worried about how long I will be worried

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

Hi all

I just want to share my concern, vent and perhaps get advise for those with more experience.

I have been a nurse since Jan 07 untill now working in the ICU. I started there and absolutely love it and feel like a sponge learning evryday. My problem is that I am too anal about everything and I worry alot. I worry about everything in my job. For example, forgetting to document something, or to report an abnormal lab. Even if I do it all. I still question myself if I did the right thing or if I've done enough.

When one of my patients go bad, i worry and feel like it could have done a better job taking care of them even though it's common in ICU for patients to deteriorate. I go home and think about my patients. I worry about malpractice..etc:uhoh3::uhoh3:

My question is: Is this going to end? Is it because I am new?

Any input???

Frustrated RN

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:bowingpurI hearyou I`ve been only 4 months and have already left a med/sug floor because it was to over whelming.At my age I find it hard to keep upand get fustrated for being behind. I need to find somthing with a more even tempo so I can learn to master at a slower pace. So I do the same don`t sleep and feel like a fish out of water. I`m hoping that mybe diaylsis at clinc or a prison setting floor nursing is just to out of control for me. So your doing a lot better than others. You`ll settle down in time.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I don't think I'll ever stop worrying about the liabilities associated with nursing.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

A good physician friend of mine once told me that the day I quit being concerned about my patients; and yes, crying when they die, is they day I need to quit nursing and be a bookkeeper or secretary.

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Specializes in ICU.

i'm a bit of a worrier too - ok a big worrier.

i worry ahead before i even start my shift - and i remember my first few weeks walking to my unit ; and you know what, that walk down the corridor (which felt like miles) would give me such a sense of fear.

i'm not sure that the worry will ever really vanish, but i would like to fast forward sometimes to a point where i can separate myself from the day.

:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

I've been an ICU RN for nearly 3 years. I learn new things each day. I also stress about did I do enough, did I do it right enough, did I miss anything and on and on. My role model, one of my ANMs, says she always finds something new everyday to learn.

I've also been told ICU RNs as a general rule tend to be just that way. That we are also terribly obsessive/compulsive and anal retentive to the nth degree.

So, I guess that makes you one good ICU nurse, huh?

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

Oh - I forgot. What really worries me are nurses who come in acting like they know it all and have no worries!

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Specializes in ICU.
Oh - I forgot. What really worries me are nurses who come in acting like they know it all and have no worries!

scary:uhoh21:

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I've been an ICU RN for nearly 3 years. I learn new things each day. I also stress about did I do enough, did I do it right enough, did I miss anything and on and on. My role model, one of my ANMs, says she always finds something new everyday to learn.

I've also been told ICU RNs as a general rule tend to be just that way. That we are also terribly obsessive/compulsive and ana retentive to the nth degree.

So, I guess that makes you one good ICU nurse, huh?

:yeah:

hmmmm anal retentive! that's me! :D

I think I should take another look at switching to ICU - alot of people have told me I'm cut out for it.:nurse:

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
Oh - I forgot. What really worries me are nurses who come in acting like they know it all and have no worries!

scary, indeed!:smackingf

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Specializes in neuro, ICU/CCU, tropical medicine.

The day will come when you realize when you walk out on the unit that you are prepared for whatever will happen that day. That doesn't mean that you will be able to handle everything that comes your way by yourself, but you will know where to go or whom to turn to for help. The trick is not to 'know it all,' but to know whom to ask when you don't know something or when you need help - and be very willing to admit you don't know something or you need help!

At some point you also need to realize that the best you can do is all you can do. Having a patient go south in the ICU doesn't necessarily mean you've missed something or could have done anything to prevent it - or maybe you could have but you didn't realize it. You will the next time it happens. We never stop learning, and we're not expected to be perfect.

In the words of Dirty Harry, "A man's got to know his limitations." Know your weaknesses and don't be ashamed of them - your weaknesses are complimented by your colleagues' strenghts, and vice versa.

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Specializes in acute care, LTC, newborn, camp.
A good physician friend of mine once told me that the day I quit being concerned about my patients; and yes, crying when they die, is they day I need to quit nursing and be a bookkeeper or secretary.

Totally agree!! There's a subtle difference between "worrying" and being concerned. A healthy dose of of concern will keep you sharp and give you the motivation to make sure that your patients are getting the best care you can give them - while worrying can sometimes actually cloud your objectivity, lead to stress, burn-out, mistakes. When your motivation is true care and concern - as Hospice Nurse mentioned your patients are blessed with an awsome nurse!!

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