What do I do? Quit?

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!
Honestly, if I had that much anxiety, I would wonder if maybe I needed to see a counselor.I have been an RN for just about the same amount of time as you, and I remember feelig that way for about the first 6 months or so. I could not cope if I felt that way, 4+ years into my career.

I don't know how to put this very nicely, but since you said it already, yes, I think you need psychiatric help. I have never had an anxiety problem, but typically, if your mood/thoughts are interfering with your work and your relationships, it's time to go see someone. 4 years is enough time to get comfortable with your skills and not go home every night worrying that you killed somebody. What you are experiencing is outside of normal. For your own sake, make an appointment for yourself. And, good luck!

Don't quit yet... go to a psychiatrist first. Who knows if you quit you might regret it and stress over that.

Quote from grandmawrinkleI don't know how to put this very nicely, but since you said it already, yes, I think you need psychiatric help. I have never had an anxiety problem, but typically, if your mood/thoughts are interfering with your work and your relationships, it's time to go see someone. 4 years is enough time to get comfortable with your skills and not go home every night worrying that you killed somebody. What you are experiencing is outside of normal. For your own sake, make an appointment for yourself. And, good luck!

You need to shut that down...stop second guessing yourself.

You may need to speak to someone maybe?I couldnt imagine how difficult it must be worrying about things like that.I wish you the best of luck though

In my opinion, you DO NOT need to see a psychiatrist. I went through the same thing, you care about what you do, you give a 100% and it's still not good enough. Perfectionists and people who care put themselves through this. I totally wanted to end my nursing career but I found corrections to be perfect to me. Sometimes it's all about finding the right nursing job. Don't give up on the nursing since you worked so hard for it, but if you have to, then do it! Do what makes you happy. Being licensed is an accomplishment, you do not have to go through it if you don't want too. Life is too short to worry about bull !

I have a friend who I care deeply about. Unfortunately she is so anxious about being perfect at her job that it's ruining her career, her marriage, and her life. What kind of help should I recomend to my friend before she loses everything?

Quote from kellyblizzardIn my opinion, you DO NOT need to see a psychiatrist. I went through the same thing, you care about what you do, you give a 100% and it's still not good enough. Perfectionists and people who care put themselves through this. I totally wanted to end my nursing career but I found corrections to be perfect to me. Sometimes it's all about finding the right nursing job. Don't give up on the nursing since you worked so hard for it, but if you have to, then do it! Do what makes you happy. Being licensed is an accomplishment, you do not have to go through it if you don't want too. Life is too short to worry about bull !

I'm sorry you feel this way. 4 yrs is plenty of time to feel comfortable; it took me about 1 yr to feel comfortable. What type of nursing are you in? Are your pts stable?

Fortunately you're female. Male patients are terrible at accepting help. When I have a male patient who might gain from some counseling but is afraid of the stigma (pretty much all of them) I ask who their favorite athlete is. Then I ask who his or her coach is. The best athletes in the world still need coaching from the sidelines. And non athletes need some sideline coaching too, but we call that counseling. I've had my share of coaches and I'm not ashamed to admit they made my life better. Whatever you do, I hope things get better for you. You can't go on like this for very long.

I have/had terrible anxiety issues as well, and four years is a long time to feel that way! So first big hugs and I am so glad you made the choice to reach out to the community at large- a very difficult thing to do I know!! You don't mention if you've been in the same job/unit the whole time or if you have switched around a few times. It's very common to have the whole gamut of symptoms rear their ugly heads whenever there is a change of any kind.If your marriage and peace of mind are at risk to this degree it is nothing to play around with. There are sources of treatment that don't involve pharmaceuticals, and some that do. In fact, the sheer number of "cure" suggestions from everyone around you can be overwhelming in itself. It's impossible on a message board to give advice- we don't know enough. But do not quit!! The tendency to anxiety is always there, but the good news is it can be managed. Do you have a primary care doc, counselor or clergy person you trust, have a good rapport with, and can help you sort out the various paths of treatment available to you? That is a good first step. Do not feel like any of this is your fault or a failure of character. It's extremely common to varying degrees among nurses, which isn't surprising considering the nature of what we do. Try not to despair! Send me a PM if you would like to, and remember you are not alone!