Why did I go into nursing?

I am scared to death of everything related to nursing! Patients, med admin, doing something wrong, not knowing what to do in an emergency, etc. It's a second career and I am miserable. I went into nursing because I have always been intrigued with the medical field and I love taking care of people. I was hoping and praying that nursing school would desensitize my fears and let me do something I really want to do but it hasn't. I can't take being afraid to go to work every single day much longer. What else can I do with this degree? (BSN.) I love the medical field, just the non-clinical aspect. Please help.
I felt that way, too, so I have been taking jobs in case management. You usually have to have a few years of some type of clinical work first, though. A lot of insurance companies hire case managers if you don't want to work in a hospital.

Thanks for your reply mtngrl. So did you just fortunately stumble upon the case management jobs? I have a year experience in a non-hospital job but one year doesn't seem to be enough.

Hi there. Sorry to hear you feel this way. Do you suffer from anxiety? I do, and its so bad (severe panic attacks with vomiting and all) that I see a psychiatrist. Me personally, I'm on xanax for it. I'm NOT giving medical advice. But if you do suffer from anxiety, then a therapist or psychiatrist could help greatly. Its not just for "crazy" people, but for people like nurses who could learn better coping skills. Wish you all the luck in the world

Quote from Orion81Hi there. Sorry to hear you feel this way. Do you suffer from anxiety? I do, and its so bad (severe panic attacks with vomiting and all) that I see a psychiatrist. Me personally, I'm on xanax for it. I'm NOT giving medical advice. But if you do suffer from anxiety, then a therapist or psychiatrist could help greatly. Its not just for "crazy" people, but for people like nurses who could learn better coping skills. Wish you all the luck in the world

How long have you been in nursing? I was the same way as a student, I would feel nauseated the morning before my placements, wouldn't sleep the night before, was too afraid to approach the other nurses. It was awful. I've only been nursing 6 months now but I am at least 80% more comfortable. I still get nervous administering serious medications or dealing with unfamiliar diagnoses but that's to be expected - I can't imagine any novice nurse feels totally confident. I find I just have to psych myself up - remind myself I can do it. I also think doing your research and knowing your stuff adds to the confidence so I read up on my textbooks here and there (just highlights, I don't make a habit of studying on my nights off). I have some anxiety issues and I still get very nervous with new situations and new people but I try not to let it control my life. Give yourself a chance to try a few different areas of nursing, I am sure you will find one you like

You should look into nurse educator jobs such as running diabetes clinics or being the stroke resource nurse.. I know some fairly novice nurses in these roles. I'd say public health but that's impossible to get a job in these days.

That's what so frustrating. I've been in for a year. It's just not getting better. I hope you are right about finding one I like! And good luck to you with your anxiety. If it's already better after 6 months, you'll be just fine!

@ surgnurse450. You know new nurses in these roles? I can't find any that don't require more experience.

I would also suggest becoming a nurse educator. /: hope it gets better for you..-Sent from my iPhone

50% of nurses self medicate.....the other 50% would never admit they do. Crazy and stressful profession. It is it's own beast and not many can tame it! Hang in there!

Wave Watcher..thank you so much for that! I feel like I am losing my mind over this. Means a lot to know that I am not alone.

Trust me you are not alone. You remind me of........me. i worked for 1 yr nights on an ortho/neuro floor. The last 4 months I cried in my car sitting outside not wanting to in, I was physically sick, my thyroid decided to over work itself, my anxiety was maxed, I couldn't enjoy my days off because I was so worked up over knowing I had to go back to work the next day. My ability to function was dwindling. It got so bad I was praying to have a wreck on the way to work so I could call out! That's bad. So........i quit. Plain and simple. Burden lifted, spirits lifted, my health lifted and I felt human again. Protect your sanity, your health and your license as a nurse.......that's all you have. Best wishes!