Will the stress of nursing be too much for me?

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

That's a tough situation and I'm sorry to hear about how difficult things have been. Are you getting any specific feedback about your direction from the people who are closest to you?

TheDreamJourney · Nov 10, 2011

It is very common for nursing school to be stressful. But I sense that you might have a lot of anxiety build up. It seems that you know what you want out of nursing school-to be a psych nurse. You just need to boost up your confidence level. Maybe reading some of the threads here has caused you some stress and worry. Just believe in yourself and maybe do something in your free time that relaxes you-like drawing or painting (you mentioned you enjoy art). A lot of my friends graduated with their BSN and their last year was very stressful. But now they are so happy because they got through it. Hope you feel better.

SoCal student · Nov 10, 2011

That's a tough situation and I'm sorry to hear about how difficult things have been. Are you getting any specific feedback about your direction from the people who are closest to you?

Thanks, and yes, I've got a great support system, most importantly my wife. She was there for me when I dropped out of grad school and disappointed quite a few people (but not her). She has never encouraged me to leave nursing school but has assured me that whatever I do, she'll support me. At this point, however, I know she expects me (as well I expect myself) to finish school. This is honestly my only goal right now. I can't imagine dropping out of a second program after so much work. I would let a lot of people down, most importantly myself. I honestly feel like I'd be perfectly happy if I finished the program and went straight back to bartending. I feel like it's a terrible thing to say after all the work I've put in but the stress may be just too much for me.

SoCal student · Nov 10, 2011

It is very common for nursing school to be stressful. But I sense that you might have a lot of anxiety build up. It seems that you know what you want out of nursing school-to be a psych nurse. You just need to boost up your confidence level. Maybe reading some of the threads here has caused you some stress and worry. Just believe in yourself and maybe do something in your free time that relaxes you-like drawing or painting (you mentioned you enjoy art). A lot of my friends graduated with their BSN and their last year was very stressful. But now they are so happy because they got through it. Hope you feel better.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I should know better then to continue to basically search out info that causes me stress (like, as you say, some of the threads on here) - my therapists would not be happy with me! You're completely right - when I read positive nursing experiences, particularly those in psych, I become much more hopeful about my career. Unfortunately, I've never totally gotten a handle on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and continue to think and cope maladaptively.

DookieMeisterRN · Nov 10, 2011

I personally thought NS was much more stressful than the job itself. NS can be full of gossip, politics and self-inflicted anxiety on all the what ifs that may never happen. I tuned out everyone except family and my job the last few months of school to get through all the BS. Don't give up now as your future job will be nothing like your thinking. Learn to relax a little and lighten up on yourself. You only have one life don't spend it getting all worked up over what you can't control.

Smile :) the fun is just beginning.

Mutts Wife NP · Nov 10, 2011

I am a firm believer we are guided by God as to the path we should be traveling. So as I read your post it made me wonder, due to the fact you have dealt with overwhelming anxiety and depression, is it possible you are meant to be a psychiatric nurse because you could really relate to patients going through the same and be the guy who makes the difference to many?

I can relate to the anxious feelings you are having in being a new nurse as I too have dealt with my own anxiety issues in this job (have been a telemetry nurse and now an ER nurse).

I wonder if some psych nurses would be kind enough to weigh in on how the stress level is on a psychiatric floor in comparison to med-surg and acute care units. Recalling my clinical days on a psych unit, it seemed to not be as stressful. Hope this helps!

SoCal student · Nov 10, 2011

I know some have said the stress of NS was worse on them than their first job, and that gives me some hope. I feel like once I've figured out where I'm going, I will have more of a focus and not this overwhelming feeling of needing to know everything in every textbook i've read.

Mutt's Wife:

I've always been interested in psych, even before I ever had my own issues. But experiencing severe depression and anxiety has definitely played a large part in my continued interest. I've been treated by such amazing people who I can't believe care so much about complete strangers. I want to be able to do the same for others who are in a battle with their own mind.

I by no means want to take away from the hard work of psych nurses, but I too have viewed my psych clinicals as much less stressful than med/surg, ER, peds, etc. In my own (limited) experience, I have found that psych generally requires more patience and understanding and less task-oriented (read: hectically busy) nursing duties.

GimiRN · Nov 10, 2011

I've been lurking here for over a year and have read just about every thread having to do with anxiety, stress, etc., so please don't jump down my throat and link me to others. I know it's been discussed in depth but I'm hoping to get a few perspectives on my particular situation...
I'll try to make the background quick: got a worthless BA (just had fun in undergrad - not sure i regret it), ended up at a prestigious grad school (couldn't think of anything better to do), dropped out, worked random mindless jobs, put a good amount of thought/time in and ended up in BSN. I've basically got one semester left (that's if I pass this one). Have a history of depression, anxiety that I continue to deal with through meds/therapy. My passion is art. Number one reason for choosing nursing was practical (age, stability, income, family, etc.) though there are many aspects I enjoy. BA is in psych and am very interested in psych nursing (just so I don't get attacked with "If nursing isn't your passion, you shouldn't be in school. Not fair to patients, etc, etc..."). (OK, that wasn't a quick background - and now i've made it longer...succintness was never my forte)
ANYWAYS, my anxiety and depression continue to get the better of me, now maybe worse than ever. I know I'm not supposed to let anticipatory worry bother me so much but I've had a ridiculously difficult time the past few months, almost to the point of voluntary commitment. When I read about the immense inherent anxiety for new nurses (most claiming it will last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, until you get comfortable), I just about want to vomit. At this point, I'm praying to make it through my program without losing it. The thought of starting work and dealing with the anxiety that even the most cool-headed new grads encounter is too much.
I keep telling myself that everyone goes through it but, given my history, I honestly don't see enduring intense anxiety in my career as a possibility. If I had known the extent to which my own psyche was going to affect me, I would most likely have opted against the BSN.
My experience with psych nursing has lead me to believe it's an area I may be able to not only survive (mentally), but excel in. As with most my rants, I'm not sure where I'm going with this other than to try to organize my thoughts and hope for some helpful insight.

I know it's easier said than done, but try very hard to let school be your focus right now. You've made it this far, and with only one semester left, it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

I've worked in various areas of healthcare over the years (as a medic, LPN, and RN). And some are definitely more stressful than others. Other than my clinical experiences, I have never worked in psych. But based on what I did get to see and do, it doesn't seem to be as intense as some other areas (overall, anyway). And I have several friends who are psych nurses in different facilities, and they absolutely love it. Since you have an interest in it, you could very well end up enjoying it.

Once you get your first job, you will no doubt receive some sort of orientation. So that should help ease your mind a little. As with any job, it's bound to be stressful initially. But once you get some experience under your belt, you'll become more confident. And if you find that a job is too stressful, you could always pursue other facilities (perhaps a clinic environment vs. hospital) that would better fit you.

Also, if you haven't already, maybe you can post over on the psych forum to get a better idea of how stressful it is. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet!

DixieRedHead, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

Just a question from a practical minded person, who is paying for this BA in psych, the grad school you dropped out of, and the nursing school you want to attend while you "passion" is (an unnamed) "art"?

Because if it's me, I think it's time to put some of the education you already have to work before you enter nursing school.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

How would I know?

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

Yes, no, maybe.