECT example of my anxiety. I was not even working as an OB nurse at the time of the post. All that came up in a discussion with some of the nurses I used to work with....freaking me out.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has posted their opinions. This was not easy to do...because I had to hear the truth. I am going to start with making an appointment with a counselor. I really don't want to give up nursing, but understand I might have to. One poster asked if I had something occur that might have set me off. The ironic part is that I have never had anything happen with a patient. I did however have a personal scare with a P.E. about four and half years ago, just before I graduated. Maybe that would have done it? I don't ever worry about myself though. I would rather throw a clot myself, than have one of my patients suffer. I'm sure I'm probably a classic example of various psych dx, but it is good to have support from others in the profession who can somewhat relate. Thanks to all!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Good luck with everything, I hope it all works out for you !

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Best wishes.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I agree with taking some time off. Your brain needs a break.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has posted their opinions. This was not easy to do...because I had to hear the truth. I am going to start with making an appointment with a counselor. I really don't want to give up nursing, but understand I might have to. One poster asked if I had something occur that might have set me off. The ironic part is that I have never had anything happen with a patient. I did however have a personal scare with a P.E. about four and half years ago, just before I graduated. Maybe that would have done it? I don't ever worry about myself though. I would rather throw a clot myself, than have one of my patients suffer. I'm sure I'm probably a classic example of various psych dx, but it is good to have support from others in the profession who can somewhat relate. Thanks to all!

Your own personal health scare can be enough to set anxiety into motion. I also had a personal health scare and since then I have had a really hard time with anxiety. My anxiety at work (even after I stuck it out for a year) was so overwheleming I had to quit and find a less stressful job--I was not able to cope with it. I was taking anti anxiety med but it wasn't enough to help. I felt utterly overwhelmed and it was destroying my life. I couldn't even relax on my days off!

My experience with anxiety was enough to make me go into psych/mental health nursing and I love it. Ive even applied to PsychNP school. As you know mental health issues can be all encompassing and take over your life, affect every area of your life.

Good luck :)

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