Job causes anxiety

[Whistle17]

I am literally having an anxiety/panic attack right now. Im working as a nurse in a hospital and Ive just come off work and it was so busy earlier. My mind keeps telling me that I may have done something wrong and i may have caused a harm to a patient. I just couldnt get rid of this thought at all even though i did checked off patient’s details before i gave the medications. Im so drained having to go thru this emotional rollercoaster everytime i come from work. Should i leave my job asap??

[james1]

Hello Whistle17,

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling right now.

Are you able to step out somewhere and give BeyondBlue a call on 1300 22 4636? Or even a close family member or friend?

Leaving your work is an option, but it is best to make a decision when you are not in the middle of anxiety. I actually was in the exact same position, desperate to leave my job and very tempted to do it "today, or this week". One month on, I can see it wouldn't have been a good choice. When (and I do know I will eventually) I do leave, I will have done so with a bit more consideration alongside my psychologist.

On that note, do you even have a psychologist you could call or set up an appointment with to talk about how to manage this at work?

James

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Whistle17,

Welcome to the forums! I just saw that this post was 2 days ago so I'm wondering how you are feeling now? I'm sorry that you weren't able to get a response sooner. I imagine that would have been pretty isolating. Like James mentioned, the BeyondBlue line is there for you; at least that way there's a much better chance of not having to wait so long for a reply!

My first thought is that I know anxiety would absolutely want you to leave your job. If anxiety was a person I'm 100% sure it would want you to stay away from everything just in case something went bad.

Have you ever had anxiety attacks before? Have you ever talked to anyone about them?

Please know that anxiety is incredibly common. Having worked in the health industry before I have seen and met so many nurses with anxiety disorders. That feeling that you have done something wrong or put a patient at risk is terrifying; even for people such as Doctors or Specialists. I can completely see the rollercoaster when you are second-guessing your job and if you've done things correctly.

I really encourage you to try and reach out about this; anxiety can be overwhelming but it doesn't have to stop you from being a great nurse.

Hope this helps,